Stand in the middle of Alun Alun in the early evening and the town announces itself: statues and lanterns shaped like apples, strawberries, rabbits and milk cows, with Mount Panderman rising behind the rooftops. This is Batu, a hill town in East Java where the cool air, the orchards and the volcanic skyline set the pace.
Batu suits travellers who want a mix of gentle walking, fruit-picking in the surrounding villages and a few well-developed attractions, plus more serious hiking for those with the time and experience. It also works well as a base for exploring the villages of Songgoriti, Punten and Selecta.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Batu
1. Alun Alun (Batu town square)
A small park in the middle of Batu town, where locals regularly take walks and idle about. The re-worked square is adorned with representations of pretty much all of Batu's specialities, as booths, lanterns and statues, and there is a decent-sized Ferris wheel.
Come in the late afternoon or early evening to catch the square at its liveliest. The Ferris wheel has an entrance fee of Rp5,000.
2. Museum Angkut (Transport Museum)
On Jl Sultan Agung No. 2, this museum opened in 2014 and presents the history and development of transportation around the world. It holds many classic cars and motorcycles, along with replicas of the presidential airplane, Batavia (old Jakarta), "Gangster Town", Broadway, Italy, France, Germany, England, Buckingham Palace, Las Vegas, Hollywood and a floating market.
It is open 12:00–20:00. Tickets are Rp70,000 Monday to Thursday and Rp100,000 Friday to Sunday, so a weekday visit costs less.
3. Taman Rekreasi Selecta (Selecta Recreational Park)
This landscaped park in Selecta was established by the Dutch in 1930 and, although very changed, remains a charming place to visit outside the school holiday seasons, when it is overrun with children. There is a nice swimming pool, and opportunities for guided walks and horse riding.
Entrance is Rp35,000, and hot showers are available for Rp5,000. Note that there are no hot springs or hot pools here. A hotel and restaurant are attached to the park.
4. Songgoriti
About 2 km west of Batu town centre, this is probably the single most attractive village in the area, and a day or half day spent just wandering here will be time well spent. It also holds a notable Hindu temple dating from the Majapahit period in the 15th century.
Be aware that some hot showers are sold as "hot springs" here, so do not get cheated.
5. Punten
In Punten village, 3 km from Batu town centre, you will find hectare after hectare of apple orchards and orchid nurseries. Pay a nominal rupiah sum and pick and eat as many apples as you can manage.
Other villages nearby have similar setups and include Sidomulyo and Pandanrejo, so you can combine a visit with a wider loop through the orchards.
6. Mount Panderman
You can see Mount Panderman looming large from the centre of Batu. It is a good hiking and birdwatching area, reached from Songgokerto village.
If an organised hike is of interest, you should be able to find a guide at Coban Rondo Waterfall.
7. Climb Mount Arjuna and Mount Welirang
These two mountains combine to form a volcanic massif, joined by a huge saddle ridge. This is a tough 3-day expedition for experienced trekkers only. The best start point is at Selecta, 4 km north of Batu, and you will need a guide, best found in Selecta village; your hotel may also be able to help you find a good guide.
Plan for two nights on the mountains in temperatures which can approach freezing. There is no need to cart tents, as there are simple hut shelters used by the local sulphur workers and all guides will know the locations, but you will need a warm sleeping bag and appropriate clothing. The route from Selecta tackles Arjuna first, with stunning views over the volcanic spine of East Java, before Welirang the following day. Be very careful on Welirang and take no risks: it is classed as a very active A-type by geologists.
8. Walk the area around Batu and Selecta
The area in and around Batu and Selecta is very scenic indeed and lends itself well to casual walking as well as more strenuous treks.
Use this as a flexible option between the bigger attractions, particularly if you are staying in one of the villages.
9. Jawa Timur Park 1
A theme park on Jl Kartika 2 Batu. It is one of the area's established family attractions and pairs naturally with the other parks in the same group.
You can reach the operator on +62 341-597777 for current details before you go.
10. Batu Secret Zoo and Wildlife Museum (Jawa Timur Park 2)
On Jl Oro-Oro Ombo No. 2, this combines a zoo with a wildlife museum and is part of the Jawa Timur Park group.
It sits on the same road as Batu Night Spectacular, so the two can be combined in one outing.
11. Batu Night Spectacular (BNS)
On Jl Raya Oro-Oro Ombo 200 Batu, this is the evening-oriented attraction of the group, best visited after the daytime parks.
You can reach the operator on +62 341-5025111 for current details before you go.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Punten, 3 km from Batu town centre, to walk the apple orchards and orchid nurseries and pick apples. If you have time, continue to Songgoriti, about 2 km west of the town centre, to wander the village and see the Majapahit-period Hindu temple.
Afternoon: Head to Taman Rekreasi Selecta for the landscaped park, a swim and perhaps a guided walk or horse riding. If you would rather stay closer to town, use the afternoon for Mount Panderman, which is good for hiking and birdwatching, or for a casual walk in the scenic area around Batu and Selecta.
Evening: Visit Museum Angkut on Jl Sultan Agung No. 2, open 12:00–20:00, to see the classic cars and the themed replicas. Finish at Alun Alun, the town square, for a walk among the apple, strawberry, rabbit and cow statues and lanterns, and a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Taman Rekreasi Selecta?
Outside the school holiday seasons, when it is not overrun with children.
Are there hot springs in Batu?
Taman Rekreasi Selecta has hot showers for Rp5,000 but no hot springs or hot pools. In Songgoriti, be aware that some hot showers are sold as "hot springs".
Do I need a guide to climb Mount Arjuna and Mount Welirang?
Yes. You will need a guide, and these are best found in Selecta village. If you are staying in Batu, your hotel may also be able to help you find a good guide.
How much does Museum Angkut cost?
Rp70,000 Monday to Thursday and Rp100,000 Friday to Sunday.
Decide which of these fits your days, check the current details with the operators, and start planning your trip to Batu.