Getting Around Malang
Malang offers several practical options for moving around the city, suited to different budgets and preferences. The city's relatively cool climate and wide colonial streets make it pleasant for visitors to navigate on foot, though you'll want an umbrella during the wet season and light clothing during the dry season.
Minivans and Local Shared Transport
The most affordable way to get around Malang is by minivan, known locally as "mikrolet" or "angkot." These blue minivans can be hailed at random throughout the city. Routes are indicated by two- or three-letter acronyms displayed on the vehicles. Fares are flat-rate: Rp 2,500 for students (who wear uniforms) and Rp 4,000 for everyone else, though prices may vary depending on distance traveled.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Formal and informal taxis operate throughout Malang. The two largest taxi firms—Argo Perdana and Citra Kendedes—offer telephone advance booking and instant ordering services. Standard taxis typically charge a flag fall, with per-kilometre rates added for distance, plus hourly waiting charges that apply even in traffic. Executive taxi services are also available at higher rates, with a minimum fare applying to all trips.
Online ride-hailing services are widely available and popular in the city. Both Gojek and Grab operate throughout Malang and offer convenient app-based booking.
Pedicabs
Becaks (pedicabs) are traditional three-wheeled vehicles that provide an atmospheric way to explore the city. They are easy to find, often waiting on roadsides for customers, and offer a leisurely pace for sightseeing.
Walking
Malang is a good city to explore on foot, thanks to its relatively cool climate compared to other Indonesian cities and wide colonial-era streets. Plan to carry an umbrella if visiting during the wet season (October–April) and wear light clothing during the dry season (May–September). Although cooler than many tropical destinations, the city still has a tropical climate.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Malang is served by Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport, which handles a limited number of domestic flights daily, primarily from Jakarta on carriers including Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air, and Citilink. Regional airline Wings Air also operates flights from Denpasar, Bali, and daily flights arrive from Bandung. Prepaid taxis from the airport to Malang city center are the most straightforward option for arriving passengers. Gojek ride-hailing services are not available directly from the airport.
Many visitors also arrive via Surabaya's larger Juanda International Airport, located about 95 kilometres north of Malang, which is served by numerous domestic and international flights. From Surabaya airport, you can reach Malang by private shuttle service (a popular middle-ground option), public transportation (DAMRI airport bus to Bungarasih bus terminal, then an intercity bus onward to Malang), or taxi. The journey takes 2–3 hours under normal conditions, though traffic can extend this to 4 hours or more.
Rail Access
Malang railway station is centrally located, making train arrival convenient for city access. Overnight train services connect Malang to Jakarta and Bandung, and frequent daily trains link Malang to Surabaya. The station's central location is a significant advantage over the long-distance bus terminals, which are situated further from the city centre.