9 Hidden Gems in East Java Revealed! Read Now for Your Next Visit

Exploring lesser-known attractions is fun because not so many people have been there. This means that those places are more likely to be nice and clean. Have you been to East Java? It’s a huge province in Indonesia, the second-most populous province after West Java.

Lots of hidden gems can be found in this province. This province has many cities that offer charming scenery such as Surabaya, Malang, Madura, Probolinggo, and Banyuwangi.

Since we’re in the middle of the pandemic, we can’t really explore destinations far away from home. But, no worries! We may as well make hay while the sun shines by exploring our own country! Scroll down our list to find out secret spots in East Java for your next getaway!

Places to Explore in East Java

Let’s take a look at the hidden gems in East Java that are worth to visit. Most of the destinations that tiket.com recommends here are outdoors, so it’s safer to explore at times like this. Anyhow, make sure to follow health protocols everywhere you go and don’t forget to check COVID-19 status in the destination. Here you go!

1. Take Lots of Photos at Jaddih Hill (Madura)

Let’s start with Madura. This city, which is located in the north of Surabaya, is known for its yum-yum foods and dazzling panoramic views. In this city, you can find a hidden gem called Jaddih Hill, precisely located in Jaddih village, Bangkalan.

Jaddih Hill boasts enormous pieces of limestone cliffs. If you look closer, you can see the scars on the limestone hills created by the mining machines. It’s a great spot for photo-taking, especially if you like to beautify your social media feed ?  

In the middle of Jaddih Hill, there is a White Cave Water, which is a natural water spring. Also, there is a huge swimming pool with green clear water over there.

The best time to visit is around 10 a.m. when the weather is cool. Avoid coming to this place in the afternoon because you can get a sunburn!

How to get there: Since this place is a bit remote, tiket.com recommends you to rent a car to get here. The location is about 27 miles from Surabaya. From Surabaya, head to Suramadu Bridge. From there, follow the route signs to Labang, then you’ll arrive at Jaddih Village. Be careful while driving because you may pass by winding roads and dusty trails.

2. Enjoy the Ambience at Madakaripura Waterfall (Probolinggo)

Next on the list: Madakaripura Waterfall. This bewitching waterfall with a height of around 200 meters surely will take your breath away. Situated in Probolinggo, this waterfall has a shape like a giant well, with a deep pool underneath. Come closer and you’ll see a water curtain! The water from this waterfall never stops pouring down from above, which makes it looks like endless rain.

Around the area, you’ll find a large statue of Gajah Mada meditating. FYI, Gajah Mada is a legendary war general from the Majapahit Kingdom. People believe that Madakaripura Waterfall is the final meditation place of Gajah Mada.

We recommend you to wear non-slippery shoes when you go there. You can also bring a raincoat and extra clothes. Well, just be prepared to get wet! There are some small stalls around the waterfall area. So, if you feel tired, you can get some drinks or snacks there. 

How to get there: The best way to get to Madakaripura waterfall is to rent a car from Surabaya or Malang. The trip will take about three hours. Basically, you’ll need to take the intercity route to Sidoarjo-Porong-Pasuruan-Probolinggo. The road is a bit narrow, but it won’t be boring because you can see pleasant views along the way.

3. Visit the Little Africa of Java, Taman Nasional Baluran (Banyuwangi)

Coming up…. The Little Africa of Java! Can you guess what it is? 

Yes, Taman Nasional Baluran in Banyuwangi, it is.

It’s an amazing place to see wide variety of flora and fauna. In this little Africa of Java, you can find many wild animals such as deers, buffallos, monkeys, roosters, peacocks there. The national park offers a scenery similar to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Eastern Africa.

Besides the wild animal, there is an iconic place that hang dead animal skulls. It’s really photogenic! Capture a photo and share it to your social media, t-mates!

Follow the road and you’ll arrive to the beach. Imagine that at one time you enjoy the scenery in the savanna, and then you see the magnificent scenery of the beach ?

How to get there: The easiest way to get there is to drive, which takes about one hour from Banyuwangi.

4. Relax by the Beach at Bawean Island (Gresik)

Another hidden gem in East Java is Bawean Island, which is a small island in the Gresik regency. On this island, you can enjoy various activities such as deer sighting, island hopping, or swimming. This secluded island is perfect for a getaway with your partner ?‍?‍?

Don’t forget to see the sunset by the beach when you’re here. It’s a great way to escape from city life, t-mates.

How to get there:

The only way to get to Bawean Island is by boat. First, head to Gresik. Then from the Gresik port, take a boat to Bawean island. You have to re-check the boat schedules because the boat may not go back and forth from the island everyday. Each journey takes about 3-4 hours.

5. Explore Cave Full of Lights at Goa Gong (Pacitan)

Have you ever seen huge stalactites and stalagmites? If you haven’t, you must visit Goa Gong in Pacitan. Dubbed as the most beautiful cave in Southeast Asia, Goa Gong is sooo charming with the exotic stalagmites and stalactites inside. The cave is about 256 meters in depth.

You’ll see the colorful lights – the combination of blue, green, red, pink, and purple color – that illuminate the cave. Don’t worry about the access inside the cave; the cave is equipped with metal stairs. Before you get in, you will be equipped with a flashlight. But, always be careful when you walk!

After you get out of the cave, you will meet some store sellers selling gemstones and handicrafts. 

How to get there: Take a bus or drive a private vehicle to Pacitan. The way is quite easy. If you plan to take a bus, you can get off at Punung market. Then, find public transportation that can take you to Goa Gong.

6. Enjoy Your Time at Tiga Warna Beach (Three Colored Beach) – Malang

Now you’ve seen some of the hidden paradises in East Java, from mountain to island. What else does Indonesia have? Worry not! There are still a lot of places that we haven’t discover. Let us tell you one more: Tiga Warna Beach or Three Colored Beach.

This beach is called Three Colored Beach because of the three different colors gradation of the sea which is blue, green, and turquoise. In this beach, you can swim or snorkel in the clear water. So fresh and refreshing!

The best time to visit this beach is when it’s not raining! There are small stalls around the beach that sell instant food and drinks.

How to get there: The distance between Three Colored Beach and Malang is 73 kilometers. The trip takes about 2.5 hours by car. Besides visiting Tiga Warna Beach, you can also visit the nearest tourist attractions there such as Sendang Biru Beach, Clungup Beach, Savanna Beach, and Cilik Island.

7. Admire the Beauty of Bukit Jamur (The Mushroom Hill) – Gresik

Bukit Jamur is an abandoned limestone mine in Gresik, East Java. This is a unique destination that is worth exploring, especially for those of you who love to see natural attractions. The main attraction here is the stones in mushroom shapes. 

Due to the wind and rain, the stones were eroded and turned into these unique shapes. 

There are around 40 mushrooms hill in that area, with different sizes. It’s a great place for photography lovers. 

P.S.: Always remember not to climb the mushroom hill because it is prohibited. Climbing can destroy its shape and that means you’re destroying the tourist attraction.

How to get there: From Surabaya, you can head to Gresik Kota Baru residential area. From there, find a way to Sembayat bridge. Use Google Map or ask people around you about the ex-mining site that is popular. 

8. Learn More About Plants at Kebun Bibit Wonorejo

Surabaya has many parks. One of the beautiful parks you can visit there is Kebun Bibit Wonorejo. The park was created to add some greeneries to the city. In this garden, you can find lots of plants from different varieties. You can learn the name of the plants, how to cultivate them, and how to reproduce them.

Don’t worry, because there will be a guide that will explain to you about the plant variations. Enjoy your time there with your loved ones, t-mates!

How to get there: From Surabaya, you can reach this nursery by using public transportation. From Wonokromo station, just head to the east to reach MERR bridge. Go on and you’ll see Gunawangsa Apartment and STIKOM. Close to there, you’ll find Kebun Bibit Wonorejo.

9. Escape the Crowd, Go to Gili Ketapang

With its white sand and calm waves, the beach at Gili Ketapang will surely make you want to go for a dozen times. Gili Ketapang has a charming underwater beautify. If you plan for a vacay around East Java, don’t forget to stop by this island.

Usually, there are open trip services that can take you to explore Gili Ketapang which include boat, snorkeling equipment rental, underwater documentation, guides, and so on.

How to get there:

To visit this paradise on the north coast adjacent to the Madura Strait, we must go to Tanjung Tembaga Port in Probolinggo first. From the port, it takes about 30 minutes by motorboat to reach Gili Ketapang

Plan for an Exciting Time Ahead!

We bet you’ve gotten some ideas of where to go in East Java. From charming mountains to beautiful beaches, you know that East Java has plenty of Insta-worthy spots. Be sure to visit those places and have a good time! Now, it’s time to share this piece of good news to your friends and family, t-mates!

*All prices are valid at the time of writing