Sitting at the foot of Mount Kelud, Blitar is a laid-back East Javan city. Its main claim to fame is being the birth and resting place of Indonesia's beloved founding father, Sukarno. Beyond its connection to the first President of Indonesia, Blitar is home to an ancient Hindu temple and a handful of gorgeous beaches.
Things to do in Blitar
Classed as an active stratovolcano, Mount Kelud is part of the Pacific Ocean’s notorious Ring of Fire. Taxis and motorbikes will whisk you to the summit where you can unlock sweeping views over the city. Tour operators can also organise white water rafting, nature walks and overnight jungle treks.
If you’re interested in Indonesian history, a visit to the Sukarno Museum is a must. It celebrates the legacy of President Sukarno, who led his country’s struggle for Independence from the Netherlands. The museum is housed in his childhood home and features a riveting collection of memorabilia.
Dating back to the early Majapahit period, Candi Penataran is a magnificent temple complex nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Kelud. With its lush lawns, crumbling stone temples and ancient Hindu carvings, it’s an incredibly serene area to explore.
Indonesia can be steamy, so why not cool off with a trip to one of Blitar’s nearby beaches? Tambakrejo’s white sandy beach is a great place for a swim, while KedungTumpang is famous for its dramatic rock formations and aquamarine tidal pools.
Getting around Blitar
Blitar is compact and walkable, which means the easiest way to explore the city is on foot. Minibuses make regular trips to Candi Penataran with the drive taking around 30 minutes. Malang is just a two-hour drive to the north east and is known as the cultural heart of East Java. Blitar also offers easy access to popular Javan destinations like Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Prambanan.