Malang to Blitar

Blitar lies south-west of Malang on the line that links Malang with Kediri and Kertosono, so every train leaving Malang for Central and West Java without going via Surabaya passes through it. That gives the short run a wide choice of trains, from a commuter service costing next to nothing to eksekutif coaches on the Jakarta and Bandung expresses.

Which trains run this route: the Commuter Line Penataran is the everyday local train, running from Surabaya through Malang and on to Blitar several times a day and stopping at every station; its sister service, the Dhoho, runs the loop the other way round via Kertosono. Fares are distance-based and start from about Rp 10,000. Faster long-distance trains also call at Blitar: the Gajayana and Brawijaya to Jakarta Gambir, the Majapahit and Matarmaja to Pasar Senen, the Malabar to Bandung, and the Malioboro Ekspres and Kertanegara heading west via Kediri towards Yogyakarta. KAI Daop 8 sells special short-distance fares between Malang and Blitar on some of these trains, subject to a seat quota.

Journey time: around an hour and a half on a long-distance train, and two to three hours on the Penataran, which stops at Kepanjen, Sumberpucung, Kesamben, Wlingi and Garum among others.

The route: the line leaves Malang heading south to Kepanjen, then swings west along the Brantas valley, past the Karangkates reservoir area and on through farming country to Wlingi and Blitar. On a clear morning Mount Kawi and the Kelud volcano are on the horizon, so a daytime train is worth it.

Why go: Blitar is where Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, is buried, and his tomb and museum are a short ride from the station. Candi Penataran, the largest Hindu temple complex in East Java, is about 10km north of the town. Blitar is an easy day trip from Malang by train.

Which station in Malang? The Penataran and most long-distance trains leave from Malang station in the centre; the Penataran also calls at Malang Kotalama just to the south. For the return trip, see Blitar to Malang. Check current times and fares in Access by KAI.