Major city · Indonesia
Blitar
Give Blitar one night, two if you want Kelud and the beaches: it is a Sukarno pilgrimage town plus Candi Penataran, not a resort.
Blitar is a quiet regency capital in East Java, about 2 hours by road from Malang. It is the burial place of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, and the gateway to Candi Penataran, the largest ancient Hindu temple in East Java, and the active volcano Mount Kelud. Sights sit outside the town, so you need transport or a becak driver for a half day. Most travellers pass through on the Malang–Yogyakarta rail line; one night covers the grave, the museum and the temple, two nights adds Kelud or a beach.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IDR
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (dry season)
- avoid Nov–Mar (rain); check Kelud status after any eruption
- Airports
- MLG · SUB
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Blitar112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Blitar, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
- SafetyBlitar is a quiet town; the practical issues are road safety on scooters, the active volcano at Kelud…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
- Emergency numbers112 General · 110 police · 118/119 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckMLG Abdul Rachman Saleh, Malang (Small airport with limited routes; road time to Blitar check).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea at a warung2026 estimate, checkRp8,000–20,000
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate, checkRp100,000–200,000
- Museum or sight ticketCandi Penataran entry2026 estimate, checkRp5,000
- Budget bedLosmen or guesthouse room, a night, per roomRp150,000
- Mid-range bedLosmen or guesthouse room, a night, per roomRp300,000
- High-end bedLosmen or guesthouse room, a night, per roomRp500,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp250,000 · Mid Rp550,000 · High Rp1,200,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MLG Abdul Rachman Saleh, Malang (Small airport with limited routes; road time to Blitar check) · SUB Juanda, Surabaya (The main gateway for East Java; road and rail times to Blitar check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Sep (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jan (19 rain days), driest Aug (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Blitar: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
19 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable. Candi Penataran is about 10 km north: minibuses leave from Jalan Veteran and take about 30 min. The same Penataran minibus can drop you near Sukarno's grave on the way; ask the driver for "Makam Bung Karno". A becak driver will run a half-day loop of the Sukarno sites from the main grave car park; agree the total first. For Kelud, arrange a motorbike or car at Candi Penataran.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Candi Penataran
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Minibus from Jalan Veteran, about 30 min
Entry around Rp5,000 (2026 estimate, check). Go early; the complex has three courtyards and a Ramayana relief wall.
Mount Kelud
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Motorbike or car arranged at Candi Penataran
Around Rp70,000 by motorbike for the return trip (2026 estimate, check). Active volcano: confirm access before setting out.
Tambakrejo Beach
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car or motorbike south from Blitar, about 30 km (19 mi)Car or motorbike south from Blitar, about 19 mi (30 km)
10 km (6.2 mi) of white sand, usually empty; not safe for swimming.6.2 mi (10 km) of white sand, usually empty; not safe for swimming.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Jalan Merdeka / Jalan Veteran)
Losmen and mid-range hotels, restaurants and the station within walking distance; best for one night.
Hotel Tugu area (Jalan Merdeka 173)
The up-market option in a converted colonial building; rates check.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Rp250,000–450,000 excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- Mid
- Rp450,000–900,000 excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- High
- Rp900,000+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double1 × 1 night × Rp550,000 | Rp550,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × Rp550,000 | Rp1,100,000 |
| Becak half-day Sukarno loop2 × Rp150,000 · 2026 estimate, check; agree the total first | Rp300,000 |
| Motorbike to Kelud and back2 × Rp70,000 · 2026 estimate, check | Rp140,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Rp150,000 · 2026 estimate, check | Rp300,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Rp239,000 |
| Trip total≈ Rp1,315,000 per person per day, bed included | Rp2,629,000≈ US$170 |
2026 estimate, check
2026 estimate in rupiah; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea at a warung2026 estimate, check | Rp8,000–20,000 |
| Nasi or mie goreng plate2026 estimate, check | Rp15,000–35,000 |
| Bottled water 600 ml2026 estimate, check | Rp4,000–8,000 |
| Candi Penataran entry2026 estimate, check | Rp5,000 |
| Becak short hop in town2026 estimate, check; agree first | Rp10,000–25,000 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate, check | Rp100,000–200,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Mount Kelud is active: check the current alert level before going up.
- Tambakrejo Beach is not safe for swimming.
- The exit from Sukarno's grave runs through a hot, dark, crowded warren of stalls; leave by the entrance gate if that bothers you.
- Foreigner prices at becak tours are quoted higher than local rates: agree the total first.
Emergency numbers
- General
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118/119
- Fire
- 113
Pocket card
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BlitarBlitar
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ke alamat ini, yaTo this address, please
Emergency
- General112
- Police110
- Ambulance118/119
Embassy
No embassies in Blitar; most are in Jakarta, with consulates-general in Surabaya.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Blitar → Malang, bus: about 2 h
- Blitar → Surabaya, bus: about 4 h
- Becak Sukarno loop: around Rp150,000 per person (2026 estimate, check)
Say or show
- Permisi / Maaf — Excuse me / Sorry (per-mee-see / ma-af)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (te-ree-ma ka-see)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (be-ra-pa har-ga-nya)
- Bisa bayar pakai kartu? — Can I pay by card? (bee-sa ba-yar pa-kai kar-too)
- Di mana toiletnya? — Where is the toilet? (dee ma-na toy-let-nya)
- Antar saya ke alamat ini — Take me to this address (an-tar sa-ya ke a-la-mat ee-nee)
Blitar area telephone code: 0342.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Blitar. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (dry season) · avoid Nov–Mar (rain); check Kelud status after any eruption · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MLG and SUB: last bus and train departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre, Sukarno grave and Istana Gebang, Candi Penataran, Kelud.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Penataran, Makam Bung Karno, Istana Gebang, Kelud) and eat pages with last orders.
- Kelud alert-level fixture so the volcano day can go green or red.
Sources
Ask about Blitar
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