Why Blitar ?
Blitar is more than a stopover (take a break from your hectic tour program). It’s the heart of Java’s untold story, perfectly positioned for travellers travelling between Yogyakarta, Malang, post Bromo, or Surabaya. It is known as the “city of proclaimers” for being the resting place of Soekarno, Indonesia’s first President.
Blitar offers a deep connection to Indonesia's independence history, highlighted by Istana Gebang — the house of Bung Karno's older sister, which also served as his holiday retreat during school breaks. Located just 2 km from the city center (train station), this museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The city’s colonial echoes, like the 1890s Kebon Rojo Garden – now a vibrant People's Park – resonate deeply with Dutch Visitors seeking their historical roots. Add the ancient Penataran Temple, Sawentar Temple, and Plumbangan Temple, a 13th-century Hindu marvel, and also Sumberurip’s serene coffee and spice plantation, more or less 40 km away, and Blitar delivers an authentic, not a mass tourism experience.
Its strategic rail links via Malioboro Ekspres, Yogyakarta—Blitar 07:45 – 13:18, and Penataran (Malang—Blitar) make it an easy one–day adventure, blending history, culture, and nature in one unforgettable adventure.
Blitar's charm is amplified by its vibrant community and top-notch local government, rated number one in Indonesia for economic management in 2011, ensuring a welcoming and well-organized visitor experience. The bustling alun-alun Blitar, with its iconic banyan tree and night market, is a plus with local life, offering travellers a taste of Javanese culture through affordable culinary delights like Dawet Pleret and Pecel.
For travelers seeking authenticity, Blitar’s blend of colonial history, Soekarno’s legacy, and the rural life of coffee and spice plantations in the non-mass tourist destination of Sumberurip Village is perfect.
If you're a traveler planning a trip along one of these routes:
Yogyakarta to Surabaya/Surabaya to Yogyakarta/Malang (pst Bromo) to Yogyakarta/Surabaya to Yogyakarta
This guide provides an overview of PT KAI's official train schedules for 2025 and travel suggestions to help ensure a smooth and well-organized journey.
Train Name:
MALIOBORO EXPRESS MORNING – ECONOMY CLASS AC
Route: Yogyakarta – Blitar – Malang
Departure from Tugu Yogyakarta Station at 07:45, arriving at Blitar Station at 13:28
Suggestion:
From Blitar, take the Malioboro Express at 13:28 or travel by private car to Malang (duration: 2–3 hours). From Malang to Bromo, depart at 00:00.
Traveler from Malang (post Bromo) Continuing to Yogyakarta
Route: Malang – Blitar – Yogyakarta
Train Options:
MALIOBORO EXPRESS MORNING – ECONOMY CLASS AC
Departure from Kotabaru Malang Station at 08:20, arriving at Blitar Station at 09:50
MALABAR MORNING – PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS AC
Departure from Kotabaru Malang Station at 04:00, arriving at Blitar Station at 05:20
MALABAR MORNING – EXECUTIVE CLASS
Departure from Kotabaru Malang Station at 04:00, arriving at Blitar Station at 05:00
Traveler from Surabaya Continuing to Yogyakarta
Route: Surabaya – Blitar – Yogyakarta
Train Options:
GAYABARU MALAM SELATAN – ECONOMY CLASS AC
Departure from Gubeng Station at 13:50, arriving at Blitar Station at 16:47
PASUNDAN – ECONOMY CLASS AC
Departure from Gubeng Station at 08:10, arriving at Blitar Station at 11:06
PENATARAN LOCAL – ECONOMY CLASS AC
Departure from Gubeng Station at 04:50, 09:50, 14:50
Arriving at Blitar Station at 07:45, 12:46, 17:46
Route: Yogyakarta – Blitar – Surabaya
Train Name:
MALIOBORO EXPRESS MORNING – ECONOMY CLASS AC
Departure from Tugu Yogyakarta Station at 07:45, arriving at Blitar Station at 13:18
For further and more detailed information, please refer to the KAI Access application.
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