Tulungagung: Temples, Hills and Beach

Tulungagung combines impressive temple sites and local traditions with rolling hills and beach destinations. Candi Dadi stands on a hill and offers views of the Wilis Mountains, the city of Tulungagung and the surrounding land. At Pantai Popoh, a bay surrounded by green hills, fresh fish and seafood create a very different travel experience. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether culture, scenery or a visit to the beach will shape your stay.

Temple Sites in the Hills

Candi Dadi is a heritage site in the Wajakkidul hills in Boyolangu. Its location alone makes a visit a choice to take a hike: the site can only be reached by a path through the hills, and the climb takes about an hour. Vehicles cannot reach the site. If you are travelling with children, take this approximate walking time and the climb into account when planning your day together. This makes it easier to assess whether the route suits your trip, without mistaking a visit to the temple for a quick stop.

Another distinctive cultural destination is Candi Penampihan, a three-terraced temple complex in Dusun Turi, Desa Geger, Kecamatan Sendang. Its terraces set it apart from Candi Dadi, whose hillside location and views give it its special character. Those interested in temple complexes will find different features at these two destinations: a three-terraced complex at one, and a heritage site in the hills with views of the mountains, city and surrounding land at the other.

Telaga Buret and the Ulur-Ulur Tradition

Telaga Buret in Desa Sawo, Kecamatan Campurdarat, is associated with nature and cultural tourism and is increasingly recognised across the country as a destination of historical value and strong local wisdom. The Ulur-Ulur tradition is linked to the site: it takes place regularly in every Selo month of the Javanese calendar. The date therefore follows this calendar month, rather than a fixed month in the calendar commonly used here. This offers a distinctive cultural aspect of Tulungagung to consider when planning your trip; if you want to experience the tradition, use the Selo month as a guide for when to visit.

Pantai Popoh: Bay, Fish and Craftsmanship

Pantai Popoh is a beach destination in a bay surrounded by green hills. Visitors can buy fresh fish there and eat seafood at the nearby stalls. For travellers who like to include local food in their explorations, this dining option adds a culinary focus to a beach visit. If you want to travel from Tulungagung towards Pantai Popoh, you can take public transport from Tulungagung Terminal or Tulungagung Railway Station, then use an ojek.

Marble and onyx craftsmanship is also part of the region’s appeal. Along the road to the Pantai Indah Popoh excursion destination are centres that make items from marble and onyx. These include souvenirs such as tables, lamps, statues and vases, as well as dining tables and chairs and natural-stone mosaics. Those interested in crafts and designed household items can consider this selection as a theme in its own right, alongside beaches and temple sites.

Other Interests and Choosing Your Holiday Rental

Other tourist interests include batik in Kecamatan Kauman and Kecamatan Kedungwaru, where it is one of the offerings for visitors with particular interests. Kampung Susu Dinasty in Desa Sidem, Kecamatan Gondang, is an educational travel destination. Bumi Perkemahan & Jurang Senggani is one of the three most popular tourist attractions in Desa Nglurup, Kecamatan Sendang. These destinations add other possible focuses to the temple sites and beach, without requiring you to fit them all into a single day’s itinerary.

The range of interests can help you decide what kind of stay you are looking for in Tulungagung.

If you would like to discover more destinations at the same higher administrative level, you can also find Pasuruan, Jember, Banyuwangi, Lumajang, Sumenep, Situbondo, Jombang and Kota Batu here.

For the broader travel overview: East Java.