Last July 2024, the Kekayon Journeys team packed their bags and set off for an unforgettable company retreat to the vibrant and scenic region of East Java. Our adventure was a mix of exhilarating nature treks, cultural exploration, and, most importantly, great food and camaraderie.
The Early Bird Gets the View
The journey began with a pre-dawn start, boarding a train in Yogyakarta at approximately 9:06 AM for the roughly six-hour ride to Malang. We arrived at Malang Station early morning, around 3:28 AM, where our friendly driver, Pak Agil, was waiting. After a quick ten-minute drive to drop our luggage at the cozy Kertanegara Guest House, we were back on the road, energized for our first major destination.
The drive to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall took about 2.5 hours. Along the way, we paused for a comforting local breakfast—that hot soup was the perfect remedy for the early morning chill! The scenery was nothing short of magical, but as we needed to conserve energy for the hike ahead, we quickly succumbed to a well-deserved nap.
Conquering Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Upon arriving at Tumpak Sewu, we had a quick stretch before facing the challenging trek downhill. Our guide, Mas Nanang, was incredibly helpful, especially for those of us (like me!) who were struggling a bit. The downhill path, about 700 meters long, was quite steep, wet, and slippery. We had to be extra careful with every step.
After a focused 40 minutes of descent, the sight that greeted us was breathtaking. The magnificent, multi-tiered Tumpak Sewu waterfall is truly a wonder, and the effort was entirely worth it. As July is peak season, the site was bustling with travelers, some even in themed costumes, taking incredible photos. We spent two hours soaking in the view and snapping our own beautiful shots before facing the challenging hike back up. Climbing the stairs was tough—it felt endless, and my knee certainly felt the burn!
Back at the meeting point, nothing beats the feeling of achievement and the refreshing taste of ice-cold coconut water we ordered at a warung to soothe our souls. For lunch, a classic bowl of Bakso Malang—a definite must-try—was the perfect fuel before heading back to the hotel for a much-needed shower and rest.
An Evening of Elegance and Art
The evening brought a shift in pace with a company dinner at the iconic Tugu Hotel Malang, specifically at the beautiful Royal Angkor of Saigon San restaurant. We indulged in delicious Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, all while admiring the surrounding art. The standout dish for me was the unique and refreshing Torch Ginger Flower Sorbet (Es Sorbet Kecombrang)—seriously, put this on your list!
Mangroves, Canoeing, and Coastal Beauty
The next morning, after a refreshing breakfast, we drove about two hours to Clungup. Our day started with a gentle hike to explore the mangrove conservation area before heading to Pantai Tiga Warna (Three-Color Beach). Here, we enjoyed fun activities like canoeing and snorkeling, marveling at the vibrant coastal life.
The afternoon offered some free time. While some colleagues enjoyed a short city walk, my two roommates and I opted for room service via Gojek. My feet needed a rest after the Tumpak Sewu trek, proving that sometimes, cozy downtime is just as important as the adventure!
A Tasteful Farewell
On our final day, after a leisurely breakfast, our sweet tooth led us to buy some local cakes before checking out. Our very last stop before the train station was for lunch at the famous Rawon Djenggot. We savored a bowl of Rawon, East Java's signature beef soup, easily recognizable by its dark, black broth derived from the keluak (black nuts). It was the perfect, hearty send-off.
Full of beautiful memories and delicious food, we drove safely to the station and back home to Yogyakarta.
Malang gave the us more than just a retreat—it gave us shared challenges, stunning views, and strengthened bonds. Do you want to create your own beautiful memories in East Java? Let Kekayon Journeys guide your next adventure!