Blitar

Blitar is a regency in East Java. Its capital city has the same name.

Understand
The main claim to fame of this quiet and charming town is as the burial place of Indonesia's founding father, Sukarno. There is a misconception that he was born in Blitar; he was actually born in Surabaya. The other attractions for visitors are the largest ancient Hindu temple in East Java at Candi Penataran, the active volcano Mount Kelud, and a couple of nice beaches.

Blitar is the capital town of a regency with the same name.

By bus
Blitar is well served by buses from other major towns and cities in East Java. Visitors often arrive on an air-con bus from Malang which takes about 2 hours. Other options are from Surabaya and Jember (both about 4 hours).

By rail
Blitar is on one of the main East Java railway lines. There are daily services linking with other cities in the region and in Central Java, as well as longer distance rail access from Jakarta and Bandung. Check the PT Kereta Api (Persero) website for detailed schedules. One way of getting to Biltar is to catch the pleasant daily executive-class train which travels from Malang to Yogyakarta that passes through Blitar around 5.00pm; catching this train from Malang, one would normally need to plan to stay overnight in Blitar before visiting local sites the following day. The train is a convenient way to travel from Malang to Yogyakarta.

Get around
The main need to get around Blitar in any way other than on foot is to be able to visit Candi Penataran. Regular minibuses ply this route departing from Jalan Veteran in town and take about 30 minutes to reach the candi. If you ask the driver for "Makam Bung Karno" he will drop you near to the impressive Sukarno grave site en route (to or from) Candi Penataran.

There is a quite large, well-established parking area (cafe, rest rooms, information kiosk) a little south of the makam (grave) of Bung Karno. Pedicab (becak) drivers are ready to take visitors on a local tour to several sites (including Sukarno's house, and the nearby makam): cost, around Rp 150,000 per person (for foreigners) in May 2014.

See




Other places listed by the East Java provincial tourist office as perhaps worth visiting near Blitar include:


 * Embultuk cave (goa Embeltuk)
 * Grebag Pancasila
 * Embultuk cave (goa Embeltuk)
 * Grebag Pancasila
 * Embultuk cave (goa Embeltuk)
 * Grebag Pancasila
 * Grebag Pancasila
 * Grebag Pancasila
 * Grebag Pancasila
 * Grebag Pancasila

Do
Hire a becak driver (who pedals a cart with a seat in front) to drive around town from the main Sukarno car park to various nearby sites -- to the Istana Gebang (Gebang House) where the young Sukarno lived and to the Makam Bung Karno (Sukarno's grave site) where there is an impressive establishment, including a museum.



Eat
Blitar has a typical selection of local restaurants (including several good Chinese). The areas in the town centre on Jalan Veteren and Jalan Merdeka are as good a place as any to look. If you are in any doubt at all, the golden rule applies: follow the local crowds.

The restaurant at Hotel Tugu is truly top class but you do of course pay for that privilege.

Sleep
There are several losmen type places in the town centre and budget travellers are urged to just turn up here. You will not have a problem finding somewhere to stay.



Connect
Blitar area telephone code is 0342.

Go next

 * Malang, the cultural heart of East Java, is around 2 hours away by road
 * Head west to Central Java and the delights of Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Prambanan
 * Head east, past Malang, to the outstanding Bromo national park