Blitar is one of East Java’s most rewarding small cities to explore, and there are plenty of things to do in Blitar beyond its famous presidential tomb. From chocolate plantations to ancient temples, this city blends history, nature, and local culture into one easy day trip or weekend getaway. Here is a practical guide to help you plan your visit.
Start at Blitar City Square
Blitar City Square, locally known as Alun-Alun Kota Blitar, is the heart of the city and a great first stop. Locals gather here in the morning and evening to relax, exercise, and enjoy street food from nearby vendors. Try local dishes like pecel rice or fried tofu while soaking in the everyday rhythm of the city. Because it sits close to Blitar’s colonial-era buildings, the square also gives you a quick sense of the city’s history before you head to the bigger attractions.
Visit Kampung Coklat, Blitar’s Chocolate Village
One of the most popular things to do in Blitar with families is a trip to Kampung Coklat, or Chocolate Village. This attraction combines a working cacao plantation with a shop and cafe selling all kinds of chocolate treats. Visitors can walk through the plantation, learn how chocolate is made, and sample fresh products straight from the source. It is a fun, relaxed stop that works well for both kids and adults.
Explore Karangsari Agrotourism and De Karanganjar Coffee Plantation
If you enjoy hands-on experiences, Karangsari Belimbing Agrotourism lets you pick fresh starfruit directly from the trees while supporting local farming communities. Nearby, De Karanganjar Coffee Plantation offers a different kind of experience. Set inside a preserved Dutch-era estate, it serves excellent local coffee and even lets visitors ride ATVs through the plantation grounds.
Step Back in Time at Istana Gebang and Penataran Temple
History lovers should not skip Istana Gebang, also known as Ndalem Gebang, the childhood home where Bung Karno once lived with his family. The house has been preserved and gives visitors a more personal look at his early life, away from the more formal atmosphere of the tomb complex.
For an even older layer of history, Penataran Temple sits at the foot of Mount Kelud and ranks among East Java’s most significant Hindu temple complexes. Its detailed stone carvings and quiet setting make it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in ancient Javanese architecture.
Relax at Kebon Rojo Park and the World Peace Gong
For a slower pace, Kebon Rojo Park offers shaded walking paths and open green space right in the city center, ideal for an evening stroll. Not far away, the World Peace Gong is a large, golden monument symbolizing unity and peace, and it makes for an easy, scenic photo stop while exploring the area.
Learn Indonesian History at the Bung Karno Museum and Library
No list of things to do in Blitar is complete without the Bung Karno Museum and Library. Located next to the presidential tomb, the museum houses personal collections, photographs, and writings connected to Indonesia’s first president. It is one of the best places in the city to understand the history behind Blitar’s most famous landmark.
Planning Your Trip to Blitar
Blitar is easy to reach from other East Java cities like Surabaya and Malang, and most attractions in the city are only a short drive from each other. A single day is enough to cover the main sights, though a two-day trip gives you more time to slow down, especially if you want to include the coffee plantation and temple visits. Whether you are drawn by history, nature, or local food, Blitar rewards visitors who take the time to look beyond its most famous monument.