Breakfast at Enny’s, served from 6:30-10:00 a.m., and then the morning free to do whatever we wanted since the group wouldn’t leave until 1:00 p.m. for the 4-hour ride to Mount Bromo, the next destination. Ian made arrangements for those who wanted to go into Malang center by Becak, a 30-45 minute walk from Enny’s. ex-Marine and I decided to walk to town instead. Could always hire a Becak on the way if we changed our mind. The big Malang sights are the bird market…View image, old dutch architecture, and there is supposed to be the excellent Holland Bakery…View image…near Enny’s. Malang was called Paris van East Java under Dutch occupation and attracted colonial residents who built mansions and established coffee and tea plantations in the cool hills.

We hadn’t walked more than three minutes towards Alun-Alun, the main square of downtown Malang when a blue bemo (shared taxi) pulled up with the driver asking, “Alun-Alun”? For only 5,000 Rupiah, about 50 cents, there was no reason not to. Such a deal, we jumped in and drove off with the driver stopping every now and then to hustle up more bemo fares.

Malang men schmoozing in the shade of Alun-Alun square, Java 

Melang old Dutch church, Java
Dropped off around the town square, ex-Marine and I began walking, looking for the bird market. Not many people spoke English so I would “tweet-tweet” and flap arms when asking directions. This, they understood, and would point us in the right direction. A young man in the Tourist Information Office confirmed we were headed in the right direction and highlighted the map with important sights to see.

Melang map, Java