East Java captivates people from all over the world with its mesmerizing natural attractions, such as the majestic Mount Bromo and the ethereal blue flames of Ijen volcano, but also cultural marvels like the Prambanan temple and of course our rainbow village of Jodipan
The village of Jodipan is out of the bunch, the one that has less visitors and international attention, so of course is where we will take you.
If you are planning to visit East Java,click here to read a complete Mount Bromo guide .
Jodipan Village Location and History
Nestled in the city of Malang, in the heart of East Java, Indonesia, you will step into Jodipan, an unconventional tourist hotspot painted in all the colors of the rainbow. Well, can we even consider it a hotspot? Probably not. But it boosts an allure that’s impossible to ignore and deserves a visit for its colorful and inspiring history.
Once upon a time the rainbow village of Jodipan was a marginalized and densely populated slum, with significant sanitation challenges. Not only the community faced social stigma but there were talks about demolishing the slum. Until a group of university students in 2016 came up with the idea of turning the slum into a bright and colorful village that would not only be a fantastic improvement in the aesthetic department, but also attract tourists, boosting the local economy and possibly saving many residents from poverty and unemployment. With help from the Indonesian Air Force and some sponsors the project took off!
The community actively participated in creating designs and painting, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among all. It didn’t take long for tourists to start adding the village of Jodipan into their East Java itineraries.
To this day Jodipan is a symbol of inspiration for marginalized communities around the world.
Experience Jodipan Village
Pick one of the many entrances to the village, no matter which one, you will be requested to pay an entrance fee of around 30 cents to help support the community. Keeping all these houses painted in bright colors is not easy to maintain, and while it is no longer as bright as it was in 2016, it is still worth a visit for such an affordable value.
Soon enough you will be walking on rainbows! Every step a color, every wall a different vibrant hue. Take your time to wander around the narrow alleyways of Jodipan, visit its several sections, engage in a friendly conversation with the locals, enjoy a beverage by the water and take more photographs than instagram has ever seen. If you are always looking for the next insta-worthy spot, you will be pleased to see every corner of Jodipan is designed as a photo op for those who appreciate an injection of color in their feeds. Places such as the Rainbow Bridge and the 3D Stairs guarantee a cool shot every time! If, on the other hand, what brings you joy while traveling is to immerse yourself with the local culture, some areas of this village offer workshops and performances that you can join.
Final Tips and Thoughts
If you are planning a visit to the lovely rainbow village of Jodipan, consider waking up early, putting on your comfy shoes, and visit it during the morning. All those colors being touched delicately by the soft sunlight is wonderful, but at lunch time it feels like a slap in the eyes of how bright it gets. A good alternative if you wish to sleep in, is to visit during golden hour, which brings a magical and warm atmosphere to it.
While the village of Jodipan welcomes tourists, remember it is a residential area. Respect the privacy of the locals and consider purchasing local artwork in order to contribute to the maintenance of this space. If, like us, you were traveling light so carrying souvenirs was not an option, then get yourself a nice Klepon along the way, this is a local delicacy made of glutinous rice flour with palm sugar and coconut. Eating yummy food and helping? Best win-win!
Add to your travel bucket list this testament to resilience and creativity, and start your adventure in East Java, Indonesia, with a splash of color.
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