Malang Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs [2024]

Malang is one of the nicest cities I've been to in Java. It is a mid-sized mountain town just 2 hours from Surabaya, relatively clean (for Indonesia standards) and with pleasant weather (though it can be rainy).

As you would expect, Malang nightlife is very laid-back. Most bars are beer houses or live music cafés that are popular with students. These venues are not so sophisticated and their prices are very affordable. There are some reputed universities in the city (Universitas Negeri Malang in particular), so the crowd is rather educated and you can easily make friends if you are not shy to socialize.

Clubs are a hit and miss. The best ones are modern, with an upmarket crowd and decent entertainment (DJs, bands, dancers). On the other end of the spectrum, you also have a more underground nightlife of seedy karaokes and "executive clubs".

Best Nightclubs, Bars and Cafés in Malang

Rust Bar

A chill pub with live acoustic music, perfect to drink your first beer of the night. It is usually busy with a mixed crowd of students and young professionals who come in groups.

The Nine Club

A modern club, opened in 2018, that consists of a medium-sized main room with high tables and an elevated stage. Most customers are male in their late 20s and 30s. They often have busy events so check their Instagram page for more information.

Zeus Lounge

Popular club/bar with a young crowd. EDM DJs, live music. Low prices.

Levels Brewhouse

Levels Brewhouse was the first beer bar to open in Malang and it is still one of the busiest today. It is cozy, with air con and comfortable sofas, pretty much like a Starbucks actually. They have a selection of foreign beers, including Hoegaarden, Erdinger and Leffe. Live bands and DJs a few nights per week. Sports on TV.

Downtown

A trendy student hangout with an underground urban design. Live music, DJs, and karaoke nights. Prices are decent (30k for a small Bintang).

Bahari Irish Pub

While not a true Irish pub, it is still a pleasant bar with live jazz and a decent choice of beers.

Hugo's

Hugo's is a small and student-oriented bar/restaurant. Located in the basement of the shopping center Cyber Mall (ex-Plaza Dieng, next to City Point), it is a modern venue with good music and friendly staff. The dance floor is tiny, which does not really matter as most clubbers stay around tables.

Music is the usual EDM, Hip-Hop, House, Top 40. Open until 3am except for Sunday.

Best Hotels Near Malang Nightlife

Malang nightlife is rather spread out unfortunately. There isn't a party street or area, but a strategic location would be to stay near the Alun-Alun.

Here are a few hotels nearby:

Hotel Tugu Malang

I was staying in the Hotel Tugu and I believe it was a great choice. It is very central so you can walk to almost any attractions in the city, and also to the train station. The hotel restaurant is one of the best in the city and if you want to try local dishes, you have several street food stalls 5 minutes away.

It is more expensive than average but still reasonable for Western standards. Prices are higher on weekends.

Whiz Prime Basuki Rahmat

This is a budget hotel with a central location, clean facilities and an affordable price. Best of its kind in the city if all you are looking for is a comfortable place to stay with all the basic amenities.

Hotel Aria Gajayana

This hotel is not as centrally located as the two above, but it is still very convenient. The value for money is excellent as you'll pay less than 40$ for 4-star facilities.