One-Day Tour Itinerary in Madura: An Alternative to the Bustling City of Surabaya

Surabaya is famed for its urban charm and variety of attractions. But if you’re looking to experience something fresh and a little different, a day trip to Madura offers the perfect escape, blending natural beauty and rich local culture.

Madura’s culinary scene rivals that of Surabaya, with some of Surabaya’s famous dishes even originating from this neighboring island.

Must-Visit Spots in Madura for an Adventurous Day Trip

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Surabaya across the iconic Suramadu Bridge, Madura is an ideal option for a quick getaway or a memorable side trip during a business visit to Surabaya.

Start the Day with Breakfast: Topak Ladeh or Nasi Serpang

Kick off your day with a hearty local breakfast. One standout option is Topak Ladeh, a dish that resembles the classic lontong or ketupat sayur served in many cities, but with a Madurese twist.

Traditionally served with beef or offal, and sometimes with a hard-boiled egg, Topak Ladeh is known for its rich, aromatic broth filled with local spices. Many versions also come with urap (a vegetable side dish) and ground corn powder for extra flavor.

Head to Topak Ladeh Pongkoran, a well-loved spot near Bangkalan town square, to try this local favorite.

If you’re up for something equally filling, try Nasi Serpang, similar to Jakarta’s nasi uduk or Solo’s nasi liwet.

This hearty dish includes rice topped with a variety of sides like salted eggs, clams, beef jerky, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, tofu, beef skin crackers, and a savory coconut milk sauce. Peanut and shrimp crackers add a satisfying crunch.

For the best experience, look for Nasi Serpang vendors on Jalan Panglima Sudirman, Jl. Ki Lemah Duwur, or Jl. Trunojoyo, but plan to go early since many stalls close before 9 a.m.

Pandela Beach

After breakfast, make your way toward Arosbaya Hill and take a scenic detour at Pandela Beach, also known as Lanjing Village Beach.

This hidden gem, located en route to Arosbaya, is known for its serene mangrove forests, sandy shores, and calm waters, a peaceful stop to enjoy Madura’s coastal beauty.

Arosbaya Hill

Pelalangan Limestone Hill, or Arosbaya Hill, is one of Madura’s rising natural attractions, often compared to Arizona’s Antelope Canyon.

About a 40-minute drive from Bangkalan Square (or roughly an hour from the Suramadu Bridge), Arosbaya Hill is an awe-inspiring former limestone quarry. Its golden-brown cliffs, adorned with lush ferns, provide a striking backdrop for photos.

Visitors pay just Rp5,000 per person for entry, while car parking costs an additional Rp10,000, what budget-friendly way to experience one of Madura’s natural wonders.

Cakraningrat Museum

After your adventure at Arosbaya Hill, head back to Bangkalan Square for a deeper dive into Madura’s heritage. The Cakraningrat Museum offers a fascinating look at the island’s history and culture, displaying artifacts and stories that bring Madura’s past to life.

Note that the museum is open only on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so be sure to plan your visit accordingly!

Gelora Bangkalan Stadium

If you’re short on time for the museum, consider stopping by Gelora Bangkalan Stadium, the home stadium of the Madura United football team. Known for its vibrant colors and impressive structure, it’s a great spot for a quick photo to commemorate your trip.

Historic Bangkalan Grand Mosque

For those wanting a moment of reflection or a chance to pray, stop by the Bangkalan Grand Mosque, a historic landmark built in 1819.

Located conveniently near Bangkalan City Park, this over-200-year-old mosque also offers a comfortable parking area. Just a short walk away is the famous Amboina Restaurant, an ideal spot to enjoy a meal and recharge.

Shop for Madurese Batik and Lorjuk Snacks

No trip is complete without picking up a few souvenirs. Madurese batik, known for its vibrant colors and intricate coastal designs, makes a perfect keepsake.

Alongside batik, look for traditional snacks made from lorjuk, a type of clam unique to Madura. Lorjuk is often turned into crispy crackers or chips, ideal for bringing home a taste of Madura.

Jaddih Hill

Another natural marvel, Jaddih Hill is a former limestone quarry with striking white cliffs and a serene turquoise pool at its center. Visit during the day for a stunning view as sunlight reflects off the water.

For just IDR 5,000 per person (and IDR 20,000 for car parking), you can explore the area, and even take a boat ride around the pool for a small fee.

Near Jaddih Hill, the Goa Pote Swimming Pool awaits with its refreshingly clear, natural water sourced from the limestone hills, perfect for a relaxing dip.

Indulge in Madura’s Signature Duck Dishes

Sampling Madurese duck dishes is a must. Head to Bebek Songkem Pak Salim for steamed duck wrapped in banana trunk leaves, cooked to tender perfection using the natural moisture of the banana stem.

For fried duck fans, Bebek Sinjay is a local legend. Though its branches have spread across cities, nothing beats the taste at its original spot, especially when served with young mango chili sauce and steaming rice.

End the Day with Sunset and Seafood at Pantai Rindu

Wrap up your Madura adventure at Pantai Rindu, a beach near the Suramadu Bridge that’s perfect for catching the sunset. Enjoy the golden views from the wooden pier with the iconic Suramadu Bridge as a backdrop, and savor fresh, local seafood dishes as a fitting end to your day.

More Must-Visit Destinations in Madura

If you have a few extra days, Madura’s eastern regions—Sampang, Pamekasan, and Sumenep—offer even more incredible sights. With at least three days, you can uncover the unique beauty each area holds.

Sampang

Neighboring Bangkalan, Sampang is home to Toroan Waterfall, Masegit Hill, and Camplong Beach, each showcasing Madura’s natural splendor. These attractions are a scenic 2-3 hour drive from the Suramadu Bridge.

Pamekasan

Approximately 100 kilometers (2.5 hours) from Suramadu Bridge, Pamekasan boasts destinations like Jumiang Beach, Kehi Hill, Puncak Ratu, and Talang Siring Beach, all offering unique experiences on the island’s north and west sides.

Sumenep

On the easternmost part of Madura, Sumenep is famed for its beach and island tourism. Gili Iyang, which is dubbed the “oxygen island” for its high oxygen content, and Gili Labak, known for pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, are two unmissable gems for island adventurers.

Explore Madura Tourism with Surabaya Car Rental from TRAC

With so many places to visit and the distance between them, it is certain that a Surabaya car rental from TRAC is the right choice for exploring Madura tourism.

You can choose a car rental service with an extra comfortable driver or a flexible Surabaya self-drive car rental to accompany your trip to various tourist sites.

Make a booking easily on the main page of the TRAC website or the TRACtoGo application. If you don't have the app yet, download it on Playstore and Appstore immediately, because there are many interesting promos waiting for you.

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