TIMES SINGAPORE, MALANG – Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Semeru, Poncokusumo Village in Malang Regency, East Java, is a captivating tourism destination. It blends natural beauty, agriculture, cultural heritage, and local wisdom into a single integrated experience.

Known as Desa Wisata Poncokusumo, this village offers an all-in-one recreational escape. It attracts travelers seeking both adventure and authenticity.

Sitting at an altitude of 700 to 1,200 meters above sea level, Poncokusumo boasts fresh, cool air and panoramic landscapes. Its strategic location makes it a gateway to the iconic Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

“Here we combine unique spots, cultural heritage, and local traditions into a single tourism map,” explained Purna Irawan, the head of the local tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis).

Agriculture is closely linked to the village’s tourism appeal. Poncokusumo is well known for citrus farming, which also serves as a pick-your-own oranges experience.

The village produces highland vegetables and beautiful chrysanthemum flowers. These add bursts of color to its landscape.

Among the must-visit destinations is Ledok Ombo Camping Ground, a historic site used for scout gatherings in the Dutch colonial era. Today, it offers a lush, well-equipped campsite with serene forest views.

Nearby lies Banyu Biru, a natural spring whose name means blue water in Javanese. Its crystal-clear waters create a tranquil escape for families and friends.

For panoramic views, Jamun Spot Sunset (JSS) at 1,300 meters elevation is a favorite. Just 30 minutes from the village center, it offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

This makes it a prime location for camping enthusiasts. Families will also enjoy Taman Kali Lesti, a riverside park with natural scenery and recreational facilities.

Cultural richness is another hallmark of Poncokusumo. Visitors can explore the Poncokusumo Traditional House, a heritage site standing for nine generations.

Here, they can learn the philosophy behind its architecture and join hands-on activities like batik-making or weaving. The Sanggar Pamujan religious site offers a glimpse into the ancient Kapitayan belief system.

To fully experience the area, travelers can choose from five tour packages. The educational and living culture options are the most popular.

“We’ve welcomed around 1,000 package visits so far, with over 800 choosing the educational and living culture tours,” Irawan noted. Large vehicles park in designated areas, with jeeps available for hire.

Poncokusumo Tourism Village has operated since 2014 and gained popularity even before the pandemic. Located just 45 minutes from Malang, it is accessible via the Pakis–Tumpang route, the Abdulrahman Saleh Airport corridor, or the Rampal–Kedungkandang–Madyopuro road from Malang station.

With its blend of nature, agriculture, culture, and tradition,Poncokusumo is one of East Java’s most complete rural tourism destinations. (*)