Jodipan, Malang: Indonesia’s Colorful Rainbow Village
Let me introduce you to the rainbow village of Jodipan, located in Malang, Indonesia. As soon as you step foot here, you’ll be mesmerized by all the lively colors that paint the entire landscape like a kaleidoscope.
As you wander through the streets of Jodipan in East Java, you’ll see each building is adorned with bright colors, ranging from cheerful yellows to bold blues and radiant reds. The captivating transformation has not only brought new life into the village but has also become a symbol of hope, unity, and creativity.
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About Jodipan, Indonesia
Jodipan is not just one village but a collective name for a cluster of colorful neighborhoods in the city of Malang. Those include 3 colorful villages, Kampung Warna-Warni (The Rainbow Village), Kampung Tridi (3D Arts Village), and Kampung Biru Arema (The Blue Village). Prior to 2016, Jodipan was a slum and was in danger of being demolished with residents evicted due to poor living conditions.
Thankfully, students from a local university in Malang had the genius idea of revitalizing the community by grabbing a can of paint and putting their artistic talent to work. They partnered with a paint supplier who donated 3 tons of paint. The government and local artists all came together in an effort to paint the village all different colors of the rainbow with murals and unique installations. When they finished, Jodipan was truly transformed into a work of art. The project was a collaborative effort involving local residents, artists, and volunteers who came together to give Jodipan a new lease on life.
Residents started to really see a difference after the colorful transformation and the money brought in from tourists positively impacted the village. To enter each village, you will pay a very small entrance fee of 5,000 IDR which is only about 33 cents (USD). Today, you’ll still find very few tourists but the ones that visit this cheerful place are really contributing to the wellbeing of this community. Walking through this place and passing by the locals, I knew immediately I was welcome there just by the smiles on their faces! Many kids were running around and curious about me asking to take a photo with me.
How to get to Jodipan
Juanda International Airport (SUB) is the closest major airport to Malang, East Java, Indonesia. To reach Malang from the airport, you can use the app Grab or Gojek which is the Indonesian version of Uber. Otherwise, you can hire a private taxi driver by contacting your hotel to help arrange it. Taxis are also readily available at the airport, allowing you to hire one for a direct journey to Malang. It is advisable to negotiate the fare or choose a metered taxi. A taxi will cost you around 600K IDR ($40). You can also ride in a shared van for a more cost-effective method. This option is around 200K IDR ($13).
Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport, granting you the flexibility to drive to Malang and explore the area independently. However, it can sometimes be hectic driving in Indonesia so I hired a private driver. The distance between Juanda International Airport and Malang is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles), and the travel time is around 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
The 3 Colorful Villages of Jodipan
1. The Rainbow Village – Kampung Warna-Warni
Kampung Warna-Warni, also known as The Rainbow Village, was the first to undergo its colorful transformation. The makeover took place in 2016 when a group of university students collaborated with the local government to revitalize the village. They painted the houses with a multitude of vibrant colors, turning the previously dull and impoverished area into a lively and eye-catching community. The project aimed to boost tourism, improve the living conditions of the villagers, and create an inspiring environment that showcases the beauty of diversity and creativity.
In Kampung Warna-Warni you will find so many beautiful murals including a lion one like below and there are also amazing umbrella installments throughout the place. You can read my blog post on the best umbrella streets around the world if you want to find more cheerful places to visit! I also loved the butterfly paintings hanging on the side of this staircase.
📍Location: 2J8Q+W47, Jl. Zaenal Zakse Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 6, Jodipan, Kec. Blimbing, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur (Google Maps)
2. The 3D Arts Village – Kampung Tridi
Neighboring the rainbow village of Kampung Warna-Warni is Kampung Tridi, also known as the 3D Arts Village. Following the success of Kampung Warna-Warni, Kampung Tridi, underwent its transformation shortly after in 2017. Inspired by the growing popularity of 3D street art worldwide, local artists collaborated to create murals on the walls. These murals have optical illusions to create three-dimensional effects, giving the impression that the artworks are coming to life. As I wandered through the streets of Kampung Tridi I could really see the talent present here. The village’s artistic charm has made it a sought-after destination for art enthusiasts and tourists.
📍Location: Jl. Temenggungan Ledok, Kesatrian, Kec. Blimbing, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65121 (Google Maps)
3. The Blue Village – Kampung Biru Arema
Crossing over the railway, you’ll find the Blue Village of Kampung Biru Arema. This village highly resembles that of Jodhpur, India, and Chefchaouen, Morroco. Both are blue cities just like this one in East Java, Indonesia.
This village holds a special place in the hearts of football fans in Indonesia, particularly those who support the Arema Football Club. The village gets its name, “Biru Arema” (meaning “Blue Arema”), from the club’s distinctive blue color. The residents of Kampung Biru Arema are passionate fans of the team and have proudly painted their houses, streets, and surroundings in shades of blue to showcase their dedication. The vibrant blue buildings draw much attention to the village and is a living tribute to the football club.
📍Location: 2J9P+CVQ, Kiduldalem, Kec. Klojen, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65119 (Google Maps)
I hope you enjoyed reading this post on the rainbow village in Jodipan Malang. Please do visit and support the local community here. They will be happy to see you, I promise!
For more reading, you may also like:
☔️ The Colorful Umbrella Street in Agueda, Portugal
☂️ Best Umbrella Streets Around the World
🎀 Burano, Italy Travel Guide
💎 30 Best Hidden Gems in Europe
🌈 Most Colorful Places in the World
🐪 The Colorful Nubian Village in Egypt
📸 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
