Bangkalan, or Pangkalan, is a small town on Madura Island, East Java. It lies just across from the provincial capital of Surabaya and presides on the pretty northwest coast.
Despite it being the main town on Pulau Madura there’s not much to see in Bangkalan itself, apart from the annual bull racing around August/September time. The racing features young jockeys on sleds being pulled by bulls along a 100-meter course.
The big appeal is the nearby coast and the many attractions out of town. Just north of town is the Royal cemetery, which features the elaborate 350-year-old hilltop tomb of Air Mata Ibu Arosbaya. Nearby Tanjung Bumi village is a popular market area for picking up batiks and souvenirs. Also worth checking out near to Bangkalan are Rongkang and Sambilangan beaches.
Getting There & Away
Bangkalan is easily accessible by ferry from Surabaya (45 minutes) and directly by road over the soon to be finished Suramadu Bridge. Ferries run from Ujung throughout the day. Surabaya’s Juanda Airport receives direct flights from Jakarta and other Southeast Asian capitals.
Things to Do
Bangkalan Attractions
- Bangkalan beaches
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There are several of them near to bangkalan, with rongkang beach and sambilangan beach being the most accessible and attractive.
Side trips from Bangkalan
- Air Mata Ibu Arosbaya Cemetery
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Located about 10kms north of bangkalan, this hilltop cemetery was built in the 17th century and features the beautiful tomb of ibu.
Events
- Bull racing
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This festival goes on between august and september every year and features young jockeys racing large beasts.