Dubbed the ‘Paris of East Java’, Malang is among the region’s biggest urban hubs, known for its intriguing historical attractions and its temperate climate. Despite its magnitude, it is a pleasant and atmospheric city that has retained much of its cultural heritage, which is complemented by a thriving contemporary art scene and vibrant nightlife (in part due to its sizeable student population). Nearby attractions include the series of beaches at Balekambang, the spectacular ancient Hindu temple complex of Singosari, and Sempu Island, with its inland lagoon and densely forested limestone outcrops.