A three-terraced temple complex, a temple on a hill and a bay between green hills reveal different facets of Tulungagung. Cultural sites and a recurring tradition add cultural touches to the destination; at Pantai Popoh, coastal scenery and seafood round out the experience. You can organize your discoveries according to your interests: among temple complexes, a tradition-bound event, views across the hill country and local crafts.

Temples and Tradition

Candi Penampihan is a three-terraced temple complex in Dusun Turi, Desa Geger, Kecamatan Sendang, Kabupaten Tulungagung. The three terraces give the complex a stepped form and make an architectural statement among the destination’s cultural sites. Candi Dadi adds a landscape perspective: the heritage site lies in the Wajakkidul hills in Boyolangu and stands on a hill near Desa Wajak Kidul. From there, views extend to the Wilis Mountains, Tulungagung city and the surrounding land.

Candi Dadi is accessible only on foot. The approximately one-hour climb to Candi Dadi follows a path through the hill country; vehicles cannot reach Candi Dadi. As conditions can vary seasonally, it is best to check the path before your visit and allow time for the climb. This makes Candi Dadi especially appealing if you plan to take the route itself into account, not just the view at the destination.

The Ulur-Ulur tradition takes place regularly at Telaga Buret in Desa Sawo, Kecamatan Campurdarat, during every Selo month of the Javanese calendar. This custom complements the built heritage sites with a recurring event; the Selo month is therefore the key consideration when planning your visit.

Hills and Coast

Pantai Popoh is a beach destination in Kabupaten Tulungagung, in a bay surrounded by green hills. Its landscape offers a different setting from the hilltop location of Candi Dadi: here, the beach and bay shape the view, framed by green slopes. At Pantai Popoh, visitors can buy fresh fish and eat seafood at nearby stalls. This adds a culinary dimension to the coastal scenery; offerings at individual stalls may vary. For a mix of interests, the distinction is clear: Candi Dadi combines heritage with views, while Pantai Popoh pairs the coast with fish and seafood.

Crafts and Getting There

In Kabupaten Tulungagung, centers for marble and onyx crafts are located along the road to Pantai Indah Popoh, a popular destination. They produce souvenirs such as tables, lamps, statues, vases, dining tables and chairs, as well as mosaics made from natural stone.

To travel toward Pantai Popoh, you can take public transport from Tulungagung Terminal or Tulungagung Railway Station toward the beach, then take an ojek. Check availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sumenep, Tuban, Nganjuk, Kota Batu, Lumajang, Bondowoso, Sidoarjo, Pacitan

For the regional travel overview: East Java.