Tugu Blitar, Blitar Indonesia, Java

Tugu Blitar is one of 4 Tugu properties in Indonesia and follows the ethos of a living museum hotel. Every piece of furniture and artwork in this restored colonial buidling is a collector’s item and in many of the grand hallways there are display cabinets of priceless antiques. This is a hotel to get lost in the varied history of East Java whilst having a comfortable stay.

Blitar itself is a small city, and the hotel is situated right in the centre. The city has a strong Dutch influence and feels far from the main tourist trail. It is about 2 hours from Malang so is a good place to stop overnight en route.

All the rooms are individually decorated, but expect oversized antique furniture, colonial design and simple soft furnishings. Although the hotel sounds large with 56 rooms, they are spread out through a number of buildings.  Our favourite rooms are the executive deluxe and suites; they are situated in one of the oldest buildings and allow you to feel like you are visiting someone’s house for a night. The Colony restaurant is one of the best in the city to eat authentic East Javanese food.

Tugu Blitar is ideal for antique lovers who like to get off the tourist trail, the hotel is quite unique and a good base for an overnight stops en route to Malang.

Last Visited and reviewed by Matt Brazier April 2013