Situated in Tambakrejo Village, South Malang, Clungup Mangrove Conservation (CMC Tiga Warna) is one of the cleanest and best-managed coastal parks in Java. It’s not just beautiful—it’s a model for community-based, eco-friendly tourism that has earned multiple awards for conservation and visitor management.
The area is home to lush mangrove forests, crystal-clear water, and peaceful, well-maintained beaches like Clungup and the famous Pantai Tiga Warna. Everything here runs on a quota and booking system, keeping the area protected and never overcrowded—so when you arrive, you’ll find clean sand, vibrant reefs, and a calm atmosphere that’s hard to match.
Whether you want to snorkel, plant mangroves, or simply enjoy a quiet escape in nature, CMC Tiga Warna offers a rare kind of experience—one that’s as responsible as it is beautiful.
Why Visit?
CMC Tiga Warna is perfect if you’re looking for a clean, quiet beach that’s not packed with crowds. One of the best parts of visiting is the short hike to the coast—you’ll walk about 20 to 30 minutes through mangrove forest and coastal paths to reach the beach area. It’s an easy walk, and along the way, you’ll pass peaceful spots like Clungup Beach, Gatra Beach, and finally Tiga Warna Beach.
The water here is calm and clear, great for snorkeling or just relaxing by the shore. If you like simple outdoor activities, you can also plant mangroves, join a short eco-education session, or just sit back and enjoy the view.
It’s a great spot for families, couples, or small groups who want to spend a day in nature without going too far from Malang.
What to See and Do
As soon as you enter the area, the vibe changes. The air feels cooler, fresher, and you’ll be walking on small forest trails surrounded by mangrove trees.
Easy Mangrove Walks
This is a totally different experience from your usual beach trip. The trail takes you right through a natural mangrove forest — you can stroll at your own pace while learning about different mangrove species, checking out their unique roots, and if you’re lucky, spotting tiny crabs, herons, or even a monitor lizard chilling under the trees.
Chill Time at Clungup Beach
As soon as you step out of the mangrove forest, you’ll find a quiet little beach with soft white sand and gentle waves. Clungup Beach isn’t huge, but it’s super peaceful — no crowds, no noise, just calm. It’s the kind of place where you can roll out a mat, lie down, and enjoy the sea view while chatting with friends.
Feel free to bring snacks from home — just don’t forget to take the wrappers back with you. Let’s keep the beach clean together.
Snorkeling and Sea Adventure
If you like calm seas and clear water, snorkeling at Tiga Warna Beach is a must-try. It’s part of the same area as CMC and is known as one of the best marine conservation spots in South Malang. With gear rental at around IDR 25,000 per person (around $1.50), you can jump in and see healthy coral reefs and colorful fish swimming freely.
Since this is a conservation area, you’re required to go with a local guide, and the number of visitors is limited to 100 visitors in 2 hours. The trip schedule at Tiga Warna Beach is divided into 3 sessions, the first trip starts between 07.00 – 08.00, the second trip between 10.00 – 11.00, and the third trip starts at 13.00.
The best time to snorkel is in the morning, when the sea is calm and the water is super clear. Don’t forget to use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid touching or disturbing marine life.
Tiga Warna Beach is the highlight of the area, and we’ve covered it in more detail here Tiga Warna Beach, Malang: A Hidden Gem Worth a Visit.
Camping at Gatra Beach
If you’re looking for a different kind of overnight experience — not a hotel, but full-on nature — Pantai Gatra is a great spot for camping. You can pitch your tent right by the beach, fall asleep to the sound of waves, gaze at the stars, and wake up to a fresh, clear morning sky.
What you need to know:
- Camping is only allowed on Saturday nights (or Saturday to Sunday), as part of the area’s conservation efforts.
- Before entering, you’ll need to check in at Post 1 or the conservation guard post — this helps keep everything organized and within the rules.
- Since the area is pretty natural and has limited facilities, it’s best to bring your own gear like a tent, sleeping mat, and basic meds. Some gear rentals might be available at the guard post, but don’t count on it too much. Tent and camping area rental costs around IDR 25,000 each (around $1.50).
- And don’t forget: Take your trash back with you. This conservation area is serious about keeping the environment clean and protected.
Backindo Tip: Before you go, contact the site manager or Post 1 to confirm if camping is currently allowed and if you need to book in advance. Also, ask for the full breakdown of camping costs — whether it’s just tent and area rental, or if there are extra facilities included.
Canoeing at Gatra Beach
Besides relaxing or camping, you can also try canoeing at Pantai Gatra. The rental is super affordable: around IDR 25,000 (around $1.50) for a single canoe and IDR 50,000 for a double. The route is near the shoreline, so it’s safe and beginner-friendly.
CMC Healing and Education Package
This package lets you enjoy the beauty of the beach and be part of something meaningful — helping the environment and supporting the local community. The experience lasts up to 6 hours and starts at Post 2 of the CMC Tiga Warna Ecotourism area, guided by local hosts.
The package includes: entrance ticket, mangrove seedling, canoe ride, snorkeling session, lunch, local guide, and a boat ride back. What’s not included: motorcycle taxi (ojek), parking fees, and your personal expenses.
The price starts from IDR 290,000 up to IDR 615,000 depending on the options you choose. For more details and booking, check out their official website or contact them directly on WhatsApp: +62 813-3377-7659.
Backindo Tip: Before booking any package, always double-check whether it’s still available, what the current price is, and if they provide translators who can help you during the trip.
Practical Info
CMC is open daily from 07:00 to 16:00, but closed every Thursday. Entrance fee starts at IDR 10,000 per person (less than $1), with extra charges if you want to visit snorkeling spots or special areas. You’re required to use a local guide, which costs around IDR 150,000 per group (up to 10 people) — about USD 9 — or IDR 250,000 (USD 15) for foreign tourists.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 7–9 AM, when it’s cooler, quieter, and perfect for photos. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours so you can really enjoy the walk and relax at the beach. Don’t forget to bring comfy shoes (the trail can be rocky or muddy), drinking water, sunscreen, a hat or sunglasses, and your own trash bag — because here, you must take your trash back with you.
You can explore Clungup Mangrove Conservation (CMC) on foot — just follow the trail and enjoy the views along the way. But if you want a more relaxed option, there’s a VIP Access where you’ll get a round-trip boat ride. Super chill, especially if you’re coming with a group or family. The price is IDR 200,000 per boat (around $11.97), and it fits up to 7 adults.
Backindo Tip: You can reserve your visit in advance via the official website or through WhatsApp (+62 813-3377-7659), although the reservation system is in Indonesian.
How to Get There
To reach Clungup Mangrove Conservation, head to Tambakrejo Village in South Malang — it’s along the same route as Sendang Biru Beach. The journey from Malang city takes around 2 to 3 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Once you arrive and park your vehicle, you’ll continue on foot for about 10–30 minutes (depending on whether you come by car or motorbike), following a scenic mangrove trail to the beach.
Discover what else to see and do in Malang? Read our complete guide to Malang’s top attractions.
Accommodation Tips
If you want to enjoy the city of Malang, you can stay in the city center. We’ve stayed at both Semeru Hostel Malang and Kertanegara Premium Guest House in the city center — both offered great service and easy access to cafés and transport.
For something more luxurious, Grand Mercure Malang is a great choice. Looking for a peaceful vibe with classic and unique architecture? You might like Shanaya Resort Malang, which offers a blend of nature and comfort.
But if you’d rather escape the city and enjoy a quieter holiday with fresh ocean air, Pondok Indah Homestay near the coast is a great option for a more relaxed, beachside stay.
Why Visit Beaches in Malang?
Clungup Mangrove Conservation, including Tiga Warna Beach, is one of the nicest coastal spots you can visit in South Malang. It’s clean, quiet, and far from the usual trash-filled beaches you sometimes find around Indonesia. Everything here is well-managed, and you can really feel the difference.
It’s also a fun place to spend a few hours — you can walk through the mangroves, explore a few different beaches, try a canoe, or just relax on the sand without any noise around you. If you’re looking for a peaceful, well-kept beach that still feels natural, CMC is honestly one of the best choices.
Trips to Tiga Warna Beach are also offered through Discover Local Ways — a locally run travel service that focuses on responsible travel and authentic local experiences. If you’d like help planning your visit or want to explore more places like this, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp at +62 851-2195-2964 or check out their Instagram: @discoverlocalways.
