Stepped terraces
A shape like a sacred mountain.
Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0
A thirteenth-century stone temple in Tumpang town east of Malang, dedicated to the memory of King Wishnuwardhana of Singhasari and rebuilt and enlarged in the Majapahit era. Its shape is unusual: three stepped terraces rising towards the back, reached by stairs, said to echo a sacred mountain. Its finest feature is the reliefs on its walls, read by walking round the temple, telling stories from old Javanese and Indian literature in a flat style like Javanese shadow puppets, a style that sets East Java's temples apart from those of Central Java. Parts of the upper section have collapsed, so it feels a true ruin. Entry is free with an optional donation; the site is small, in the middle of town. Tumpang is also the gateway on the Malang side of the road to Bromo, so you can stop on the way. Pair it with Singosari Temple for a ruins tour.
A shape like a sacred mountain.
The East Javanese style.
A short stop on the way.
Tumpang, about 20 km east of Malang
Walk round the temple anticlockwise, as was the custom for temples of that era. A local guide or an illustrated guide helps with the stories.