Madura is an island off the coast of East Java.

Regions

Map of Madura with regions colour coded

Bangkalan

Sampang

Pamekasan

Sumenep

Understand

Madhura ampon kalonta e manca naghara Buja tor tana kapor "Madura has gained world fame Tho’ it abounds in only salt and lime" -- Ismail

A byword for crowded poverty even in Indonesia, Madura's infertile soil has led to an estimated 10 million Madurese migrants leaving the island, with only around 4 million left to eke out a living from subsistence agriculture (corn), tobacco and cloves, salt panning, fishing and cattle farming. A larger contrast to the largely lush and fertile Java next door is hard to imagine.

Those geographic and climatic reasons, together with a lack of well known sights, make Madura as off the beaten path for travellers as it gets in this part of Indonesia.

History has not dealt the people of Madura a kind card. The island was in an almost perpetual state of conflict, with different parts of the island siding with different kingdoms in various medieval Javanese conflicts. In the colonial period, the rulers of east and west Madura were often allied with the Dutch and, in return for protection, provided natural resources and troops. In World War II, the Madurese suffered enormously under the Japanese.

The opening of the Suramadu Bridge in mid-2009 might just begin to change the off the beaten path nature of Madura, though. There were large investment plans mooted and many of these focused on developing Madura as a tourist destination from 2010. Only time will tell but the omens look good for an island that has had little go in its favour for so long. But through early 2015, there were no signs of big industrial projects coming to Madura.

Tales and legends have developed around Madurese women who are famous throughout Indonesia for one thing: secretive sex techniques known as goyang Madura. These seem to involve clenching vaginal muscles in a way not unlike Kegel exercises, assisted with herbal preparations like the tongkat Madura (Madura stick) that were a minor hit in Japan a few years back.

Climate

This is a very dry and hot island, similar to arid eastern parts of Indonesia.

Tourism information

Madura Tourist Information Office (Sumenep Regency): Jalan dr Sutomo No 5, Sumenep, Madura. Tel: +62 328 667148, Tu-Sa, 7AM-3PM.

Talk

The local language is Madurese, but standard Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken. You will find a little bit of English spoken and understood at some of the hotels and amongst well educated younger people, but that's about it.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Trunojoyo Airport (SUP  ^IATA), ☏ +62 328 669956. Wings Air from Surabaya  

By road

The Suramadu Bridge

• 1 Suramadu Bridge (Jembatan Suramadu). The bridge that was completed in June 2009 after a rather tortured history of stop-start construction, lack of funding and industrial accidents. At 5.5 km it is Indonesia's longest. It connects connects northern Surabaya in Java to Bangkalan in Madura. The road is free. It is perfectly possible for visitors to cross to Madura independently using a car or motorbike rented in Surabaya. However, you should tell the hire company that you intend to drive the vehicle to Madura. (updated Jun 2022)

By ferry

The classic way to get to Madura involves taking a public ferry from Tanjung Perak, north Surabaya, to Kamal which is 10 km south of Bangkalan. Since the opening of the Suramadu Bridge, travellers are perhaps better off avoiding the ferry altogether, except when Suramadu suspension Bridge is closed for hours due to strong wind or person who carry big rugsack sometimes prefer to use ferry.

Privately-operated ferries have been withdrawn, and now only some of the government-subsidised ferries of Angkutan Sungai Dan Penyeberangan (ASDP) are operating. These have a limited timetable, departing daily from about 08:00 to 20:00. On January 1, 2015 ASDP increase the ticket and made more difficult to compete with Suramadu Bridge. The new tariff is: Rp 5,000 for person only, Rp 40,000 for car and Rp 7,000 for motorcycle with the driver, and become Rp 12,000 if there are second person in the back seat. For the adventurous, there is another ferry route into Madura from Jangkar in the Situbondo regency of north eastern Java. The crossing takes about 5 hours and the schedules are weather dependent and by no means certain. This ferry service arrives in Kalianget, about 10 km south east of Sumenep in eastern Madura and it makes sense if you are coming from the Baluran National Park area.

By bus

Buses from Bungurasih terminal in Surabaya and executive buses from Tangerang/Jakarta run frequently to Bangkalan/Sampang/Sumenep over the Suramadu bridge.

Get around

Shuttle buses (locally called colts) ply the main south coast and north coast routes from the port at Kamal and the bridge exit point. They run all day from dawn until about 10PM.

See

Bull racing at Sumenep

• Bukit Jaddih, in Bangkalan, the place is an open place with some areas acting as an open pool. Originally it is a lime hill excavation, but now a tourist area. Beware that some thugs also operating around this area, hence avoid this place after dark.
• Bukit Arosbaya, also in Bangkalan, the limestone is redder than Bukit Jaddih, due to iron content and it is more secluded with the high cliff.
• Bull Racing (Kerapan Sapi). This is the most famous attraction in Madura. Every August and September town and villages across Madura hold races and the winners compete for the Presidential Trophy in the grand finals in Pamekasan in late September. Races take place over a 100-metre course and are over in about 10 seconds. The jockey is usually a young boy who shows great control of the large bulls while balanced almost impossibly on a simple wooden sledge. This is a major event in Madura and it is taken very seriously indeed with all sorts of intrigue surrounding the raising of champion bulls, the use of mysterious herbal tonics and the harnessing of dark magic to cripple opponents. A very exotic and colourful affair. 
• The hills of Madura and marvel at the skill of local farmers who find a living here. Traditional crops you will see are corn, tobacco and cloves. A good area to head for is the central road which links Pagantenan (about 15 km north of Pamekasan) and Gulukguluk (the centre of tobacco growing).
• 1 Sumenep Palace (Keraton Sumenep), Sumenep. 7AM to 2PM daily except Sundays. This is the modern day office of the Bupati (administrative head of the regency) of Sumenep and also houses the Royal Carriage House Museum. The palace was built in 1762. Very notable are the huge original teak pillars. Lots to see here including palanquins, weapons, Chinese porcelain, wooden handicrafts and beautifully carved furniture. The single best place to get a real handle on Madurese cultural history. Rp 6,000. 
• 2 Masjid Jamik Sumenep (Masjid Agung Sumenep). is an 18th-century mosque with interesting architecture. Located near the Sumenep Palace.  
• 3 Benteng VOC Kalimo'ok, Jl. By Pass Kertasada, Bereklorong, Kalimo'ok, Kalianget, Sumenep (7 km form the downtown Sumenep). A Dutch fort was established in 1785. It was built by VOC. 
• 4 The Sembilangan Lighthouse. was brought out in sections from Holland and assembled here. It is a fine structure. It is sometimes possible to enter inside and climb up to the top for great views.  
• 5 Camplong Beach, Jl. Raya Camplong, Camplong, Pamekasan. (updated Dec 2022)
• 6 Kalianget Old Town (Kota Tua Kalianget), Sumenep. Kalianget Old Town is one of the first modern cities on Madura Island. This city was built during the VOC era and continued by the Dutch East Indies government. You may see the remnants of the old city in the PT Garam (a state-owned company) area. 

Islands

A traditional boat in Gili Labak

• 7 Gili Iyang Island. The island has been noted for its plant diversity and high concentrations of oxygen. It is known as the oxygen island. 
• 8 Gili Labak Island. Exotic small island in Sumenep regency. 
• 9 Kangean Islands. The Kangeans are an archipelago of about 30 islands 120 km to east-north-east of Madura. These are relatively little known but with far better boat transport options than used to be the case, the islands are accessible for the adventurous traveller. The largest island is Kangean itself at about 490 sqkm. Others are as small as 1,800 sqm. The key attraction here is marine life and there is good snorkelling close to shore off many of the islands. As a general rule, the western coast lines here tend to be white sand while the eastern coasts are often covered with mangrove forest. Some Bali-based dive operators offer formal dive excursions to this archipelago, and there are irregular boats servicing the Kangeans from Sangsit nr Singaraja in North Bali. The only formal accommodation option in the island group is a fairly terrible government rest house (pasanggrahan) in Arjasa on main Kangean. As an alternative, you should also be able to find lodging with a family by approaching a local head of village (kepala desa). Both public ferries (ASDP) and private boats service Batu Guluk , which is about 12 km from Arjasa the capital of main Kangean. These leave from Kalianget just 6 km south-east of Sumenep, and the crossing takes anything from 6 to 10 hours. 

The north coast

Toro'an Waterfall

The north coast road of Madura is very much worth driving and is quite unlike anywhere else in the region. It almost recalls dry Adriatic islands with shallow, crystal clear waters contrasting with the arid white stoned terrain. You can drive this road in either direction between Bangkalan and Sumenep. Fishing villages are scattered all along the north coast and you will see lots of attractive little outrigger boats called perahu. There are ancient royal tombs just to the north of both cities.

Pasarean Asta Tinggi, Sumenep royal tombs

• 10 Air Mata Cemetery. ancient graves of East Madura’s royal family. 
• Asta Tinggi Tombs is located on a hill 4 km north of Sumenep on the road to the villages of Manding and Dasok. It was built in 1644 as a royal cemetery. Do note that visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the cemetery complex.
• 11 Lombang Beach, Batang Batang, Sumenep.  
• 12 Slopeng Beach, Jalan Raya Ambunten No.34 Ambunten, Trebung Ghetteng, Sema"an, Sumenep. 
• 13 Toro'an Waterfall (Air Terjun Toro'an), Talabang, Ketapang Daya, Ketapang, Sampang. 06:00-18:00. A waterfall by the sea. (updated Dec 2022)

Do

• Snorkel off the north coast or in glorious isolation on the Kangean Islands.
• Pick mangoes. During the right season you will find hundreds of mangoes under the trees. They are great. Enjoy them.

Buy

• Madura is famous for its batik of deep blue, red and gold. You will find outlets in Sumenep (especially) and Bangkalan.
• Jamu Madura. Traditional herbal aphrodisiacs for men and women. Many streetside outlets, you cannot miss them.

Eat

Nasi jagung (mashed corn) with bebek songkem

Kaldu kikil (cow pebbles)

Simple warungs and street-side vendors are the go in Madura. Whether you are looking for a seated restaurant or happy with street stalls, the key is to follow the local crowds.

The Madura-style satay is probably the most popular satay variant in Indonesia. Madurese dishes are often saltier than other East Javanese foods. Specialities include:

• Bebek songkem, a Madura deep fried duck.
• Campur lorjuk, a Pamekasan solen-type bivalve soup.
• Kaldu kokot, a thick beef soup with beef bones cooked together with green peanuts. It is served with "lontong", white steamed rice wrapped in banana leaf, it is normally quite spicy.
• Rujak is made by mixing vegetables such as cucumber, and green peanuts with peanut sauces and cassava chips. For people living on Java, it's simply "Indonesian salad".
• Sate ayam Madura, a chicken satay with peanut sauce.
• Sate kambing Madura, a spicy goat satay with sweet soy sauce.
• Soto Madura, a savory coconut milk beef soup with rice.
• Tajin Sobih, a traditional Bangkalan porridge.

Places to eat

Sumenep probably has the best selection of warungs and simple restaurants on the island.

• 1 Warung Ibu Adnan Kaldu Kokot, Jl. DR. Wahidin No.5, Lingkungan Delama, Pajagalan, Sumenep (Go southeast from Masjid Jamik Sumenep), ☏ +62 328 665387. 05:00-17:00. Serves kaldu kokot. 
• 2 Bebek Songkem Pak Salim, Jl. Kh. Asyhary Sorogan No.34, Taman Arum, Sampang, ☏ +62 817 506 5898. 07:00-22:00. The restaurant famous for its bebek songkem (fried duck). 
• 3 Campur Lorjuk Bu Hamidah, Majungan, Pademawu, Pamekasan, ☏ +62 853 310 83887. F-W, Open 07:00. Serves campur lorjuk. 
• 4 Sate Mak Cenneng, Jl. Letnan Sunarto Bangkalan No.27, Kasorjan, Demangan, Bangkalan, ☏ +62 823 339 23400. 17:00-24:00. Serves sate ayam Madura and sate kambing Madura. 
• 5 Kaldu Kikil Pakong, Jl. Campaka - Rubaru, Bandungan, Pakong, Pamekasan, ☏ +62 817 0367 7311. 17:00-21:00. Serves kaldu kikil. 

Drink

Water and plenty of it. This is a harsh, hot, and dry climate.

The Madurese are devout Muslims and while alcohol is not illegal, it is best avoided out of respect.

Sleep

A government survey in October 2009 found just 31 accommodation options (many of them informal) on an island of 4,250 sq km. There are plans to change this though as part of the general development of the island after the opening of the Suramadu Bridge. Firm expressions of interest have come from several star-rated hotel groups to build properties in Bangkalan and Sumenep.

Bangkalan

• Ningrat, Jl KHM Kholil 113, Bangkalan, Madura, ☏ +62 31 3095388. Probably the best hotel on the island but that is a relative statement(!). The air con "VIP" rooms are much nicer and decorated in traditional bright Madurese colours. From about RP 90,000 to 215,000. 
• Melati Hotel, Jl Mayor Jenderal Sungkono 48, Bangkalan, Madura, ☏ +62 31 3096457. A rather shabby place but it is cheaper than the Ningrat and used by budget travellers for that reason alone. 

Pamekasan

• Garuda Hotel, Jl Mesigit No1, Pamekasan, Madura, ☏ +62 324 322589. A converted old colonial building and the rooms are very large. A charming property in its own way and one of the better options on the whole island. 
• Gatra Hotel, Jl Agus Salim No18, Pamekasan, Madura, ☏ +62 324 322045. A newer hotel built in the mid 1990s with a good restaurant and helpful staff. 

Sampang

• Hotel Rahmat, Jl KH Agus Salim 31, Sampang, Madura, ☏ +62 323 321302. Decent, clean property with a range of room and prices all with private bathrooms. Fan coooled rooms are much cheaper than the large air con rooms. 
• PKPN Hotel, Jl Rajawali 9, Sampang, Madura, ☏ +62 323 32116. Probably the best known hotel in Sampang but it is tired. In a good convenient location and efficiently run though. 

Sumenep

• Baitul Kamul Hotel, Jl Gresik Putih Kalianget Timur 9, Sumenep, Madura, ☏ +62 328 661947. Probably the best option for visitors to Sumenep. Friendly and helpful staff. 
• Safari Hotel, Jl Trunojoyo 90, Sumenpe, Madura, ☏ +62 328 662989. A bit more spacious than other hotel options here and just out of the town centre. 
• Wijaya I, Jl Trunojoyo 45, Sumenep, Madura, ☏ +62 328 662433. The preferred hotel of business visitors and for that reason it is clean and efficient. 
• Mitra Land Hotel, Jl Trunojoyo 191, Gedungan, Sumenep, 69451, Indonesia, ☏ +62 812 1640 9991. Good value for money except it is two kilometres south of the Sumenep town centre. Near pick-up and drop-off point for out-of-town buses. RP 50,000 for a single-bed room with private bathroom. Comes with air-conditioning and TV (non-cable). 

Respect

This is an inherently conservative island and the Madurese are pious Muslims. Many other Indonesians (unfairly) regard the Madurese as kasar (coarse or unrefined) and hot-tempered.

Madura receives relatively few foreign visitors and you are therefore likely to be a source of some curiosity. Behaviour and dress should be appropriately conservative. If you make an effort to understand and respect the Madurese, you will find them welcoming and people with a finely developed sense of humour.

Connect

The island of Madura has four telephone area codes.

• Bangkalan 031 (same as Surabaya)
• Pamekasan 0324
• Sampang 0323
• Sumenep 0328

The internet has been slow to penetrate and spread in Madura but that is changing and you will find options (often very slow) in Sumenep especially.

Go next

• Back to Surabaya and access to the main areas of interest in the East Java region.
• A really adventurous option is to travel 6-10 hours by boat to the Kangean Islands, with the hope of passage from there to North Bali.