Arca Dwarapala Singosari
Colossal stone guardians of the ancient Singosari Kingdom, offering a glimpse into Java's rich history and artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light & fewer crowds
Arca Dwarapala Singosari
Best Time
Golden hour light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Colossal stone guardians of the ancient Singosari Kingdom, offering a glimpse into Java's rich history and artistry.
"The statues lie beside the road and they are looked well-maintained. A great historical object."
Free Admission 🎟️
Enjoy these historical giants without an entrance fee! They're well-maintained and accessible right by the road.
Photo Opportunities 📷
The statues offer dramatic backdrops. Visit during golden hours for the best lighting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Dwarapala Statues
Beside the road, near Candi Singhasari
Two colossal stone guardians, standing guard with their clubs, a powerful symbol of the Singosari Kingdom's might.
Intricate Stone Carvings
On the Dwarapala statues
Marvel at the detailed craftsmanship of these ancient figures, carved from solid andesite rock.
Proximity to Candi Singhasari
Adjacent to Candi Singhasari
Explore these guardians and then step back further in time at the nearby Candi Singhasari.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Arca Dwarapala
Understanding the Arca Dwarapala
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission 🎟️
Enjoy these historical giants without an entrance fee! They're well-maintained and accessible right by the road.
Photo Opportunities 📷
The statues offer dramatic backdrops. Visit during golden hours for the best lighting.
Respect the Site 🙏
While accessible, remember these are historical artifacts. Admire them respectfully from the designated areas.
Combine with Candi Singhasari 🕉️
These guardians are just a short walk from Candi Singhasari, making for a perfect historical double-feature.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission 🎟️
Enjoy these historical giants without an entrance fee! They're well-maintained and accessible right by the road.
Photo Opportunities 📷
The statues offer dramatic backdrops. Visit during golden hours for the best lighting.
Respect the Site 🙏
While accessible, remember these are historical artifacts. Admire them respectfully from the designated areas.
Combine with Candi Singhasari 🕉️
These guardians are just a short walk from Candi Singhasari, making for a perfect historical double-feature.
Local Eats Nearby 🍜
Don't miss out on local culinary delights in Singosari, like the recommended pasta mi amore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Arca Dwarapala Singosari for their impressive size and historical significance, noting they are well-maintained and freely accessible. The statues are seen as a great historical object and a welcoming symbol of the Singosari Kingdom, though some find the fence a bit contradictory to the 'warm welcome' philosophy. The location is also appreciated for its proximity to local culinary delights.
"A big statue with Gada, known as a guard for Singosari Kingdom
Many great place and culinary in Singosari.
The Spesial one is pasta mi amore
Loc Jl Ronggowuni 11 Singosari"
Kristia Fahmi
"The statues lie beside the road and they are looked well-maintained. I think there is no entrance fee since there is fence around the site, preventing visitor to enter. The statues depicting two giants holding clubs pointing downward. It is said that the philosophy behind the clubs' position is a warm welcome for guests which is contradictive with the presence of fence 😅"
krisnarta sembiring
"The gate of departure to Singosari Kingdom"
Aang Fajar Passa Putra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arca Dwarapala Singosari is located in Desa Candirenggo, Kecamatan Singosari, Kabupaten Malang. You can reach it by car or motorbike from Malang city. Many local tour packages from Malang include a visit to this site.
While direct public transport might be limited, you can take local buses or angkots towards Singosari from Malang. From the Singosari town center, you might need a short taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi) ride to the site.
Renting a motorbike is a popular and flexible option for exploring Singosari and its surroundings. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available.
Yes, there is usually space available for parking vehicles near the site, especially for motorbikes and cars.
Absolutely! The Arca Dwarapala are located just about 200 meters away from Candi Singhasari, making it very convenient to visit both sites on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Arca Dwarapala. The statues are located beside the road and are freely accessible to the public.
Since it's an outdoor site located by the road, there are no official opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, but early morning or late afternoon is recommended for better lighting and fewer crowds.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.
While there are fences around the site, visitors are generally allowed to view the statues from the perimeter. It's important to be respectful of the historical artifacts.
It is strongly advised not to touch the statues to preserve their integrity. Admire their grandeur from a safe distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours: early morning (sunrise) and late afternoon (sunset). The soft light enhances the texture and scale of the statues.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
Try capturing wide shots to show the scale of the statues against the sky, or close-ups to highlight the intricate carvings. Including people in the frame can also emphasize their size.
While technically possible, night photography might be challenging due to limited lighting. The statues are best appreciated in natural daylight.
Many visitors capture the statues from a low angle to emphasize their imposing height. Shots that include the surrounding landscape or the nearby Candi Singhasari also make for interesting compositions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The reviews mention that Singosari offers great culinary experiences. A specific recommendation is 'pasta mi amore' located at Jl Ronggowuni 11 Singosari.
No, there are no restaurants or food stalls directly at the Arca Dwarapala site itself. You'll need to head into Singosari town or nearby areas for dining options.
Singosari, like much of East Java, offers delicious local cuisine. Exploring local warungs (small eateries) is a great way to sample authentic dishes.
Many Indonesian dishes can be made vegetarian. Look for options like Gado-Gado, Nasi Goreng (without meat), or various vegetable stir-fries.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the vicinity, but please ensure you clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Keep it short and sweet: The statues are impressive but don't require extensive exploration, perfect for shorter attention spans.
* Combine with Candi Singhasari: The nearby temple offers more historical context and space for kids to explore (under supervision).
* Pack snacks and water: While there are eateries in Singosari, having your own provisions is convenient.
* Talk about the guardians: Explain their role as protectors to make the visit more engaging and educational.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips:
* Experiment with angles: Low-angle shots emphasize the statues' height, while wider shots can incorporate the surrounding landscape.
* Focus on details: Zoom in on the carvings to showcase the ancient craftsmanship.
* Consider the context: Include Candi Singhasari in your shots for a more complete historical narrative.
* Be mindful of the time: Avoid midday sun, which can create harsh shadows and washed-out images.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
+1For history buffs:
* Learn about the Singosari Kingdom: Research the history before your visit to fully appreciate the context of the statues.
* Visit Candi Singhasari: Understand the relationship between the guardians and the temple they protected.
* Appreciate the craftsmanship: Note the skill involved in carving such massive figures from single stones with ancient tools.
* Consider the symbolism: Reflect on the role of Dwarapala in ancient Indonesian culture and their protective functions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Guardians of Singosari: History and Significance
+1Their presence signifies the kingdom's strength and spiritual beliefs. The philosophy behind the Dwarapala's posture, particularly the downward-pointing clubs, is interpreted by some as a symbol of a warm welcome to guests, a fascinating contrast to their intimidating appearance. This duality highlights the complex cultural and religious landscape of the era. Visiting these statues offers a tangible connection to the rich history and artistic prowess of the Singosari period, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Javanese kingdoms.
Interestingly, the orientation of the Dwarapala statues at Singosari is noted to face towards Candi Singhasari rather than away from it, which is a unique characteristic compared to typical gatekeeper statues. This specific placement might hold deeper symbolic meaning related to the spiritual or political significance of the temple and its surrounding area.
The sheer scale and detail of these ancient sculptures, created with rudimentary tools, are a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and artistic vision of their creators. Experiencing Arca Dwarapala: What to Expect
Many visitors find the statues to be a powerful visual representation of history and a great spot for photography. The best light for capturing their grandeur is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts a warm glow and creates dramatic shadows.
It's common to see people taking photos, marveling at the craftsmanship, and contemplating the history these stone sentinels represent. The proximity to Candi Singhasari means you can easily combine a visit to both sites, creating a comprehensive historical tour of the Singosari area. While there are no facilities like cafes or restrooms directly at the statue site, the town of Singosari is nearby and offers various dining options, from local eateries to more specific recommendations like 'pasta mi amore'.
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