Sumber Jenon: Malang’s Enchanted Spring Where Nature Meets Legend

TIMESINDONESIA, MALANG – Hidden deep within the rural landscapes of East Java, Sumber Jenon is a tranquil oasis that blends crystal-clear waters, towering trees, and centuries-old folklore.

This place is located in Gunungronggo Village, Tajinan District. This natural spring offers more than just a place to swim—it’s a destination where visitors can step into a story that has been told for generations.

Unlike crowded tourist spots, Sumber Jenon feels like a secret shared only with those willing to journey off the beaten path. About 18 kilometers from the heart of Malang City, the spring is tucked away amid green rice paddies and rolling countryside.

Travelers must come by private transport, as no public buses or shuttles venture this far—a fact that helps preserve its peaceful charm.

At the heart of Sumber Jenon lies a wide, natural pool measuring roughly 50 by 30 meters, with depths ranging from a gentle one meter to a dramatic fourteen. The water glows in shades of turquoise and emerald, reflecting the leafy canopy overhead.

Beneath the surface rests the massive trunk of an ancient Jenu tree, believed to be hundreds of years old, adding both mystery and beauty to the scene.

Local legend says the spring was born in the time of the Mataram Kingdom, when a couple named Lantang Grati and Irogat fled from war and made their home in the forest. During a harsh dry season, Lantang Grati prayed beneath the Jenu tree for water.

A fierce wind toppled the tree, and from the spot where its roots tore the earth, a stream burst forth. That water has flowed endlessly ever since, becoming Sumber Jenon.

Adding to its mystique are the Sengkaring fish, revered by locals as the spring’s spiritual guardians. They are said to number exactly 37 at all times, in black and red varieties, with some reaching an astonishing 170 centimeters in length.

Alongside them swim tilapia, mujair, and koi—yet according to tradition, none may be caught or harmed.

Visitors will find thoughtful facilities, from shaded gazebos and a prayer room to restrooms and small eateries serving Malang’s signature dishes like tahu telor and chicken rice.

The shallow areas invite swimmers to cool off, while the deepest section is cordoned off for safety. For a dash of adventure, guests can try waterball rides, pedal sky cycling above the water, or even camp nearby.

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sumber Jenon welcomes travelers at just Rp10,000 per person, with modest parking fees. Those who come on sunny days are rewarded with the clearest water and the most vibrant views.

Sumber Jenon is more than a beautiful spring—it’s a living piece of East Java’s cultural heritage. For anyone visiting Malang, it offers the rare chance to experience nature’s beauty intertwined with a legend that still ripples through its waters today. (*)