Climb Mount Arjuna and Mount Welirang. This is a tough 3 day expedition for experienced trekkers only. These two mountains combine to form a volcanic massif. Dormant Arjuna is at 3,338 m and active Welirang at 3,156m and the two are joined by huge saddle ridge. There are several ways to approach the trek but the best start point is at Selecta, 4 km north of Batu. You will need a guide and these are best found in Selecta village. If you are staying in Batu your hotel may also be able to help with connecting you to a good guide. Plan for two nights on the mountains in temperatures which can approach freezing. There is no need to cart tents as there are simple hut shelters used by the local sulphur workers and all guides will know the locations. You will need a warm sleeping bag and appropriate clothing though.

The lower slopes are lush but this gives way to a high terrain which more recalls the Andes or Tibet than tropical Indonesia! The same is true of the basic shelters in which you will be sleeping. The route from Selecta tackles Arjuna first and the views from the top are stunning - the whole volcanic spine of East Java stretches before you. The following day, Welirang offers similar magnificence with the added thrill of a steaming, sulphurous active crater. Be very careful on Welirang and take no risks - this Mountain is classed as a very active A-type by geologists. This is a very rewarding trek with views as good, if not better, than from any of Java's volcanic peaks.

Walk. The area in and around Batu and Selecta is very scenic indeed and lends itself well to casual walking as well as more strenuous treks.

Eat apples. They are everywhere and you can hardly not.

• ''The'' Statue, Batu (the centre point of Batu town). Indonesia is famous for its whimsical, if not surreal, statues. This one probably beats them all - a large glossy red and green apple atop a huge leafy cabbage. A photo opportunity not to be missed. More usefully, this is a good orientation point.  edit

• Coban Rondo Waterfall, (4km from Sepalu village, west of Batu). A good waterfall on the slopes of Mount Panderman with a 30 metre drop. The road here from Sepalu village goes through attractive terrain with some nice views and passes a small Elephant enclosure. A nice excursion is to get dropped off at the turning at Sepalu and walk the 4 km to the falls.  edit

• Mount Panderman, Songgokerto village. You can see Mount Panderman looming large from the centre of Batu. It is a good hiking and birdwatching area. If an organised hike is of interest you should be able to find a guide at Coban Rondo Waterfall.  edit

• Punten, Punten village (3 km from Batu town centre). Hectare after hectare of apple orchards and orchid nurseries. Pay a nominal rupiah sum and pick and eat as many apples as you can manage. Other villages nearby have similar setups and include Sidomulyo and Pandanrejo.  edit

• Songgoriti, (about 2 km west of Batu town centre). This is probably the single most attractive village in the area and a day or half day spent just wandering here will be time well spent. There are some nice hot springs to relieve tired legs and a notable Hindu temple dating from the Majapahit period in the 15th century.  edit

• Taman Rekreasi Selecta, Selecta, ☎ +62 341 592379, [1]. This landscaped park was established by the Dutch in 1930 and although very changed, it remains a charming place to visit outside of the school holiday seasons (when it is overrun with children). Nice swimming pool. Opportunities for some guided walks and horse riding. There is a hotel and restaurant attached to the park.  edit

It is an easy 30 minute drive from Malang to Batu.

Regular shuttle buses and bemos ply the route, departing from Malang's Landung Sari bus terminal.

The better hotels in the area are open to arranging to collect you from Malang. If you are not driving yourself, try to get this as part of your accommodation package.

A word of warning that it does get very crowded in Batu at weekends and during school holidays with trippers from Malang and Surabaya. Avoid those periods if at all possible.

The area lends itself very well to walking. There are regular local bemo services and all of the better hotels offer tours and/or private transport to the main sights.

Apples again. This is the nation's major apple producing centre and aside from the delicious fresh produce, try:

• dried apple chips. A real speciality here which are sold in bags so you can stock up. Healthy and truly delicious.

• a local apple cake known as Dodol.

There are good quality restaurants attached to all of the main hotels.

• Sate Hot Plate, Batu. Famous for Sate Kambing (goat satay).  edit

Unsurprisingly, there are several local variations on Apple juice, both pure and laced with different syrups.