Pacet

Pacet is a hilly resort district on the northern slopes of the Arjuno-Welirang twin volcanoes in East Java, sitting at about 600 m above sea level. It serves as the nearest mountain escape for travelers from Surabaya and the surrounding densely populated areas, particularly popular with young visitors seeking hot springs, outdoor activities, and cooler mountain air. The area offers hot spring pools, rafting, outbound activities, and scenic village landscapes, making it a practical weekend getaway rather than a major tourist destination.

The best way to reach Pacet is by private car. From Surabaya, drive through Waru without entering the toll highway, continuing straight to Sepanjang and then to Krian. From Krian, follow signs to Mojosari and continue uphill to Pacet. The road becomes steeper near the hot springs area, with some sections reportedly at about 30 degrees incline. There is no mention of public bus or train options to Pacet in the article.

There is little to no public transport in Pacet, so visitors must get around by private car. Renting a vehicle or having your own transportation is essential for reaching the various attractions, hot springs, and nearby destinations.

Pacet can be visited year-round, though the mountain climate keeps temperatures cooler than the Surabaya plains. The area experienced a tragic landslide disaster during a major holiday season in 2002 when many visitors swimming in hot spring pools were killed; the hot springs were subsequently relocated. Visitors should exercise caution during heavy rainy seasons when landslides become a risk.

Accommodation options in Pacet include budget hotels clustered around the hot springs area, rental villas suitable for families or groups, and several camping grounds for those seeking a more outdoor experience. The Alit Establishment on Jl. Hasanudin in Sajen offers rooms from Rp640,900 with an outdoor pool surrounded by rice fields and forest.

Pacet has many small food stalls (warung) serving Indonesian cuisine. The area is known for grilled and fried fish, particularly at fishing ponds and eateries. A local specialty is sweet fermented black glutinous rice. The Pacet Mini Park features a grilled fish "food court" with small pavilions (warung lesehan) where visitors can eat outdoors.

The main attractions in Pacet include soaking in hot springs and swimming pools, outbound and flying fox activities at Padusan Village and Pacet Mini Park, and white-water rafting. Visitors can also enjoy fishing at ponds such as Pak Gufron's fishing pond in Dlanggu, about 7-8 km from Pacet. The Coban Canggu Waterfall and Mount Welirang views offer scenic natural attractions.

Visitors can purchase fresh fruit, agricultural products, potato chips, various other chip varieties, and vegetables at the local Pacet market. Passion fruit trees are visible at the entrance to Pacet Mini Park.

Pacet has experienced a serious natural disaster: in 2002, a landslide during a major holiday season killed many visitors who were swimming in hot spring pools. Following this incident, the hot spring facility was relocated. Visitors should monitor weather conditions, particularly during rainy seasons, and avoid areas prone to landslides. The steep mountain roads approaching the hot springs require careful driving.

Nearby destinations from Pacet include Tretes and Trawas, both less than half an hour away by car. Visitors can also drive up to Cangar in Malang Regency, a resort at about 1,500 m above sea level with hot springs. From Cangar, travelers can continue to Batu and Malang city. These destinations form a logical mountain circuit from Surabaya.