Why Tourists Call the Rainbow Village in Malang A ‘Scam’ (and Why They’re Wrong)

The glass bridge doesn't just connect the two villages physically; it also blends them into what looks like a single ticketed area.

Muhammad Darman M

10/15/2025

"Pay again? Why?"

I heard a tourist asked the local woman at the end of the glass bridge.

"I'm sorry, this is Kesatrian Tridi. Jodipan is there. Different village. Different management."

The woman explained in broken English.

The tourist only stared at her, his posture stiff and his eyes narrowed with suspicion.

I had witnessed this misunderstanding countless times and I knew the issue wasn't the price, but the perception. So I stepped between the tourist and the local woman, and said:

After explaining how it completely changes the perception of the space, some tourists finally understood, but the majority did not.

Then I heard one simply shout, "That is a scam!"

I didn't respond then. Instead, I turned my frustration into sketches for this article, which now speaks for the people of the colorful village.

To understand this, we need a little context.

Before this glass bridge was built to offer an easier crossing and better views, if you wanted to cross, you had to take the long way around using the main road bridge.

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The funny thing is, back then, the two villages looked so obviously separate that no one complained about buying two different tickets—it just made sense!

But now it doesn't just connect the two villages physically; it also blends them into what looks like a single ticketed area.

Tips

  1. Prepare for two separate entry tickets. (You'll pay once for each village, Kesatrian Tridi and Jodipan.)

  2. Walk with me and let's look closer: more than just colourful houses.

My Recommended Coffee and Food Nearby

Gado-gado Kampung Biru

This small restaurant sells Gado-gado, an Indonesian salad of boiled, or steamed vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, fried tofu, and tempeh, all mixed and served with a rich peanut sauce.

Coffee Story

This coffee shop offers great coffee with a view overlooking the Arema Blue Village.