Singosari is a kecamatan in Malang Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. It covers an area of 118.51 km2 and had a population of 165,357 at the 2010 Census and 180,050 at the 2020 Census;[Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021.] the official estimate as at mid 2024 was 182,656.[Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2025, Kabupaten Malang Dalam Angka 2025 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.3507)] It is situated about 400 m above sea-level, and is therefore quite cool especially from June to August. Temperature hovers around 18–20 degrees Celsius at night.
History
The name Singosari is derived from
Singhasari, a famous Javanese medieval kingdom (1222–1292), which palace located not far away from modern Singosari District.
Candi Singhasari (Singosari temple) - which was used as worship palace during this kingdom - is located in Kertanegara street, about from Singosari market.
Economy and demography
It is predominantly occupied by
Javanese people with smaller number of
Madurese people, Chinese,
Arab Indonesians and other groups. Singosari district is located on the main highway connecting
Surabaya, the capital of East Java province, and
Malang city. The main activity is at the Singosari market. A small airport, Abdul Rachman Saleh, has been constructed to facilitate air travel between Malang and Jakarta.
Interesting places
There are a couple of places of interest in Singosari such as the
Candi Singhasari, dated to the 13th century, Sumberawan
stupa and the 3339 m high
Mount Arjuno. It is a moderate 2 day climb including the return trip. There are also natural springs in the area.
Further to the west from this temple is Ken Dedes swimming pool, believed to be the bathing place and royal garden of Singhasari. Upon entering this pool complex there are 2 big statues called Dwarapala at each side of the entrance. Dwarapala is a squatting giant holding big staff as a weapon, symbolizing the guard of holy places in Javanese people culture.
