Trowulan (Mojokerto)

Trowulan is a historic village and expansive archaeological site located in Mojokerto Regency, East Java. Historically, it served as the royal capital and administrative heart of the mighty Majapahit Empire, which ruled much of the Indonesian archipelago and Southeast Asia during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Spanning several square kilometers across a flat agricultural valley, the site is an open-air historical treasure trove containing the scattered ruins of ancient red-brick temples (candi), royal bathing pools (petirtaan), and monumental gateways. Key landmarks include Candi Tikus (an intricate subterranean bathing shrine), Candi Bajang Ratu (an elegant towering split gate), and the Majapahit Information Center Museum, which houses extensive collections of terracotta artifacts, porcelain, and gold ornaments recovered from the ancient city.

Key Highlights: The unique red-brick architectural style of Majapahit temples, Candi Tikus and Candi Bajang Ratu, ancient irrigation and canal remnants, and the Trowulan Museum housing rare imperial artifacts.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May to October) to comfortably explore the outdoor archaeological park under clear skies without seasonal downpours.

How to Get There

Trowulan is situated roughly 50 kilometers southwest of Surabaya, making it easily accessible via regional transport:

• By Car or Taxi: A direct drive from Surabaya or Malang takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours via the Trans-Java Toll Road, exiting directly near Mojokerto.

• By Train and Local Transport: Arrive via intercity train at Mojokerto Railway Station, then take a short local taxi or public minibus (*minibus/ojek*) south toward the Trowulan heritage zone.