Batu, Mountain resort city in East Java, Indonesia
Batu is a mountain resort in East Java, Indonesia, lying between Mount Arjuno and Mount Welirang at 838 meters elevation across subtropical highland terrain. The location in the mountains provides cooler air and dense vegetation surrounding orchards and vegetable plots.
In the 10th century, King Sindok ordered the scholar Mpu Supo to establish a royal retreat, which led to the construction of Songgoriti. This early settlement marked the beginning of permanent structures in the region and drew further communities over the centuries.
The name comes from Mbah Wastu, a follower of Prince Diponegoro, who shaped the early growth of this mountain settlement. His presence in the 19th century brought new residents to the highlands, seeking refuge and laying the foundation for later communities.
The elevation provides mild daytime temperatures and cool evenings, so bringing a light jacket for visits after sunset is advisable. Roads wind through valleys and slopes often covered in mist, especially during early morning hours.
Three administrative districts divide the region: one covers the central slopes, a second spreads over wide plateaus, and a third includes the eastern valleys. This division follows the natural landforms and historical settlement patterns that developed over centuries.
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