TrowulanOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

The Majapahit Capital

Trowulan, in East Java, served as the capital of the Majapahit Empire, a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that existed from the late 13th to the early 16th centuries. Raden Wijaya founded the empire in 1293 after defeating invading Mongols. The area's flat terrain and shallow groundwater supported a dense population. The Majapahit Empire reached its peak under King Hayam Wuruk (1350-1389) and his prime minister, Gajah Mada. During this period, Majapahit controlled territories across the Indonesian archipelago, including parts of present-day Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, southern Thailand, and the Philippines. This control was maintained through naval power and trade networks with Southeast Asia and China. The empire's economy relied on wet rice cultivation and the spice trade.

Decline and Rediscovery

After Hayam Wuruk's death in 1389, the Majapahit Empire declined due to succession disputes and civil wars, such as the Regreg Civil War from 1405 to 1406. The spread of Islam and the rise of coastal Islamic states in Java further weakened the empire. Trowulan was destroyed in 1478 during an invasion by Girindrawardhana, who defeated Kertabhumi, leading to the capital's relocation to Daha (Kediri). The empire collapsed around 1527 with an invasion by the Sultanate of Demak, ending Java's last major pre-Islamic empire.

The ruins of Trowulan remained buried for centuries, often under mud and volcanic debris from Mount Kelud and the Brantas River. J.W.B. Wardenaar, commissioned by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, conducted the first formal survey of the site in 1815. Archaeological research and excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries have uncovered remains of the capital, showing evidence of industrial, commercial, religious, and residential activities from the 14th and 15th centuries.

• —Candi Bajang Ratu — This 14th-century paduraksa-style gate was likely a ceremonial entrance to a royal compound. It is believed to honor King Jayanegara, the second Majapahit king, who died in 1328.
• —Candi Tikus — Discovered in 1914, this ritual bathing pool (petirtaan) is a sunken, rectangular red-brick basin. Its main structure resembles Mount Mahameru, with terraced foundations and concentric 'turrets'.
• —Kolam Segaran — This large rectangular artificial pool, 375 meters long and 175 meters wide, has red brick walls. It was likely used for royal events, to host foreign guests, and possibly as a city reservoir.
• —Gapura Wringin Lawang — This 14th-century split gate (candi bentar) may have been an entrance to a significant housing complex within the Majapahit capital. Its design is still used for gates in East Java today.
• —Situs Makam Putri Campa — This site contains Islamic tombstones, mostly from 1350 to 1478. These findings confirm the presence of a Muslim community within the Majapahit capital.
• —Pendopo Agung Trowulan — This site represents the former grand audience hall of the Majapahit palace complex. Excavations have revealed brick floors and walls of dwellings in the area.
• —Situs Makam Troloyo — This area also contains Islamic tombstones from the 14th and 15th centuries, indicating that Islam was practiced in the royal capital. Pilgrimages are still made here, as some believe it holds the tomb of Raden Wijaya.

The dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit Trowulan. Skies are clearer and rainfall is lower, making outdoor exploration more comfortable. Temperatures remain warm year-round. The wet season, from October to April, brings higher humidity and frequent heavy rains, which can make navigating the spread-out sites difficult and some areas muddy. National holidays may increase local visitors. Avoid visiting during peak rainy periods for a more pleasant experience.

Trowulan is in Mojokerto Regency, East Java, about 50-60 kilometers southwest of Surabaya. From Surabaya's Bungurasih bus terminal, take a bus towards Jombang and get off at the "Trowulan perempatan, lampu merah" junction. The bus ride takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The closest railway stations are Jombang (19 km) and Mojokerto (13 km), both on the Solo-Surabaya line. From Mojokerto, take a becak (bicycle rickshaw) to Kertajaya bus station, then a 15-minute bus ride to Trowulan.

The archaeological sites are spread over a large area. Some central sites are walkable from the Trowulan Museum, but a car, ojek (motorcycle taxi), or becak is needed to see all the ruins. Negotiating a day rate with a local driver is common, starting around Rp 500,000. The Trowulan Museum, west of Kolam Segaran, is open daily except Mondays.