A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Malang for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Da Nang or Malang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Da Nang or Malang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a accessible, authentic, and coastal city. It's also known for beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Malang

Malang is a authentic, cultural, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Da Nang and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Malang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malang. Although Da Nang and Malang are popular destinations, Malang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malang is very popular for its food, hiking, and shopping, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Malang is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its many nearby natural attractions. It is also well known for the Rainbow Village. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Malang and Da Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Da Nang or Malang?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Da Nang and Malang.

Da Nang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some people use this city as a base for exploring other nearby towns. While it has some interesting sights, there aren't nearly as much history as in the surrounding area. The Golden Bridge Hands has become a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Marble Mountains are also a highlight. You can also check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Malang. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Malang is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

Da Nang has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's local cuisine is authentic and traditional. There are many local dishes to try such as Mi Quang (rice noodles and chicken), Bun Cha Ca (rice noodles and fish cakes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper).

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is well known for nightlife. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Da Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are rooftop cafes, lounges, and local bars that are cheap and stay open late. You'll find a good number of places along Bach Dang Street, which turns into a walking street at 7 pm.

If you're looking for night time activities Malang has a few options to choose from. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is well known for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

Da Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a popular place for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Da Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. There are beaches within a 10 minute drive of the city, which can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more peaceful experience, you'll need to go to Son Tra Peninsula, which is where you'll find most of the luxury resorts.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Malang is a good destination for hiking. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Malang?

Malang is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

Malang offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Da Nang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Families?

Da Nang is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Da Nang is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities in the area. Amusement parks like Asia Park Da Nang and nearby Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park are fun for everyone. There are also beaches and beachfront resorts that aren't far from town.

Malang offers lots of family activities. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Couples?

Da Nang is well known for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Da Nang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Malang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Malang are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Da Nang. It's often skipped by backpackers and other tourists, but those who hang out for a day or two will appreciate an authentic city with genuine Vietnamese culture.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Malang is a good city to visit for students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

Is Da Nang or Malang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Da Nang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Da Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Da Nang or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Malang is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

Da Nang is not a very walkable city. The city is very spread out and very difficult to explore on foot. There are some beachfront promenades that are pedestrian-friendly, but most of the city is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Da Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Da Nang and Malang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malang than in Da Nang. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Malang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Da Nang, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Da Nang than Malang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Da Nang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malang than Da Nang if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Malang.

One day in Da Nang or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Malang, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Da Nang or Malang?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Malang, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malang has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malang is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Da Nang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Malang. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Malang, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Malang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malang than you might in Da Nang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Da Nang Expensive? and Is Malang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Malang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Malang, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.