A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Malang for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Halong Bay or Malang?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Halong Bay and Malang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a spectacular, breathtaking, and stunning bay. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Malang

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

Halong Bay and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Malang?

Both Malang and Halong Bay have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Halong Bay is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Malang attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Halong Bay is more touristy than Malang and is known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Halong Bay different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Halong Bay or Malang?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Halong Bay and Malang.

Halong Bay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.

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 Halong Bay or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Malang have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Is Halong Bay or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Malang is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Malang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Halong Bay or Malang Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is well known for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Halong Bay is considered a top beach destination. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Malang Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Many people include a hike when visiting Malang. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Malang?

Malang is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known 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).

Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.

Is Halong Bay or Malang Better for Families?

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

Halong Bay is a very family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

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 Halong Bay or Malang Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Halong Bay makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

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 Halong Bay or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay is well known for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Halong Bay. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

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 Halong Bay or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Malang is popular with students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Halong Bay is not popular with students.

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

Malang is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Halong Bay or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Halong Bay is not a very walkable bay. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Halong Bay and Malang. In our opinion, Malang has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Malang than Halong Bay. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Malang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malang, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Malang?

Halong Bay 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Malang, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Halong Bay or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Halong Bay. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Malang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, 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 Halong Bay and Malang, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halong Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay.

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