A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Malang for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a quiet, beautiful, and off-the-beaten-path island. The famous beauty of Koh Lanta is one of the main draws. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Malang

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

Koh Lanta and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Malang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Malang are popular destinations, Koh Lanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lanta is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Malang attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Malang is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is known for its many nearby natural attractions. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also well known for Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Malang?

Malang is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Is Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Malang has a better nightlife scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

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 Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is well known for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

Koh Lanta is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lanta. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

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 Koh Lanta or Malang?

Malang is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options 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 Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Malang More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Lanta is one of the main draws. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Families?

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

Koh Lanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

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 Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta and Malang are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

Plenty of backpackers visit Malang. 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 Koh Lanta or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Is Koh Lanta 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, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options 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 Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting? and Is Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Malang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Malang. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malang than Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Lanta. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Malang. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malang has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Malang?

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Malang. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Malang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Koh Lanta. This island 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 choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Malang, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Lanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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.