A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook? 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.

Malang

Malang is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Malang travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a scenic, dramatic, and breathtaking mountain. The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Malang and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malang than Aoraki Mount Cook, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malang is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions. Also, Malang is famous for the Rainbow Village.

How is Malang different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Malang is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Malang, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Malang is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

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 Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Malang is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Malang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Malang. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

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

Aoraki Mount Cook makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

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 Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Aoraki Mount Cook are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Students?

Malang is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Malang is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Malang is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Malang Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Malang?

How long in Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Malang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malang than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Malang, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. 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.

A weekend in Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Malang, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Malang. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Malang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. This mountain 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Malang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malang is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Malang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malang 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 Aoraki Mount Cook would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aoraki Mount Cook than you might in Malang.

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