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

Should you visit Malang or Arrowtown?

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

Should I visit Malang or Arrowtown? 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 under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Malang travel costs.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quaint, quirky, and historic town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Malang and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Arrowtown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Malang and Arrowtown are both popular with visitors, Arrowtown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arrowtown is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Malang is known for its food. Arrowtown is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also home to the Chinese Settlement. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Malang or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is well known for winter skiing. However, Malang is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Malang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Malang or Arrowtown?

Both Malang and Arrowtown have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Malang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Malang is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Malang has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Malang or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Malang and Arrowtown.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arrowtown has a few options to choose from. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Malang or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is well known for its historic old town. However, Malang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Malang or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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 Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is well known for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Malang or Arrowtown Better for Families?

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

Arrowtown is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

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 Malang or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

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 Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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 Malang or Arrowtown Better for Students?

Malang is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Arrowtown is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Arrowtown is not popular with students.

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

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the region.

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 Malang or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Malang and Arrowtown both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Malang?

How long in Malang or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malang or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malang than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Malang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Malang 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Malang or Arrowtown?

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.

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malang or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic 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.

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. 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 Arrowtown?

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.

Arrowtown is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malang or Arrowtown?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Arrowtown, 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.