A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Auckland for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Malang or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Malang or Auckland? 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 authentic, cultural, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Malang travel costs.

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Auckland travel costs.

Malang and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Auckland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Auckland than Malang. While Malang is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Malang attracts visitors for its food. Auckland is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auckland 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 Auckland?

Auckland is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Auckland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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.

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

Malang is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland 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.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Malang or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

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

Auckland is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Malang or Auckland Better for Beaches?

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

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Malang or Auckland Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Malang and Auckland both have nice trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Auckland?

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

Auckland is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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 Auckland Better for Families?

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

Auckland is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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 Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland 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 Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is well known for students. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

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

Auckland 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 Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

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 Auckland a more walkable city?

Malang is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Malang?

How long in Malang or Auckland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland 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 Auckland.

One day in Malang or Auckland?

The city of Malang offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malang or Auckland?

Malang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland 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.

Five days in Malang or Auckland?

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Auckland?

Malang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Auckland?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Auckland, 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.