Which place is cheaper, Bandung or Malang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malang or Bandung?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Malang or Bandung? 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.
Where Should I go: Malang or Bandung?
Malang
Malang is a city in East Java, Indonesia. It's a cultured city with several important universities, and is home to a large student population. Prized by the Dutch for its mild highland climate, the city retains much of its colonial architecture. Established by the Dutch in the closing decades of the 18th century, Malang earned its first fortunes from coffee, which flourished on the surrounding hillsides. Today, the city's colonial grandeur is quickly disappearing behind the homogenous facades of more modern developments, but there's still much to admire. The Balai Kota building blends Indonesian and Dutch styles, and grand mansions line the main boulevard, Jalan Besar Ijen. To the east is Mt. Bromo, a volcano with hiking trails. The central area is not too large and quite walkable. And with a number of Hindu temples and sights outside the city, Malang makes an ideal base to explore this intriguing corner of east Java.
Bandung
Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalang $66Bandung $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Malang is $66, while the average daily cost in Bandung is $40. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Malang and Bandung in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalang $45Bandung $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalang $90Bandung $42
Compare Hotels in Malang and Bandung
Looking for a hotel in Malang or Bandung? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Malang Hotel Prices and Bandung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malang $1.42Bandung $5.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malang:
- One Way Transfer from/to Yogyakarta-Surabaya-Malang-Bromo: $160
- Mount Bromo: Sunrise Guided Tour with Optional Transfer: $145
- South Beaches Tour with Private Transfer: $115
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bandung Airport BDO to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $54
- Bandung Airport BDO to Cipanas Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $47
- Bandung or Lembang to Jakarta Airport CGK Departure Transfer: $63
- Private Bandung Airport to Cipanas Thermal Round Trip Transfer: $93
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Braga: $35
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciburial: $35
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Cikole: $35
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Cileunyi: $46
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Citarum: $35
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciumbuleuit: $35
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Dago: $35
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Hegarmanah: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Malang or Bandung?
Prices for flights to both Bandung and Malang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMalang $17Bandung $14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malang $8.88Bandung $5.67
Tours and Activities in Malang
Here are a few actual costs in Malang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day - Amazing Bromo Sunrise tour with 7 spots // 00.30 -13.00: $43
- 1 Day - Bromo Afternoon Siesta Tour start MALANG or SURABAYA // 11:00 - 18:00: $83
- 1 Day - Tumpak Sewu, Kapas Biru Waterfall, Goa Tetes cave* Tour // 07:30 - 17:00: $70
- 1 Day - ULTIMATE TOUR Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Goa Tetes cave // 07:30 - 17:30: $54
- 1 day tour bromo midnight from malang or surabaya: $127
- 1Day - Bromo Non Sunrise Tour via Malang (to avoid crowd): $75
- 1Day - Bromo Sunrise Tour via Malang (Sharing Trip): $45
- 2 Days - Bromo Ijen Bali Ultimate Tour // D1 01.00 - D2 14.00: $174
- 2 Days - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall & Mt Bromo Experience from Malang: $164
- 2Days - Bromo Sunrise Ijen Adventure via Malang: $190
- 3Days - Tumpaksewu Bromo Ijen Adventure via Malang: $267
- Bromo Adventure: $75
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kawah Rengganis Private Hiking and Glamping Lakeside Tour from Bandung: $41
- Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $43
- Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $45
- Kawah Putih Private Tour and Angklung Performance: $46
- Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including : $48
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $50
- Lembang Tour From Bandung: $51
- Kawah Putih Tour From Bandung City: $58
- Tangkuban Parahu Volcano North Bandung Private Tour : $62
- White Crater Day Trip Private Tour Bandung Kawah Putih All In: $63
- Private Rafting Adventure in Pangalengan with Lunch: $63
- Volcano, Hot Spring, Mud Bathing, & Lake Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalang -Bandung $3.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Bandung, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Bandung.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malang Expensive? and Is Bandung Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malang or Bandung?
Bandung has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Bandung, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.