A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Byron Bay for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malang or Byron Bay?

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

Should I visit Malang or Byron Bay? 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Malang travel costs.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a mellow, vegan-friendly, and carefree town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Byron Bay is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Malang and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Byron Bay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Byron Bay. Although Malang and Byron Bay are popular destinations, Byron Bay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Byron Bay is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Malang attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Byron Bay is more touristy than Malang and is known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. It is also well known for Cape Byron Lighthouse. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malang is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

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

Malang is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Byron Bay has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Malang or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

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

Byron Bay is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

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 Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is well known for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

Byron Bay is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Malang or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Malang or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Malang and Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Byron Bay?

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

Byron Bay is an extremely popular place for shoppers. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

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 Byron Bay More Beautiful?

Byron Bay is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Byron Bay is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Byron Bay.

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.

Byron Bay offers lots of family activities. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Malang or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Byron Bay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

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 Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

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 Byron Bay Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for students. However, Byron Bay is not popular with students.

Malang is a good city to visit for students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Byron Bay is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Malang and Byron Bay.

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 mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Malang or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Malang and Byron Bay both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Malang?

How long in Malang or Byron Bay?

Both Malang and Byron Bay have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Byron Bay than in Malang. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Malang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Byron Bay.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay.

One day in Malang or Byron Bay?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated 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.

Byron Bay is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malang or Byron Bay?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malang or Byron Bay?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the mellow destination of Byron Bay. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Byron Bay?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Byron Bay, 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.