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

Should you visit Malang or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Malang or Christchurch? 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Malang travel costs.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Christchurch travel costs.

Malang and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Christchurch?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Christchurch than Malang. While Malang is larger than Christchurch, Christchurch has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Christchurch is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Malang attracts visitors for its food. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. It is also well known for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

How is Malang different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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 Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Malang is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Malang or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

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

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

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 Christchurch Better for Beaches?

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

Christchurch is considered a top beach destination. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Malang or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

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 Christchurch?

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

Christchurch is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

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 Christchurch More Beautiful?

Christchurch is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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 Christchurch Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night 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 Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch 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 Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

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 Christchurch Better for Students?

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

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

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

Christchurch 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 Christchurch, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

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 Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is well known for its walkability. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Christchurch is very walkable. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Malang?

How long in Malang or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Malang or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch 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 Christchurch.

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Christchurch?

In Malang, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. 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 Christchurch?

Malang is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Christchurch 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 Christchurch?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Malang. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Christchurch. 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 Christchurch?

Malang is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Christchurch?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Christchurch, 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.