A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Malang or Guangzhou?

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

Should I visit Malang or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou?

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.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Malang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malang is $66, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malang $45
    Guangzhou $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malang $90
    Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Malang and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Malang or Guangzhou? 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.

Hotels in Malang


Hotels in Guangzhou


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malang $1.42
    Guangzhou $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malang:

  • South Beaches Tour with Private Transfer: $115
  • Mount Bromo: Sunrise Guided Tour with Optional Transfer: $145
  • One Way Transfer from/to Yogyakarta-Surabaya-Malang-Bromo: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
  • Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Malang or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malang $17
    Guangzhou $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malang $8.88
    Guangzhou $18

Tours and Activities in Malang

Here are a few actual costs in Malang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Malang local life kampong walking tour - city highlights in between // 4 - 6 hrs: $42
  • 1 Day - Amazing Bromo Sunrise tour with 7 spots // 00.30 -13.00: $43
  • 1Day - Bromo Sunrise Tour via Malang (Sharing Trip): $45
  • Day Tour - Golden Sunrise Mount Bromo via Malang (Sharing Tour): $47
  • 1 Day - ULTIMATE TOUR Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Goa Tetes cave // 07:30 - 17:30: $54
  • East Java Dirt Bike Tours: $59
  • Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Experience from Malang or Surabaya: $61
  • Waterfalls Tour: $63
  • Private Full Day Tour of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: $63
  • From Malang city: 1 Day Mount Bromo Private Tour: $67
  • From Malang or Surabaya: Private Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour: $68
  • 1 Day - Tumpak Sewu, Kapas Biru Waterfall, Goa Tetes cave* Tour // 07:30 - 17:00: $70

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
  • Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malang -
    Guangzhou $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Malang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Malang or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Guangzhou, 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.