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

Should you visit Malang or Hiroshima?

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

Should I visit Malang or Hiroshima? 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 under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Malang travel costs.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Malang and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Hiroshima?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Malang than Hiroshima. While Hiroshima is larger than Malang, Malang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malang is more popular for its food and hiking, while Hiroshima is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions. It is also home to the Rainbow Village. Hiroshima is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Malang different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hiroshima that are not to be missed. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Is Malang or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Malang and Hiroshima.

Malang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Hiroshima has a few options to choose from. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is Malang or Hiroshima Better for Hiking?

Malang is a city with good options for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Hiroshima?

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

Hiroshima is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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 Hiroshima Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Hiroshima.

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.

Hiroshima offers lots of family activities. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Malang or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Malang and Hiroshima make for a good place to visit.

Malang is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Malang or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Hiroshima are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Malang. 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.

Hiroshima is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Is Malang or Hiroshima Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

Hiroshima is well known for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Hiroshima can move around easily with public transportation. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses 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 Hiroshima a more walkable city?

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

Hiroshima is very walkable. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas 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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Malang?

How long in Malang or Hiroshima?

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

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Hiroshima?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hiroshima. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malang or Hiroshima?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic 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.

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Hiroshima?

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 Hiroshima. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Hiroshima?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the meaningful destination of Hiroshima. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Hiroshima, 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.