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

Should you visit Malang or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Malang or Kamakura? 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Malang travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Kamakura travel costs.

Malang and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Kamakura?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kamakura than Malang. While Malang is larger than Kamakura, Kamakura has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kamakura is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Malang is known for its food. Kamakura is more touristy than Malang and is known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kamakura offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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 Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Kamakura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

Is Malang or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

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

Kamakura is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

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 Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a popular place for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Kamakura is a good option for a beach vacation. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Malang or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Malang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to see the historical old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Malang or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Malang and Kamakura both have good 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 Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Kamakura?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kamakura and Malang.

Malang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Malang or Kamakura Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Kamakura.

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.

Kamakura offers lots of family activities. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Malang or Kamakura Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kamakura frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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 Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Kamakura 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Is Malang or Kamakura Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for students. However, Kamakura 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.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura a more walkable city?

Malang and Kamakura both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Malang?

How long in Malang or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malang or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malang than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Malang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Kamakura?

The city of Malang offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kamakura. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malang or Kamakura?

Malang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamakura. 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 Kamakura?

Malang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Kamakura. This coastal 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 Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura 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 Kamakura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamakura 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 Kamakura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malang or Kamakura?

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