Which place is cheaper, Kao-hsiung or Malang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Malang or Kao-hsiung?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Malang or Kao-hsiung? 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 Kao-hsiung?
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.
Kao-hsiung
Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.
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Malang Prices
Indonesia PricesKao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalang $76Kao-hsiung $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Malang is $76, while the average daily cost in Kao-hsiung is $134. 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 Kao-hsiung in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalang $43Kao-hsiung $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalang $86Kao-hsiung $120
Compare Hotels in Malang and Kao-hsiung
Looking for a hotel in Malang or Kao-hsiung? 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.
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 and Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malang $1.36Kao-hsiung $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malang:
- Private Transfer from Samaan to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $218
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
- Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
Is it cheaper to fly into Malang or Kao-hsiung?
Prices for flights to both Kao-hsiung 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
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Food Meals for one dayMalang $29Kao-hsiung $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malang.
- Malang Cooking Class by Mam Warti: $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.
- Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malang $8.53Kao-hsiung $22
Tours and Activities in Malang
Here are a few actual costs in Malang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Malang kampong sightseeing running tour: $18
- Around Bromo Farming Experience: $31
- Shared Bromo Tour Start From Malang - 1D: $32
- From Bromo Sunrise Guided Group Tour: $32
- 1 Day Mount Bromo Sharing Tour Package from Malang: $34
- Waterfalls Tour: $40
- 1Day - Bromo Sunrise Tour via Malang (Sharing or Private Jeep): $41
- 1 Day Amazing Bromo Sunrise tour from Malang Surabaya 7 spots: $41
- 1 Day Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour from Malang: $46
- Day Tour - Golden Sunrise Mount Bromo via Malang (Sharing Tour): $47
- Bromo Adventure: $50
- 1 Day - ULTIMATE TOUR Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Goa Tetes cave // 07:30 - 17:30: $52
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung: $33
- Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
- Kenting and Pingtung One Day Tour with Departure from Kaohsiung: $52
- Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
- Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
- Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
- Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
- Tainan Day Tour –Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower & Anping Castle: $100
- Private Tour Shore Excursion in Kaohsiung City: $199
- 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalang -Kao-hsiung $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Kao-hsiung, we can see that Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malang or Kao-hsiung?
Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Kao-hsiung, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.