A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Koyasan for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Malang or Koyasan?

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

Should I visit Malang or Koyasan? 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 food, hiking, and shopping. See Malang travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums. See Koyasan travel costs.

Malang and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malang. Although Malang and Koyasan are popular destinations, Malang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malang is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Malang and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions. It is also well known for the Rainbow Village.

How is Malang different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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 Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Malang, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Malang or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Malang is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Malang or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is well known for its historic old town. However, Malang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Malang or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Malang and Koyasan both have nice 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 Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Koyasan?

Malang is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malang or Koyasan More Beautiful?

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

Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Koyasan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Koyasan.

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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Malang or Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Koyasan are nice 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.

Koyasan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Malang or Koyasan Better for Students?

Malang is a good destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Malang is popular with students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

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

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Malang?

How long in Malang or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malang or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malang than Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

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

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

One day in Malang or Koyasan?

In Malang, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malang or Koyasan?

In Malang, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malang has to offer.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

Malang is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Malang. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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