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

Should you visit Malang or Matsue?

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

Should I visit Malang or Matsue? 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 nightlife, food, and hiking. See Malang travel costs.

Matsue

Matsue is a pretty, serene, and historic town. Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Matsue travel costs.

Malang and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Matsue?

Both Matsue and Malang have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Malang is very popular for its food, nightlife, and hiking, while Matsue attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Matsue is more touristy than Malang and is known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Matsue offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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 Matsue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Matsue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Is Malang or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Malang is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Malang or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Matsue to see the historical old town. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Malang or Matsue Better for Hiking?

Malang is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Matsue?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Matsue 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 Matsue. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Malang or Matsue More Beautiful?

Matsue is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Matsue Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Matsue.

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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Malang or Matsue Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Malang and Matsue make for a nice 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.

Matsue makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Is Malang or Matsue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Matsue 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.

Matsue is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

Is Malang or Matsue Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for students. However, Matsue is not popular with students.

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

Matsue is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Matsue can move around easily with public transportation. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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 Matsue a more walkable city?

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

Matsue is very walkable. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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 Matsue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Malang?

How long in Malang or Matsue?

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Matsue?

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

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

A weekend in Malang or Matsue?

Malang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Matsue 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 Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. Don't miss the food, 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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Malang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Matsue. This town 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Matsue?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Matsue, 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.