A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malang or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Malang or Milford Sound? 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 cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Malang travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. It's also known for skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Malang and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malang than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malang is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions. Also, Malang is famous for the Rainbow Village. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Malang different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Malang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Malang or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is well known for winter skiing. However, Malang is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Malang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Malang or Milford Sound?

Malang is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Malang. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malang or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Malang or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Malang is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Malang. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Malang or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Milford Sound?

Malang is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Malang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malang or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Malang offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Malang or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Milford Sound are notable 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.

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Malang or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Malang is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Malang and Milford Sound.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Malang or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Malang is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Malang?

How long in Malang or Milford Sound?

Malang and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Malang 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malang than Milford Sound 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 Malang.

One day in Malang or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Malang. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malang or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Malang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malang or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Malang. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Malang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malang is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malang or Milford Sound?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 1720 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Milford Sound, 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.