A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Malang vs. Mount Bromo for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Malang or Mount Bromo?

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

Should I visit Malang or Mount Bromo? 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. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a scenic, spectacular, and breathtaking volcano. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Malang and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Mount Bromo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malang. Although Malang and Mount Bromo are both popular with visitors, Malang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Malang is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions. It is also home to the Rainbow Village.

How is Malang different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malang is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Malang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malang or Mount Bromo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Malang or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Malang is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Malang or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Mount Bromo. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

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 Mount Bromo?

Malang is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malang or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Mount Bromo.

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.

Mount Bromo offers lots of family activities. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Malang or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Mount Bromo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

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 Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Is Malang or Mount Bromo Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Mount Bromo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Mount Bromo is not popular with students.

Is Malang or Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.

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 Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Malang or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Malang and Mount Bromo both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Malang?

How long in Malang or Mount Bromo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malang than Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Malang. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malang or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Malang. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

The under-rated city of Malang offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Mount Bromo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Malang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mount Bromo. This volcano 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 G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Mount Bromo, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Malang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malang than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malang Expensive? and Is Mount Bromo Expensive?.