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

Should you visit Malang or Nagoya?

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

Should I visit Malang or Nagoya? 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Malang travel costs.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-the-radar, under-rated, and often overlooked city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nagoya travel costs.

Malang and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Nagoya?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nagoya than Malang. Nagoya is bigger than Malang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nagoya is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Malang is more popular for its hiking. Malang is more touristy than Nagoya and is popular for its many nearby natural attractions. Nagoya is well known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. Also, Nagoya is famous for the Nagoya Castle.

How is Malang different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nagoya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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 Nagoya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Malang and Nagoya offer a number of first-rate restaurants to choose from.

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.

Nagoya has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

Is Malang or Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya is well known for nightlife. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Nagoya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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.

Is Malang or Nagoya Better for Hiking?

Malang is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

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.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Nagoya?

Nagoya is well known for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Nagoya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Malang or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nagoya is a very family-friendly destination. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Malang and Nagoya make for a notable 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.

Nagoya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Malang or Nagoya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang and Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Malang or Nagoya Better for Students?

Malang and Nagoya are notable places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

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

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

Visitors to Nagoya can move around easily with public transportation. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is very walkable. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached 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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Malang?

How long in Malang or Nagoya?

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

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Nagoya?

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

Nagoya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malang or Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya 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.

Five days in Malang or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya. 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.

A week in Malang or Nagoya?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated 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 under-rated big city of Nagoya. This city 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Nagoya, 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.