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

Should you visit Malang or Sapporo?

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

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

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Malang and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Sapporo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sapporo than Malang. Sapporo is bigger than Malang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sapporo is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Malang is more popular for its food and hiking. Sapporo is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. Also, Sapporo is famous for Odori Park. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Malang or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

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

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Malang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Malang or Sapporo?

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

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Malang or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

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

Sapporo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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 Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Malang is a city with good options for hiking. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Sapporo?

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

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo Better for Families?

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

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is well known for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Malang or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is well known for students. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

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

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

Visitors to Sapporo can move around easily with public transportation. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

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

Sapporo is very walkable. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo 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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Malang?

How long in Malang or Sapporo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

One day in Malang or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the snowy big city of Sapporo. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Sapporo?

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