A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Malang for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nha Trang or Malang?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Nha Trang and Malang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a coastal, resort-filled, and vibrant city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a authentic, cultural, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Malang travel costs.

Nha Trang and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Malang?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nha Trang than Malang. While Malang is larger than Nha Trang, Nha Trang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nha Trang is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Malang attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Nha Trang is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. It is also well known for Long Son Pagoda. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Nha Trang different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nha Trang or Malang?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nha Trang and Malang.

Nha Trang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife in the area, there are also several cultural sights worth visiting. Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and XQ Historical Village are all interesting to visit. If you're looking for a thrill, also nearby is Vinpearl Land.

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.

Is the Food Better in Nha Trang or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nha Trang area. Seafood is the most common option in many restaurants. You'll find local curries and spring rolls on many menus. Fish sauce is often served with dishes and many recipes have a sweet flavor. If you need a break from Vietnamese food, there are also restaurants that serve pizza, burgers, and other common international dishes.

Is Nha Trang or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Nha Trang is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is varied and caters to all types of travelers. There are glamorous rooftop bars and lounges, beachside parties, and booze cruises that cater to the backpacker crowd. The city is big enough to have options for everyone.

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 Nha Trang or Malang Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a popular place for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a handful of resorts to choose from. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Malang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is a city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nha Trang has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling is a bit tricky here, because you need to visit during the right season and you'll need to hop on a tour to get to the best spots. If you're lucky you'll have good visibility and see some interesting marine life.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Malang Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a popular place for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Nha Trang is a good option for a beach vacation. The accessible beaches are very developed and filled with vacationers who are looking for fun activities. The sands are white and soft and the water is comfortable and fun to splash around in.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a good destination for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Malang offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Malang?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nha Trang and Malang both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nha Trang. There are some local street markets that are fun to explore. There are also the typical shops and supermarkets that sell local produce, souvenirs, and any other essentials that you may have forgotten.

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

Is Nha Trang or Malang Better for Families?

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

Nha Trang is a very family-friendly place to visit. While it is known among the backpacker crowds for its party scene, there are also great beaches and many activities for families. Vinpearl Land is an amusement park in the area that has rides and shows. There's also Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, which are both interesting to visit. The beaches also make a great playground for kids who enjoy building sand castles and playing in the shallow water.

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 Nha Trang or Malang Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Nha Trang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

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 Nha Trang or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang. Backpackers looking for a party head to the streets around Biệt Thự Street. There are many cheap hostels and guesthouses in the area, and you won't be far from the area's best nightlife.

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 Nha Trang or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang 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.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Nha Trang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Nha Trang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

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 Nha Trang or Malang a more walkable city?

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

Nha Trang is very walkable. The city is compact enough that you can explore many parts on foot. Most of the attractions are near the intersection of Tran Phu and Biet Thu.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting? and Is Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Malang?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang.

One day in Nha Trang or Malang?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Malang. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malang has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Malang?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Malang. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Malang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Malang?

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

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Malang, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nha Trang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Malang?

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