A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Malang for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Malang?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Malang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a remote, spectacular, and idyllic island chain. The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Malang

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

Similan Islands and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Malang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malang. Although Similan Islands and Malang are popular destinations, Malang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malang is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Malang is more touristy than Similan Islands and is popular for its many nearby natural attractions. It is also well known for the Rainbow Village. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Malang?

Malang is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Similan Islands or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Similan Islands area. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Is Similan Islands or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Malang is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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 Similan Islands. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Is Similan Islands or Malang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. These islands offer one of the world's most famous and impressive diving spots. World class divers travel great distances to experience the undersea world here. There are liveaboard boat trips that range in length from 4 to 6 nights and leave from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips will take you to the many great dive spots in the area. Do take note that the islands close every year from May until October.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Malang Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Similan Islands. The world class beaches have white sand and stunningly blue waters. The setting is challenging enough to reach that you'll likely have few people to share the beaches with. The undersea world is also among the best and most vibrant around.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Malang Better for Hiking?

Both Similan Islands and Malang are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Malang?

Malang is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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).

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Malang More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Malang Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Malang are nice to visit with kids.

Similan Islands is a family-friendly island chain. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

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.

Is Similan Islands or Malang Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who want to escape the tourist crowds will appreciate this remote and beautiful beach setting. The blue water and sandy beaches make for a true paradise.

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 Similan Islands or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Malang is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Similan Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's remote setting makes it challenging to reach on a budget, but if you're willing to devote a day or more to travel, then you'll be well rewarded.

Is Similan Islands or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Similan Islands and Malang.

Public transit is mostly limited in Similan Islands. The national park operates boats between the islands. You can also charter private longtail boats, however these must be secured in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

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.

Is Similan Islands or Malang a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Malang are nice when it comes to walkability.

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable place. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Similan Islands and Malang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Malang. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malang than Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The under-rated destination of Malang offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Malang?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Malang offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Similan Islands or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Similan Islands. This island chain offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Malang. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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