A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Surabaya vs. Malang for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Surabaya or Malang?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Malang? 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.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Malang

Malang is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Surabaya and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Malang?

You'll generally find more things to do in Surabaya than Malang. Surabaya is bigger than Malang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Surabaya is better known for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Malang is more popular for its museums & sights, food, and hiking. Malang is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its many nearby natural attractions. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. Also, Surabaya is famous for the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Malang is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Malang is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Surabaya or Malang Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Surabaya or Malang has a better nightlife scene.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

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 Surabaya or Malang Better for Beaches?

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

Surabaya is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Surabaya or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya 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.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Malang?

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

Surabaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

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 Surabaya or Malang Better for Families?

Malang is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Surabaya or Malang Better for Couples?

Malang is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Malang is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Surabaya or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options 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.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

Is Surabaya or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Surabaya and Malang.

Public transit is generally limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

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 Surabaya or Malang a more walkable city?

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

Surabaya is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surabaya and Malang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malang than in Surabaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

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

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

Surabaya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Malang offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Surabaya or Malang?

Surabaya 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.

Malang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. 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.

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Surabaya or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local big city of Surabaya. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Surabaya and Malang, we can see that Malang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Malang?

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