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

Should you visit Dubai or Malang?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Malang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Dubai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Dubai travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Malang travel costs.

Dubai and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Malang?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than Malang. Dubai is bigger than Malang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Malang is more popular for its food and hiking. Dubai is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Malang is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Malang is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Dubai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Malang has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Nightlife?

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

Dubai is a world class party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Malang Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Malang is not a live music destination.

Dubai is a world class music destination. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Malang is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Beaches?

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

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is very good for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Malang?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Dubai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Malang More Beautiful?

Dubai is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Dubai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Families?

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

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Malang Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Malang are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malang is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Malang Better for Students?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

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

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

Dubai 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 Dubai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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 Dubai or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Malang?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Malang?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Malang, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Malang?

Dubai 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Malang. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Malang?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Malang. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Malang, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Malang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Malang is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Malang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Malang?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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.