A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. 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.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a diverse, genuine, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Jakarta travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Jakarta. While Jakarta is larger than Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Jakarta is popular for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Jakarta different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Is the Food Better in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Kuala Lumpur has something for everybody. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for shopping. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Jakarta is not popular with students.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Jakarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Jakarta 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

Each neighborhood in Jakarta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Kuala Lumpur, you'll find nightlife and 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.

A weekend in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

Jakarta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Kuala Lumpur, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Five days in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Jakarta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

Jakarta is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When comparing the travel costs between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Jakarta Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, 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.