A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Malang for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Malang?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Malang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a tranquil, scenic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Koh Chang is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Malang travel costs.

Koh Chang and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Malang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Malang are both popular with visitors, Koh Chang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Chang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Malang is known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also home to White Sand Beach. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Koh Chang different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Malang?

Malang is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Malang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Malang is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Malang is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Koh Chang or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Malang have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Chang. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Malang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Koh Chang or Malang Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is well known for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

Koh Chang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Malang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Malang Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Malang has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Malang?

Malang is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Koh Chang or Malang More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Koh Chang is one of the main draws. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Malang Better for Families?

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

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly place to visit. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Koh Chang or Malang Better for Couples?

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

Koh Chang makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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 Koh Chang or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

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 Koh Chang or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Chang and Malang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than in Malang. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. 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.

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 Koh Chang or Malang?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated 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 Koh Chang or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic 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 Koh Chang or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Koh Chang. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang Expensive? and Is Malang Expensive?.