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

Should you visit Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe and Malang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

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

Malang

Malang is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Malang travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Malang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Lipe. Although Koh Lipe and Malang are both popular with visitors, Koh Lipe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Lipe is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Malang is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Malang is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its many nearby natural attractions. Koh Lipe is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. It is also home to Sunrise Beach.

How is Koh Lipe different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Malang is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

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

Malang is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Koh Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Malang is very good for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Malang Better for Resorts?

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

Koh Lipe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Malang is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Malang Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Malang Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Malang?

Malang is very good for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Malang is a great destination for shopping. 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 Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Malang More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe is one of the main draws. Many visitors consider this to be one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It still holds on to that undiscovered quality and the nearby national park offers excellent nature to explore.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Malang Better for Families?

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

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Lipe or Malang Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lipe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

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 Lipe or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lipe and Malang are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lipe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Koh Lipe or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is very good for students. However, Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

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

Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

Is Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe and Malang.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

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 Lipe or Malang a more walkable city?

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

Koh Lipe is very walkable. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Malang?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Koh Lipe or Malang?

Koh Lipe 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.

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 Koh Lipe or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Koh Lipe or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local destination of Koh Lipe. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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.

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 Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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