A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Cairns for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Malang or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Malang or Cairns? 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.

Malang

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

Cairns

Cairns is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and tropical city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cairns travel costs.

Malang and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Cairns?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cairns than Malang. While Malang is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Malang is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Cairns is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. Also, Cairns is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Malang is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Malang is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Malang or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

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

Cairns is a world class party destination. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Malang or Cairns Better for Resorts?

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

Cairns is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Malang or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns 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 Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malang or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns 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 Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Malang or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Malang or Cairns?

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

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Malang or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cairns is a very family-friendly destination. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Malang or Cairns Better for Couples?

Cairns is well known for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Malang or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cairns is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other 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.

Is Malang or Cairns Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

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

Cairns is not popular with students.

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

Cairns 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 Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Malang or Cairns a more walkable city?

Malang is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Malang?

How long in Malang or Cairns?

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

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Malang. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cairns. 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.

A weekend in Malang or Cairns?

Malang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns 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.

Five days in Malang or Cairns?

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

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

A week in Malang or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Malang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic destination of Cairns. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Cairns, we can see that Cairns is more expensive. And not only is Malang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malang is in Asia and Cairns is in Pacific, 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 Cairns would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairns 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 Malang Expensive? and Is Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malang or Cairns?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Cairns, 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.