A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Fiordland National Park for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Malang or Fiordland National Park?

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

Should I visit Malang or Fiordland National Park? 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 under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Malang travel costs.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a iconic, breathtaking, and world famous national park. The famous beauty of Fiordland National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Fiordland National Park travel costs.

Malang and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Fiordland National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malang. Although Malang and Fiordland National Park are both popular with visitors, Malang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Malang is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions. It is also home to the Rainbow Village.

How is Malang different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Malang is very good for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have 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.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malang or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Malang or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Malang is very good for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Malang. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fiordland National Park. There are few amenities in the park, so bring your own drinks and supplies.

Is Malang or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

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 Fiordland National Park?

Malang is very good for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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).

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malang or Fiordland National Park More Beautiful?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Fiordland National Park is one of the main draws. This is one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand. It has striking mountains, dramatic fjords, and pristine beech forests.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park 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, Fiordland National Park is a very family-friendly destination. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

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

Fiordland National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Fiordland National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Students?

Malang is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

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

Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

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

Malang is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Malang or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Malang is very good for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Malang Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Malang?

How long in Malang or Fiordland National Park?

Malang and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Malang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Malang, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malang than Fiordland National Park 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 Malang or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural city of Malang. Most people head to the area for the food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park?

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fiordland National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Malang or Fiordland National Park?

Malang is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the food. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. Most people head to the area for the food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the iconic destination of Fiordland National Park. This national park 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

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