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

Should you visit Malang or Kaikoura?

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

Should I visit Malang or Kaikoura? 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 authentic, cultural, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Malang travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a biologically diverse, unique, and nature-oriented town. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Malang and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Kaikoura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kaikoura. Although Malang and Kaikoura are popular destinations, Kaikoura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kaikoura is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Malang attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Kaikoura is more touristy than Malang and is known for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. It is also well known for its whale watching trips. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura?

Malang is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

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

Malang is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Kaikoura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Is Malang or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Malang and Kaikoura.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kaikoura has a few options to choose from. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Malang or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is well known for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Kaikoura is considered a top beach destination. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Malang or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

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 Kaikoura?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kaikoura and Malang.

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).

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kaikoura. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Malang or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Kaikoura 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, Kaikoura is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

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 Kaikoura Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kaikoura frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

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 Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Kaikoura Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for students. However, Kaikoura is not popular with students.

Malang is a good city to visit for students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Kaikoura is not popular with students.

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

Malang is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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 quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Malang or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Malang and Kaikoura both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable place. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Malang?

How long in Malang or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Malang or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kaikoura due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Malang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Kaikoura?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura?

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.

Kaikoura is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malang or Kaikoura?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaikoura. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Malang or Kaikoura?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Kaikoura. This town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Kaikoura?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 1090 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Kaikoura, 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.