A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malang vs. Kanazawa for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Malang or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Malang or Kanazawa? 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.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Malang and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Kanazawa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kanazawa than Malang. While Malang is larger than Kanazawa, Kanazawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kanazawa is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Malang is known for its food and hiking. Kanazawa is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. It is also home to Kenroku-en Garden. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Kanazawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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.

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

Malang is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Malang or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Malang or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Malang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kanazawa to see the historical old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Malang or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

Malang is very good for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malang or Kanazawa?

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

Kanazawa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Malang or Kanazawa.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Malang. 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.

Kanazawa offers lots of family activities. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Malang or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Malang and Kanazawa make for a good place to visit.

Malang is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Malang or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Malang or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Malang and Kanazawa are good places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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 Kanazawa a more walkable city?

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

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Malang?

How long in Malang or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malang or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malang than Kanazawa 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 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Kanazawa?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kanazawa. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malang or Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kanazawa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Kanazawa?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Kanazawa, 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.