Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Malang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Malang or Khao Sok National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Malang or Khao Sok 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.
Where Should I go: Malang or Khao Sok National Park?
Malang
Malang is a city in East Java, Indonesia. It's a cultured city with several important universities, and is home to a large student population. Prized by the Dutch for its mild highland climate, the city retains much of its colonial architecture. Established by the Dutch in the closing decades of the 18th century, Malang earned its first fortunes from coffee, which flourished on the surrounding hillsides. Today, the city's colonial grandeur is quickly disappearing behind the homogenous facades of more modern developments, but there's still much to admire. The Balai Kota building blends Indonesian and Dutch styles, and grand mansions line the main boulevard, Jalan Besar Ijen. To the east is Mt. Bromo, a volcano with hiking trails. The central area is not too large and quite walkable. And with a number of Hindu temples and sights outside the city, Malang makes an ideal base to explore this intriguing corner of east Java.
Khao Sok National Park
In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.
Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.
You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.
To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.
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Malang Prices
Indonesia PricesKhao Sok National Park Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalang $76Khao Sok National Park $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Malang is $76, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Malang and Khao Sok National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalang $43Khao Sok National Park $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalang $86Khao Sok National Park $56
Compare Hotels in Malang and Khao Sok National Park
Looking for a hotel in Malang or Khao Sok National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Malang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malang $1.36Khao Sok National Park $74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malang:
- Private Transfer from Samaan to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Malang or Khao Sok National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park and Malang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMalang $29Khao Sok National Park $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malang.
- Malang Cooking Class by Mam Warti: $20
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malang $8.53Khao Sok National Park $33
Tours and Activities in Malang
Here are a few actual costs in Malang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Malang kampong sightseeing running tour: $18
- Around Bromo Farming Experience: $31
- Shared Bromo Tour Start From Malang - 1D: $32
- From Bromo Sunrise Guided Group Tour: $32
- 1 Day Mount Bromo Sharing Tour Package from Malang: $34
- Waterfalls Tour: $40
- 1Day - Bromo Sunrise Tour via Malang (Sharing or Private Jeep): $41
- 1 Day Amazing Bromo Sunrise tour from Malang Surabaya 7 spots: $41
- 1 Day Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour from Malang: $46
- Day Tour - Golden Sunrise Mount Bromo via Malang (Sharing Tour): $47
- Bromo Adventure: $50
- 1 Day - ULTIMATE TOUR Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Goa Tetes cave // 07:30 - 17:30: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalang -Khao Sok National Park $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malang and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Sok 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 Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.