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

Should you visit Malang or Taupo?

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

Should I visit Malang or Taupo? 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Taupo travel costs.

Malang and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taupo. Although Malang and Taupo are popular destinations, Taupo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taupo is very popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Malang attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Taupo is more touristy than Malang and is known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also well known for the Craters of the Moon reserve. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Malang or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Malang is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Malang is not a skiing destination.

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

Malang is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Malang is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Taupo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Malang or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Malang or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo 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 Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

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 Taupo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Taupo 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 Taupo. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Malang or Taupo More Beautiful?

Taupo is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo 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, Taupo is a very family-friendly destination. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

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

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Taupo is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures 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 Taupo Better for Students?

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

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

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Taupo a more walkable city?

Malang and Taupo both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Malang?

How long in Malang or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malang and Taupo. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Taupo than Malang. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Malang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Taupo.

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Taupo?

In Malang, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Taupo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the skiing, 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.

Five days in Malang or Taupo?

Malang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Malang. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Malang. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the otherworldly destination of Taupo. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Taupo?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Taupo, 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.