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

Should you visit Malang or Tauranga?

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

Should I visit Malang or Tauranga? 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 cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Malang travel costs.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a nature-filled, coastal, and laid back town. Tauranga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Tauranga travel costs.

Malang and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malang or Tauranga?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tauranga than Malang. While Malang is larger than Tauranga, Tauranga has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tauranga is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Malang is more popular for its food. Tauranga is more touristy than Malang and is known for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. Also, Tauranga is famous for Mount Maunganui. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Malang different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Malang and Tauranga have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Tauranga offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

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

Malang is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Malang or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Tauranga has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Malang or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

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

Tauranga is considered a top beach destination. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Malang or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

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 Tauranga?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Tauranga 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 Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Malang or Tauranga More Beautiful?

Tauranga is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tauranga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. A mix of beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural environments make this a beautiful destination for travelers.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malang or Tauranga Better for Families?

Tauranga 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, Tauranga is a very family-friendly destination. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Tauranga frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tauranga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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 Tauranga Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for students. However, Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is not popular with students.

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

Tauranga 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 Tauranga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

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 Tauranga a more walkable city?

Malang and Tauranga both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Malang?

How long in Malang or Tauranga?

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

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

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

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

One day in Malang or Tauranga?

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 Tauranga. 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 Tauranga?

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.

Tauranga 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 Tauranga?

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 Tauranga. 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 Tauranga?

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 laid back destination of Tauranga. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Malang or Tauranga?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tauranga. When comparing the sizes of Malang and Tauranga, 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.