Which place is cheaper, Malang or Mandalay?
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 Mandalay or Malang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Malang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mandalay or Malang?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.
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Mandalay Prices
Myanmar PricesMalang Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $19Malang $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $19, while the average daily cost in Malang is $76. 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 Mandalay and Malang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Malang $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Malang $86
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Malang
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay or Malang? 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.Mandalay -Malang $1.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- 2 Days in Mandalay Region, 3 Night in Monywa and 4 Days to transfer Bagan: $260
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $200
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Mandalay Airport Private Transfer : $55
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
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 Mandalay or Malang?
Prices for flights to both Malang and Mandalay 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 dayMandalay $10Malang $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
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.Mandalay -Malang $8.53
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Private Full-Day Mandalay Heritage Charter Car Tour: $45
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $45
- Mandalay Bike 'n Bite Tour: $46
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $53
- Mandalay Full-Day Tour: $60
- Full day Adventure Trip in Mandalay & Amarapura : $61
- Adventure to Dee Dote Waterfalls from Mandalay: $63
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $65
- Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
- Amarapura,Sagaing,Innwa Sightseeing Tour: $75
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing : $75
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 dayMandalay -Malang -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Malang, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Malang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malang than you might in Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Malang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Malang?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay and Malang, 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.
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.