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

Should you visit Pattaya or Malang?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Malang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a vibrant, high energy, and colorful resort city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Pattaya travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a authentic, cultural, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Malang travel costs.

Pattaya and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Malang?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pattaya than Malang. While Malang is larger than Pattaya, Pattaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Malang attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Pattaya is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also well known for the Sanctuary of Truth. Malang is famous for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Pattaya different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Pattaya and Malang.

Pattaya offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Malang. 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 Pattaya or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Malang have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Dining out in Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Pattaya or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities Malang has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Pattaya or Malang Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is well known for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

Pattaya is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Malang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Pattaya has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Malang Better for Beaches?

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

Pattaya is considered a top beach destination. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Pattaya or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a city with good options for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Malang?

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

Pattaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

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 Pattaya or Malang Better for Families?

Pattaya is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Pattaya is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

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 Pattaya or Malang Better for Couples?

Both Pattaya and Malang are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pattaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Malang is a good resort city for couples to visit. 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 Pattaya or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Malang are nice places to visit.

Pattaya is a good resort city to visit for backpackers. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Is Pattaya or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

Pattaya 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 Pattaya, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

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 Pattaya or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Malang?

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

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

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

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

One day in Pattaya or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Pattaya. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Malang, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Pattaya or Malang?

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

In Malang, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malang has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Malang is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pattaya or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Pattaya. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Malang. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya 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.