As students, we often get tired of doing assignments in our dorms or the campus library. Sometimes we just need a change of scenery to refresh our minds. But let’s be real, hanging out at cafes can be tough on a student budget. That’s why we started looking for budget-friendly cafes in Malang, places that are comfortable enough to study, and most importantly, affordable menus. From our little “hunting” trips, we found several hidden gems that are perfect for studying while enjoying a good cup of coffee or matcha without breaking the bank.
We’ve both been through those long days of staring at our laptop screens, trying to finish assignments while stuck. That’s when we realized, maybe a cozy cafe could be the answer. Not just for the caffeine boost, but for the change of scene and the chance to feel a little more human while studying. As students living in Malang, we started exploring cafes that wouldn’t make us feel guilty for spending money. In this post, we’ll share a budget-friendly study spots around the city. Whether you're a student looking for a change of pace, a freelancer chasing a deadline, or simply someone looking to get some work done, these hidden cafes can be the ideal place to stay productive with affordable prices.
1. Nyalu Cafe
This time, you will be made comfortable by one of the most exciting cafes in Malang, Nyalu Cafe. This cafe is located in the Dau sub-district, Malang Regency. This place is truly a hidden gem for those of you who want to find a new atmosphere while drinking coffee. Nyalu Cafe has a cozy atmosphere because it is surrounded by green plants. The fresh air from these green plants can improve your mood and is perfect for relaxing after a long day of activities. There are many delicious coffee and snack menus. There is tubruk coffee, ginger coffee, iced coffee, butter coffee, and many more. For snacks, there are French fries, toast, donuts, cireng, and fried sausages. There are also main dishes for those who want to eat. But don't worry, for those who can't drink coffee, there are non-coffee options you can try. There are milk drinks, tea, Yakult, and soda. The prices is around Rp5.000-Rp16.000. The thing that impressed me most was the cafe's owner, friendly and fun to talk to. Moreover, inside the cafe, there were cute, friendly cats in cages.
2. Anasera Coffee & Co.
Located on Jalan Candi Panggung, Malang, Anasera Coffee & Co. offers a cozy, retro-inspired space perfect for studying, working, or simply chilling. The interior is filled with nostalgic touches, like old cameras, tube TVs, and vintage projectors—that create a warm, timeless vibe. Prices start from Rp16.000, making it budget-friendly for students. And here’s the best part: BEM FIA UB has partnered with Anasera! If you're a FIA UB student, just show your student ID (KTM) and get a 10% discount. Perfect for those of us trying to save with a cup in hand and your mind on track. We spent an afternoon here finishing assignments, and it was surprisingly productive. The lighting is soft, the music is calming, and the staff are super friendly. It felt like a quiet escape in the middle of the city. If you're after a cozy spot with its own vibe, Anasera is totally worth stopping by.
3. Bento Kopi
Bento Kopi is one of those cafes you wouldn't notice unless someone told you about it. If you’re looking for the address on Google Maps, just search for "Bento Kopi UIN Malang". It has both indoor and outdoor seating. You can sit inside if you want to focus, or relax outside under pretty lights and a big tree. There’s also a retro-style photobox that’s great for snapping fun pics with friends. And yes, the menu is super affordable, its around Rp9.000-Rp22.000. Whether you’re craving coffee, snacks, or just a quiet place to work, Bento Kopi keeps it budget-friendly for students. If you’re in Malang and want a chill place that’s not expensive, Bento Kopi is a great choice, though unfortunately, the Wi-Fi isn’t very reliable. According to me, the rice dishes are cheap and definitely more worth it than the noodles, but when I came they were sold out, so I ordered fried noodles instead.
Studying doesn’t always have to feel like a chore, especially when you find the right environment. Our journey through Malang’s budget-friendly cafés reminded us that productivity and comfort can coexist, even on a student budget. These spots gave us more than just affordable drinks, they offered a sense of calm, a break from routine, and a little inspiration when we needed it most. Personally, we’ve come to appreciate how a simple change of scenery can reignite focus and creativity. So, if you’re stuck in a study rut, maybe it’s time to explore your own list of cozy cafés. Got a favorite spot we haven’t mentioned? Drop it in the comments, we’d love to check it out!
This blog post is written by Nayla and Atika in partial fulfilment of the English course completion under the supervision of Ms. Siti Rowiyah, S. Pd., M. Pd.
Undergraduate student of the Library Science study program, Faculty of Administrative Science, Universitas Brawijaya.
