A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alice Springs vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Alice Springs and Gili Trawangan 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.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a friendly, laid back, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Alice Springs and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Alice Springs and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Gili Trawangan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gili Trawangan is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Alice Springs is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Alice Springs and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also home to beautiful beachfront setting. Alice Springs is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Alice Springs different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

Alice Springs is very good for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Alice Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Is the Food Better in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Gili Trawangan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

People head to Gili Trawangan just to party. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Gili Trawangan is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Gili Trawangan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

Alice Springs is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alice Springs. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Alice Springs and Gili Trawangan.

With stunning beauty, Alice Springs attracts visitors from all around. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Gili Trawangan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Both Alice Springs and Gili Trawangan are superb to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alice Springs. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Gili Trawangan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Both Alice Springs and Gili Trawangan are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Alice Springs is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Gili Trawangan, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Gili Trawangan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Alice Springs?

How long in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Alice Springs. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Alice Springs 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the tropical destination of Gili Trawangan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laidback destination of Gili Trawangan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Alice Springs or Gili Trawangan?

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alice Springs and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Alice Springs is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alice Springs is in Pacific and Gili Trawangan is in Asia, 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 Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs than you might in Gili Trawangan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alice Springs Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.