A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Kamakura for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Bali or Kamakura?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Kamakura can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a spiritual, cultural, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty in Bali as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Bali travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a ancient, quaint, and charming coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kamakura travel costs.

Bali and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali than Kamakura. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Bali is more touristy than Kamakura and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Bali different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Kamakura?

Kamakura is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Kamakura specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Kamakura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Bali is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Kamakura has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Resorts?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Bali is a great choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Bali a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Bali. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is very good for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Kamakura to see the old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Bali is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Kamakura?

Bali is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bali is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Bali or Kamakura More Beautiful?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Bali as well. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Families?

Bali is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bali is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Kamakura is a family-friendly island. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Bali is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bali makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bali is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Is Bali or Kamakura Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bali and Kamakura offer nice public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Kamakura has some public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Bali or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kamakura is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Bali?

How long in Bali or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bali or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Kamakura 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Kamakura?

The beautiful island of Bali offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Kamakura?

Bali is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Kamakura?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Kamakura. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Kamakura?

Bali is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bali has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

The quaint coastal city of Kamakura offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Kamakura?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Kamakura, 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.

When is the best time to visit Bali or Kamakura?

Kamakura has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Kamakura in the Summer?

Both Kamakura and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

Bali is much warmer than Kamakura in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bali is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Kamakura. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Bali is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Bali