A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Ise for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bandung or Ise?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Ise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bandung

Bandung is a scenic, laidback, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Ise

Ise is a off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Ise travel costs.

Bandung and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Ise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bandung than Ise. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bandung is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Ise attracts visitors for its beaches. Bandung is more touristy than Ise and is popular for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also well known for White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). Ise is famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Bandung different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bandung or Ise?

Bandung is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bandung. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Is the Food Better in Bandung or Ise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Bandung have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Bandung is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Beaches?

Ise is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bandung is not a beach destination.

Ise is a good option for a beach vacation. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Hiking?

Bandung is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Ise?

Bandung is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Bandung make it a world-class shopping destination. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bandung or Ise.

Bandung is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ise. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Couples?

Bandung is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bandung frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung is well known for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bandung is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Students?

Bandung is a city with good options for students. However, Ise is not popular with students.

Bandung is popular with students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Ise is not popular with students.

Is Bandung or Ise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Bandung and Ise.

Bandung has some public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

You'll find some public transit in Ise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Bandung or Ise a more walkable city?

Bandung is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Bandung is a very walkable city. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Ise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

For even more information, also check out Is Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Ise?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung than Ise 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 Bandung.

One day in Bandung or Ise?

With nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Bandung, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Ise, you'll find museums and 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 Bandung or Ise?

Many people visit Bandung for a weekend. With food and shopping around the laidback city of Bandung, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

Five days in Bandung or Ise?

The destination of Bandung offers shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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.

Ise 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 Bandung or Ise?

Bandung, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ise. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ise. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bandung or Ise?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Ise, 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.