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

Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Beijing and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing. Although Beijing and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Beijing has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Gili Trawangan is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Beijing is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Gili Trawangan is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving.

How is Beijing different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Dining out in Gili Trawangan is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Gili Trawangan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Gili Trawangan?

Beijing is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Beijing is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Beijing or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Gili Trawangan is known to be 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan Better for Students?

Beijing is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

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

Beijing is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Beijing can get you around easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

You'll find some public transit in Gili Trawangan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Is Beijing or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options 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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Beijing or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beijing due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Gili Trawangan?

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Gili Trawangan?

Beijing is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gili Trawangan has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Beijing or Gili Trawangan?

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.