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

Should you visit Dubai or Bandung?

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 Dubai and Bandung can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Dubai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Dubai travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a laidback, cultural, and scenic city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bandung travel costs.

Dubai and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Bandung?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Bandung. While Bandung is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bandung is more popular for its food and hiking. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Bandung is well known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Bandung is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Bandung is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Bandung and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bandung can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Bandung is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bandung has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Bandung is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Bandung is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Bandung is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Bandung is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Beaches?

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

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Hiking?

Bandung is a great city for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bandung for the hiking trails. 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.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Bandung?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Bandung both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Bandung is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Dubai or Bandung More Beautiful?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Dubai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Families?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very family-friendly destination. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. 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.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Couples?

Bandung is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bandung is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Bandung Better for Students?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international 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.

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

Dubai and Bandung both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Bandung a more walkable city?

Bandung is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Bandung?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Bandung. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Bandung. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bandung.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung than Dubai 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 Dubai or Bandung?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bandung, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Bandung?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Bandung?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bandung is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bandung. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Bandung, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Bandung 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 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Bandung Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Bandung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Bandung, 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.