A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Jakarta vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Jakarta or Bali?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jakarta and Bali. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a friendly, diverse, and genuine city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Jakarta travel costs.

Bali

Bali is a tropical, lush, and frequented island. Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Bali travel costs.

Jakarta and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Bali?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bali than Jakarta. While Jakarta is larger than Bali, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Jakarta attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.

How is Jakarta different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Jakarta specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Bali, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is terrific for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Bali is a must-see party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Bali for its luxury resorts. 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.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. 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.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Beaches?

Bali is terrific for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Bali offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great island for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. 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.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Bali?

If you're looking to go shopping, Jakarta and Bali both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jakarta. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Jakarta or Bali More Beautiful?

Bali is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Families?

Bali is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Bali is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Couples?

Bali is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Bali is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Jakarta or Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Bali. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

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

Bali is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

While Bali offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Jakarta or Bali a more walkable city?

Jakarta and Bali are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Jakarta is generally not a very walkable city. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

Bali is generally not very walkable. 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 Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Bali Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bali or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Bali?

Jakarta and Bali both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Jakarta because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 7-14 days is enough time in Bali.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Jakarta 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 Jakarta or Bali?

Jakarta is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bali, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Jakarta or Bali?

Jakarta 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.

In Bali, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Jakarta or Bali?

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

Bali is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Bali?

The genuine city of Jakarta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. In Bali, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Jakarta and Bali, we can see that Bali is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Bali?

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