A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaikoura vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

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

Should I visit Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan? 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.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a unique, nature-oriented, and biologically diverse town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Kaikoura and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Kaikoura, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kaikoura is more popular for its hiking and shopping. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Kaikoura and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Kaikoura is well known for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes.

How is Kaikoura different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the respectable sights and museums in both Kaikoura and Gili Trawangan.

Kaikoura offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

While most people don't head to Gili Trawangan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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 Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Kaikoura and Gili Trawangan both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kaikoura. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Gili Trawangan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Gili Trawangan just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a popular place for its resorts. However, Kaikoura is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Gili Trawangan makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Kaikoura is not a resort destination.

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

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kaikoura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Gili Trawangan a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Kaikoura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gili Trawangan. 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.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Is Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Kaikoura is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

Kaikoura is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kaikoura. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

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 Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Kaikoura is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Kaikoura is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

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.

Is Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kaikoura and Gili Trawangan make for a great place to visit.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for couples. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Gili Trawangan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Gili Trawangan. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Gili Trawangan is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Gili Trawangan has a few public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable island. 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.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable town. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Kaikoura?

How long in Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Kaikoura. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

In Kaikoura, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful island of Gili Trawangan offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

Kaikoura is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gili Trawangan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaikoura. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kaikoura or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the town of Kaikoura. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, 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 Kaikoura and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kaikoura is in Pacific and Gili Trawangan 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 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.