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

Should you visit Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan?

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 Kanazawa and Gili Trawangan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a tropical, idyllic, and laidback island. Gili Trawangan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Kanazawa and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Kanazawa and Gili Trawangan are popular destinations, Gili Trawangan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gili Trawangan is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Kanazawa and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also well known for beautiful beachfront setting. Kanazawa is famous for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Kanazawa different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kanazawa is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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

Both Kanazawa and Gili Trawangan offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Gili Trawangan. 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 Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Gili Trawangan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

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

Gili Trawangan is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan is not to be missed. 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.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Gili Trawangan is a very popular vacation 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is very good for its old town. However, Gili Trawangan does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kanazawa. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Gili Trawangan does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan?

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

Kanazawa is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Gili Trawangan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Gili Trawangan is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Gili Trawangan is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Gili Trawangan is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Gili Trawangan is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Gili Trawangan is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan Better for Students?

Kanazawa is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa and Gili Trawangan both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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.

Is Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Kanazawa and Gili Trawangan are very good when it comes to walkability.

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gili Trawangan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

In Kanazawa, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Kanazawa. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, 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 Kanazawa and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.