A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Bandung for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe and Bandung can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a cultural, scenic, and laidback city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bandung travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Bandung?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bandung. Although Koh Lipe and Bandung are both popular with visitors, Bandung has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bandung is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Lipe is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Bandung is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also home to White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). Koh Lipe is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Bandung?

Bandung is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Bandung specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

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

Bandung is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Koh Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

Bandung is very good for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Bandung is not a resort destination.

Koh Lipe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Bandung is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Lipe a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Bandung is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lipe. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Koh Lipe and Bandung.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Bandung?

Bandung is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Many visitors consider this to be one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It still holds on to that undiscovered quality and the nearby national park offers excellent nature to explore.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Families?

Koh Lipe 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.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly destination. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koh Lipe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Couples visit Bandung frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bandung. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung Better for Students?

Bandung is very good for students. However, Koh Lipe is not popular with 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.

Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

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

Bandung is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bandung, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Is Koh Lipe or Bandung a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe and Bandung both are great when exploring on foot.

Koh Lipe is very walkable. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Bandung?

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

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

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

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

In Koh Lipe, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

The city of Bandung offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Koh Lipe or Bandung?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

Bandung is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bandung, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Bandung?

Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bandung 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 Koh Lipe or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Bandung is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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