A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Tekapo vs. Gili Trawangan for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan?

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 Lake Tekapo and Gili Trawangan. 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.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Lake Tekapo and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Lake Tekapo and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Gili Trawangan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gili Trawangan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is known for its hiking and small town charm. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also home to beautiful beachfront setting. Lake Tekapo is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Lake Tekapo different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Gili Trawangan is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Gili Trawangan is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Gili Trawangan is a must-see party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Gili Trawangan offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a island with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Lake Tekapo and Gili Trawangan.

With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural 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.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Both Lake Tekapo and Gili Trawangan are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Lake Tekapo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. 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 visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gili Trawangan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. 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.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Lake Tekapo?

How long in Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

In Lake Tekapo, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical island of Gili Trawangan. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan?

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laidback destination of Gili Trawangan. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. 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.

The laidback island of Gili Trawangan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Lake Tekapo or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the town of Lake Tekapo. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Gili Trawangan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Contiki Tours to 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 Lake Tekapo and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Lake Tekapo is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.