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

Should you visit Mashiko or Gili Trawangan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Gili Trawangan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Mashiko travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Mashiko and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mashiko or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Mashiko 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 food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Mashiko and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also home to beautiful beachfront setting. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Mashiko different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mashiko is very good for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Mashiko offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Mashiko or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Mashiko or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

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

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

People travel to Gili Trawangan specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mashiko or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Gili Trawangan are among the best in 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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Mashiko or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Mashiko is very good for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Gili Trawangan?

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

Mashiko is well-known for its shopping. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

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 Mashiko or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mashiko or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Mashiko and Gili Trawangan are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mashiko. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

Gili Trawangan is 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 Mashiko or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Mashiko and Gili Trawangan are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Mashiko is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Mashiko or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Gili Trawangan, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Mashiko and Gili Trawangan both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Mashiko offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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 Mashiko or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Mashiko and Gili Trawangan are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

Gili Trawangan is very walkable. 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 Mashiko Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Gili Trawangan?

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

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

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Mashiko or Gili Trawangan?

Mashiko 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.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gili Trawangan has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mashiko. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mashiko or Gili Trawangan?

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Mashiko and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Mashiko 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 Mashiko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mashiko 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 Mashiko Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.