A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Aspiring National Park vs. Gili Trawangan for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Mount Aspiring National Park different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is very popular for the beach. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Mount Aspiring National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a moderate island for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Gili Trawangan has some nice offerings. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Mount Aspiring National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

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.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Mount Aspiring National Park and Gili Trawangan are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Gili Trawangan. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Mount Aspiring National Park and Gili Trawangan are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Both Mount Aspiring National Park and Gili Trawangan are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

A large number of backpackers visit Gili Trawangan, as it is a very popular national park 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.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park 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 mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.


Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

How long in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Mount Aspiring National Park , and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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.


  • How many days in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mount Aspiring National Park 2-5 
    Gili Trawangan 2-4

One day in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

In Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find . 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 laidback destination of Gili Trawangan offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gili Trawangan has to offer.


Five days in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Aspiring National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laidback island of Gili Trawangan. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Gili Trawangan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
    Gili Trawangan Prices
    Indonesia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122
    Gili Trawangan $40

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Aspiring National Park is $122, while the average daily cost in Gili Trawangan is $40. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mount Aspiring National Park and Gili Trawangan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
    Gili Trawangan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
    Gili Trawangan $46
Compare Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park and Gili Trawangan

Looking for a hotel in Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


Hotels in Gili Trawangan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices and Gili Trawangan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49
    Gili Trawangan $2.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gili Trawangan

Also for Gili Trawangan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Speedboat transfer Between Lombok and Gili Islands: $15
  • Gili Trawangan Luxury Speedboat Transfer to Bali: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Aspiring National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Prices for flights to both Gili Trawangan and Mount Aspiring National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32
    Gili Trawangan $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gili Trawangan

For Gili Trawangan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Indonesian Food Cooking Class of Gili Air: $33
  • Learn to cook authentic Indonesian food at Gili Cooking Classes: $33
  • Gili Trawangan Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise with snorkeling: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29
    Gili Trawangan $3.82

Tours and Activities in Gili Trawangan

For Gili Trawangan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Experience The Gili Fireshow with Cocktail: $9.75
  • From Gili Islands Snorkeling Boat Tour: $15
  • Group Snorkeling Tour Gili Islands Including GoPro Documentation: $15
  • Gili Islands Snorkel Tour - Explore an Underwater Paradise: $16
  • Gili Islands Sunset Boat Tour and Snorkeling: $17
  • Cycling Tour with Snorkeling and Viewpoint: $31
  • Cycling, Viewpoint & Paddle Boarding Tour: $34
  • Gili Meno Horse Riding Adventure on the Beach for 1 Hour: $42
  • Gili Air 1 Hour Horseback Beach Adventure: $46
  • Kuta Tour (South Of Lombok Beutiful Tour): $49
  • Lombok Private Tour Waterfall And Traditional Village Including Beach: $62
  • Mushroom Tour with Jungle Breakfast: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07
    Gili Trawangan $3.53


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