A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Sado for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Sado?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Sado? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a scenic, spectacular, and breathtaking volcano. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. It's also known for hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Sado travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Sado: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sado. Although Mount Bromo and Sado are both popular with visitors, Sado has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sado is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is known for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis. It is also home to .



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How is Mount Bromo different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Sado?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Sado is a great island for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Sado offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Sado is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sado. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Neither Mount Bromo or Sado offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mount Bromo The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

People don't go to Sado for the nightlife. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Mount Bromo or Sado Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo
Sado

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Sado both have high quality trails.

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.


Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Sado?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Sado is adequate for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sado is a good destination for shopping. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Sado More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Mount Bromo is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mount Bromo or Sado Better for Families?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mount Bromo or Sado.

Mount Bromo offers lots of family activities. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Sado is a family-friendly place to visit. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.


Is Mount Bromo or Sado Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Mount Bromo is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Mount Bromo or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Bromo
Sado

For backpackers, both Mount Bromo and Sado are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mount Bromo. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Mount Bromo or Sado Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Mount Bromo is a moderate volcano for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.


Is Mount Bromo or Sado a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo
Sado

Mount Bromo is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

Mount Bromo is somewhat walkable. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

Sado is not a very walkable volcano. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Sado Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Sado?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mount Bromo and Sado. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sado than in Mount Bromo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sado.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sado than Mount Bromo 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 Sado.


  • How many days in Mount Bromo or Sado? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mount Bromo 1-2 
    Sado 2-3

One day in Mount Bromo or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path island of Sado. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Mount Bromo or Sado?

Mount Bromo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Mount Bromo or Sado?

You'll find around the scenic destination of Mount Bromo. This volcano offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural island of Sado offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Mount Bromo or Sado?

The scenic volcano of Mount Bromo offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 museums and food when visiting Sado. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sado or Mount Bromo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Bromo is $25, while the average daily cost in Sado is $82. 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 Bromo and Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Bromo $10
    Sado $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Bromo $20
    Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Mount Bromo and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Mount Bromo or Sado? 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 Bromo


Hotels in Sado


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: Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.03
    Sado $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Bromo or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado and Mount Bromo 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 Bromo $8.84
    Sado $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.88
    Sado $8.74

Tours and Activities in Sado

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:

  • Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Bromo $4.43
    Sado $69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Sado, we can see that Sado is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Sado would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sado than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Bromo Expensive? and Is Sado Expensive?.


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