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

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Taupo?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Taupo? 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 spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. The famous beauty of Mount Bromo is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Taupo travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taupo. Although Mount Bromo and Taupo are popular destinations, Taupo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taupo is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Taupo is famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also well known for the Craters of the Moon reserve.

How is Mount Bromo different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mount Bromo or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Mount Bromo is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Mount Bromo is not a skiing destination.

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

Taupo is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Taupo is a great town 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 Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Taupo is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Taupo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Taupo 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.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Taupo?

Taupo is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Taupo. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Taupo More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Mount Bromo is one of the main draws. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Mount Bromo or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Taupo is a very family-friendly destination. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. 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!

Is Mount Bromo or Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its romantic activities.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water 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.

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

Taupo is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Taupo is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to 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.

Is Mount Bromo or Taupo a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo and Taupo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mount Bromo and Taupo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taupo 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 Taupo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Taupo 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 Taupo.

One day in Mount Bromo or Taupo?

In Mount Bromo, many people enjoy the that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This volcano offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the striking town of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Taupo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Taupo?

Mount Bromo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The otherworldly town of Taupo offers food and shopping. 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 Taupo?

You'll find around the scenic destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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