A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Perth or Gili Trawangan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Gili Trawangan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a tropical, idyllic, and laidback island. Gili Trawangan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Perth and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Perth and Gili Trawangan are popular destinations, Gili Trawangan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gili Trawangan is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Perth attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Perth and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also well known for beautiful beachfront setting. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Perth is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Perth or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is very popular for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Perth is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Perth is not a resort destination.

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

Gili Trawangan is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan is not to be missed. 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.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Perth and Gili Trawangan are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Gili Trawangan?

Perth is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Perth. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

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 Perth or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

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

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Gili Trawangan.

Perth is a very family-friendly destination. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Gili Trawangan is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Perth or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Gili Trawangan is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Gili Trawangan is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Perth or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Gili Trawangan. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Perth or Gili Trawangan Better for Students?

Perth is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

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

Perth and Gili Trawangan both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

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 Perth or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Perth?

How long in Perth or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Perth or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Perth. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

In Perth, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Gili Trawangan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laidback destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Gili Trawangan?

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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. 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.

Five days in Perth or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Gili Trawangan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Perth. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 idyllic destination of Gili Trawangan. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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