A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Yogyakarta for Couples, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Yogyakarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a spectacular, idyllic, and remote island chain. Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Similan Islands and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Similan Islands is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Similan Islands area. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Yogyakarta has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Similan Islands. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. These islands offer one of the world's most famous and impressive diving spots. World class divers travel great distances to experience the undersea world here. There are liveaboard boat trips that range in length from 4 to 6 nights and leave from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips will take you to the many great dive spots in the area. Do take note that the islands close every year from May until October.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is renowned for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Similan Islands. The world class beaches have white sand and stunningly blue waters. The setting is challenging enough to reach that you'll likely have few people to share the beaches with. The undersea world is also among the best and most vibrant around.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Similan Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Yogyakarta are notable to visit with kids.

Similan Islands is a family-friendly island chain. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who want to escape the tourist crowds will appreciate this remote and beautiful beach setting. The blue water and sandy beaches make for a true paradise.

Yogyakarta is a good island chain for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Similan Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's remote setting makes it challenging to reach on a budget, but if you're willing to devote a day or more to travel, then you'll be well rewarded.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Similan Islands is not popular with students.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Similan Islands and Yogyakarta.

Public transit is mostly limited in Similan Islands. The national park operates boats between the islands. You can also charter private longtail boats, however these must be secured in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Similan Islands or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Yogyakarta are notable when it comes to walkability.

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable place. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable island chain. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Similan Islands or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Similan Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Yogyakarta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Similan Islands 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 Yogyakarta.

One day in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the spectacular island chain of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The historical destination of Yogyakarta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Similan Islands, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Yogyakarta offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

Similan Islands, a popular island chain, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island chain. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Yogyakarta?

Similan Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island chain makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island chain has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.

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

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