A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ubud vs. Fraser Island for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Ubud or Fraser Island?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Fraser Island. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ubud

Ubud is a cultural, breathtaking, and popular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Ubud travel costs.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a serene, breathtaking, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Fraser Island is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Fraser Island travel costs.

Ubud and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Fraser Island?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ubud. Although Ubud and Fraser Island are both popular with visitors, Ubud has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ubud is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Fraser Island is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Fraser Island and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. It is also home to Tegallalang rice terrace. Fraser Island is popular for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Ubud different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ubud or Fraser Island?

Ubud is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ubud. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

Is the Food Better in Ubud or Fraser Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ubud is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Ubud, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Ubud is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ubud. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Resorts?

Ubud is very popular for its resorts. However, Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Ubud for its luxury resorts. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fraser Island is a island with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ubud is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fraser Island has a few snorkeling spots. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Ubud is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Fraser Island is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ubud is not a beach destination.

Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Ubud and Fraser Island, and they are excellent.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Ubud. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Many visitors go to Fraser Island for the hiking trails. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Fraser Island?

Ubud is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ubud is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island More Beautiful?

Fraser Island is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Fraser Island is one of the main draws. With its strikingly blue water and white sand, this is truly a bucket list destination for many travelers. You'll be immersed in one of the world's most beautiful environments.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Fraser Island is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fraser Island is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Ubud and Fraser Island both terrific destinations for a couple.

Ubud is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

Fraser Island makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud and Fraser Island are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ubud is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

Fraser Island is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ubud is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Ubud or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Ubud is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Ubud is a very walkable town. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable town. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

For even more information, also check out Is Ubud Worth Visiting? and Is Fraser Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Fraser Island?

In either Ubud or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Ubud than Fraser Island because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ubud than Fraser Island 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 Ubud.

One day in Ubud or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Ubud. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Fraser Island. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Ubud or Fraser Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Fraser Island is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Ubud. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the idyllic destination of Fraser Island. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Ubud or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Ubud. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The idyllic island of Fraser Island 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.

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

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