A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yaeyama Islands vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

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 Yaeyama Islands and Gili Trawangan. 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.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a luxurious, serene, and idyllic archipelago. Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and nightlife. See Yaeyama Islands 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Yaeyama Islands and Gili Trawangan are popular destinations, Gili Trawangan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gili Trawangan is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Yaeyama Islands attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Yaeyama Islands and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also well known for beautiful beachfront setting. Yaeyama Islands is famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Yaeyama Islands and Gili Trawangan have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Yaeyama Islands offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

While most people don't head to Gili Trawangan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gili Trawangan makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and partying.

Gili Trawangan is a must-see party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Yaeyama Islands is a perfect choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. 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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan. 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.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands and Gili Trawangan both offer first-rate beaches.

Yaeyama Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gili Trawangan. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a moderate island for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Gili Trawangan are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Gili Trawangan is very family-friendly. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Yaeyama Islands has plenty to offer. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gili Trawangan is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago 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.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Yaeyama Islands. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Yaeyama 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The tropical destination of Gili Trawangan offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The island of Gili Trawangan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Gili Trawangan. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, 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 Yaeyama Islands and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Yaeyama Islands is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Yaeyama Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.