A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Milford Sound? 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. Milford Sound is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yogyakarta. Although Yogyakarta and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Yogyakarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also home to Borobudur Temple. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Yogyakarta different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Yogyakarta is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Yogyakarta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Yogyakarta has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Yogyakarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

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 Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Yogyakarta. 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.

Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Yogyakarta specifically to go shopping. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Milford Sound is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Yogyakarta is a good city 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 Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Yogyakarta and Milford Sound.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Yogyakarta or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

Yogyakarta and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Yogyakarta because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Milford Sound 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 Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

With skiing around the remote fiord of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With skiing around the destination of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fiord.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Milford Sound, a popular fiord, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this fiord. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Milford Sound?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 1460 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Milford Sound, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.