A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Paihia for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Paihia?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Paihia? 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Paihia

Paihia is a relaxing, fun-filled, and beautiful coastal town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Paihia travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Paihia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paihia than Yogyakarta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paihia is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Paihia is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Paihia is famous for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows.

How is Yogyakarta different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Paihia?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Paihia.

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.

Dining out in Paihia is an experience not to be missed. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Is Yogyakarta or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Paihia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Yogyakarta or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Paihia. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Paihia Better for Beaches?

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paihia. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Paihia Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for its old town. However, Paihia 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.

Paihia does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Paihia Better for Hiking?

Paihia is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Paihia. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Paihia?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Yogyakarta or Paihia Better for Families?

Paihia is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paihia is a very family-friendly destination. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia Better for Couples?

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

Paihia makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

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 Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Paihia are both superb destinations 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.

Paihia is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

Is Yogyakarta or Paihia Better for Students?

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

Paihia is not popular with students.

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

Paihia is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Paihia has some public transit options. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

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 Yogyakarta or Paihia a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta and Paihia are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Paihia is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Paihia?

In either Yogyakarta or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia than Yogyakarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Paihia 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 Paihia?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing coastal town of Paihia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Paihia?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Paihia, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Paihia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Paihia, a popular coastal town, 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 coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Paihia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Paihia, we can see that Paihia 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 Paihia 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 Paihia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paihia 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 Paihia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Paihia?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Paihia, 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.