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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Taupo?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Taupo? 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 colorful, youthful, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Taupo travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Taupo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta than Taupo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Yogyakarta different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yogyakarta or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Yogyakarta is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Yogyakarta is not a skiing destination.

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

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Yogyakarta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Taupo.

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 Taupo is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Yogyakarta or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Yogyakarta know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Yogyakarta or Taupo Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its old town. However, Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo 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 Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Taupo?

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

The abundance of shops in Yogyakarta make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Yogyakarta or Taupo More Beautiful?

Taupo is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo 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, Taupo is a very family-friendly destination. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

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

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Yogyakarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Taupo Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a popular place for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

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

Taupo has some public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Taupo a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta and Taupo are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable city. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yogyakarta and Taupo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta than in Taupo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Taupo.

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

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

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

One day in Yogyakarta or Taupo?

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With shopping and skiing around the stunning town of Taupo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Taupo, 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 skiing. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Taupo?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Taupo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Taupo?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Taupo, 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.