A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Gili Trawangan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a tropical, idyllic, and laidback island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Adelaide and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Adelaide and Gili Trawangan are popular destinations, Gili Trawangan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gili Trawangan is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its museums & sights, hiking, and shopping. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also well known for beautiful beachfront setting. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Adelaide is very good for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Adelaide or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Gili Trawangan. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Gili Trawangan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Gili Trawangan is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Gili Trawangan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Adelaide is very good for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

Adelaide is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is well-known for its shopping. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Gili Trawangan is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Gili Trawangan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Gili Trawangan. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan Better for Students?

Adelaide is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

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

Adelaide is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you around easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

You'll find some public transit in Gili Trawangan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Is Adelaide or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Gili Trawangan are superb when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Adelaide or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Adelaide. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Adelaide. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Adelaide 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 Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

In Adelaide, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful island of Gili Trawangan offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gili Trawangan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Adelaide. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, 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 Adelaide and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Gili Trawangan is in Asia, 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 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.