A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Arrowtown for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Bali or Arrowtown?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Arrowtown can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a tropical, lush, and frequented island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Bali and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Arrowtown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali. Although Bali and Arrowtown are popular destinations, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Arrowtown attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bali is more touristy than Arrowtown and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Arrowtown is famous for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes.

How is Bali different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Bali is not a skiing destination.

People head to Arrowtown specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Bali is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is very good for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Arrowtown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Bali is terrific for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Bali is a must-see party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

Bali is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Bali is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a well-known place for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Arrowtown?

Both Bali and Arrowtown are very good shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Arrowtown. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Arrowtown.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Arrowtown. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Bali is terrific for romance. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Arrowtown is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

Is Bali or Arrowtown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bali and Arrowtown offer nice public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Arrowtown has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Bali or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Arrowtown is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Bali?

How long in Bali or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bali or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Arrowtown 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Arrowtown?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the frequented destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Arrowtown?

You'll find nightlife and food around the spiritual island of Bali. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Arrowtown is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Arrowtown?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Arrowtown is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Arrowtown 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 Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown than you might in Bali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Arrowtown?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Arrowtown, 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.