A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Atami for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Bali or Atami?

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 Atami can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bali and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bali than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Bali different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Atami offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Many restaurants in Bali have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Bali is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Resorts?

Bali is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

Bali is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Bali is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Beaches?

Bali is renowned for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Hiking?

Bali is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Atami?

Bali is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bali is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bali is very family-friendly. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Couples?

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

Bali is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Atami is a good island for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Bali or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bali is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Both Bali and Atami offer notable 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.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Bali or Atami a more walkable city?

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

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Bali?

How long in Bali or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bali or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Atami. 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 Atami 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 Atami?

In Bali, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Atami. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atami is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Atami?

Bali is a fun place to experience. In Bali, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Atami. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Atami?

In Bali, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

The overlooked town of Atami offers nightlife and food. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Atami?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Atami, 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.

When is the best time to visit Bali or Atami?

Atami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami and Bali during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is around the same temperature as Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Atami. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Atami. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Atami. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Atami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bali as well as Atami. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Atami because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atami. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Atami. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

Bali is much warmer than Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Atami. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Typical Weather for Atami and Bali