A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Coffs Harbour for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Bali or Coffs Harbour?

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 Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a fun, nature-filled, and lively vacation town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bali and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Coffs Harbour?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali than Coffs Harbour. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Coffs Harbour attracts visitors for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Coffs Harbour and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Coffs Harbour is famous for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana".

How is Bali different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour?

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

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Coffs Harbour 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Bali is very popular for nightlife. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Bali is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

The people in Coffs Harbour know how to have a good time. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Bali is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Bali and Coffs Harbour are amazing choices for a beach vacation.

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.

The beaches in Coffs Harbour are among the best in the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Bali and Coffs Harbour.

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Coffs Harbour?

Both Bali and Coffs Harbour are superb 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 Coffs Harbour. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is one of the most popular family destinations. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bali. 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.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Bali is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

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

Bali is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Bali has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Bali or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Bali is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable island. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Bali?

How long in Bali or Coffs Harbour?

Both Bali and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Bali has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bali than Coffs Harbour. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the frequented destination of Bali. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Coffs Harbour. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Coffs Harbour is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Coffs Harbour. This vacation town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nature-filled vacation town of Coffs Harbour. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Coffs Harbour?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bali is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbourin January. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the summer, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbourin January. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Coffs Harbourin January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bali is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Bali is much warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In the winter, Bali often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin July. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Coffs Harbourin July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour 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 and the natural beauty are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

In April, Bali is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbourin October. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Bali