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

Should you visit Bali or Dunedin?

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

Bali

Bali is a stunning, tropical, and lush island. The famous beauty of Bali is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Bali travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a cultural, vibrant, and small city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dunedin travel costs.

Bali and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali than Dunedin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dunedin is known for its museums and attractions. Bali is more touristy than Dunedin and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Bali different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dunedin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Dunedin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Bali is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Many people head to Dunedin for the nightlife scene. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Bali is a great 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.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Bali a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Bali is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Bali. 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.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Bali is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Dunedin?

Both Bali and Dunedin are great 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 Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Bali or Dunedin More Beautiful?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Bali is one of the main draws. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Dunedin.

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 Dunedin. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Bali is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Bali makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bali is a very popular island to visit 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.

Dunedin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Bali or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a well-known place for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Dunedin is very popular with students. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Both Bali and Dunedin offer good 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.

Dunedin has some public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Bali or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy 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 Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Bali?

How long in Bali or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Dunedin. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

Families should spend more time in Bali than Dunedin. 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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

In Bali, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Bali or Dunedin?

In Bali, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

Bali is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Bali or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. In Bali, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The small city of Dunedin 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Dunedin?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Dunedin, 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.