A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Fraser Island for Food, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Bali or Fraser Island?

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 Fraser Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a idyllic, stunning, and serene island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Bali and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Fraser Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bali than Fraser Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Fraser Island is more popular for its museums & sights. Bali is more touristy than Fraser Island and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Fraser Island is well known for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Bali different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fraser Island is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Fraser Island offers a few options for museum-goers. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bali, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Bali is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Resorts?

Bali is very popular for its resorts. However, Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Bali for its luxury resorts. 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.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. 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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Bali and Fraser Island are first-rate 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 Fraser Island are among the best in the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Bali and Fraser Island.

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 Fraser Island. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Fraser Island?

Bali is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Fraser Island.

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 Fraser Island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Both Bali and Fraser Island are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Fraser Island has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Is Bali or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is very popular for backpackers. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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

Bali is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Bali or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Bali and Fraser Island both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

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

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Bali?

How long in Bali or Fraser Island?

In either Bali or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than Fraser Island because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

Families should spend more time in Bali than Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the spiritual 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 when visiting the destination of Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island?

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.

Fraser Island is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lush destination of Bali. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the serene destination of Fraser Island. This island 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 Fraser Island?

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.

The stunning island of Fraser Island offers . 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Bali or Fraser Island?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island in the Summer?

Both Fraser Island and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fraser Island. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

Both Fraser Island and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bali is a little warmer than Fraser Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Bali usually gets less rain in October than Fraser Islandin April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Fraser Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Fraser Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.

In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Fraser Islandin July. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Fraser Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Fraser Island. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Fraser Island for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Bali is a little warmer than Fraser Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

Bali usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Fraser Islandin October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Bali