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

Should you visit Bali or Ise?

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

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bali and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Ise?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bali than Ise. Bali is bigger than Ise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ise is more popular for its museums & sights. Bali is more touristy than Ise and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Bali different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Bali or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Bali is a world class 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Bali or Ise Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Ise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Ise Better for Beaches?

Bali is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Is Bali or Ise Better for Hiking?

Bali is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

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.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Ise?

Bali is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Bali or Ise Better for Families?

Bali is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Bali or Ise Better for Couples?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise is a good island for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Bali or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Both Bali and Ise 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.

Ise has some public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Bali or Ise a more walkable city?

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

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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 Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Bali?

How long in Bali or Ise?

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

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

With nightlife and food around the frequented destination of Bali, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A weekend in Bali or Ise?

Many people visit Bali for a weekend. With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the spiritual island of Bali, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ise 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 Ise?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Bali, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Ise. 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 Ise?

Bali, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The authentic city of Ise offers museums 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget 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 Ise, we can see that Ise 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 Ise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ise 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 Ise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Ise?

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

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is around the same temperature as Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Ise. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Ise. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Ise. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ise can be very cold. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ise during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Ise. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

Bali is much warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Ise. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Ise and Bali