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

Should you visit Bali or Noosa Heads?

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 Noosa Heads can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a natural, charming, and laid back coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Bali and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Noosa Heads?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bali than Noosa Heads, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Noosa Heads is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Bali is more touristy than Noosa Heads and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Noosa Heads is well known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture.

How is Bali different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Noosa Heads is a moderate coastal town for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Dining out in Noosa Heads is an experience not to be missed. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Bali and Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads are among the best in the world. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Bali and Noosa Heads.

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 Noosa Heads. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Noosa Heads?

Bali is a great island for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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 Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Noosa Heads.

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 Noosa Heads. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

Both Bali and Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads has some public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Bali or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

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

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Bali?

How long in Bali or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Bali or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bali due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

Families should spend more time in Bali than Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spiritual island of Bali. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tropical destination of Bali. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Noosa Heads is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the frequented island of Bali. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Because Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Noosa Heads?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Noosa Heads. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.

In October, Bali usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads and Bali during the winter 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 winter months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

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

In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Bali