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

Should you visit Bali or Okinawa?

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

Bali

Bali is a stunning, tropical, and lush island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bali and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Okinawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Okinawa than Bali. While Bali is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Okinawa is more popular for its museums and hiking, while Bali is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Bali is more touristy than Okinawa and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Okinawa is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands.

How is Bali different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Okinawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Okinawa. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Bali or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife.

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.

Okinawa has a large number of nightlife venues. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Is Bali or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Is Bali or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali and Okinawa both offer first-rate scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. 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.

People travel to Okinawa specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Is Bali or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Bali and Okinawa 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 Okinawa are among the best in the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Is Bali or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Okinawa?

Bali is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bali. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Bali or Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa 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.

Okinawa is one of the most popular family destinations. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

Both Bali and Okinawa 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.

Okinawa has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Is Bali or Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Both Bali and Okinawa 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.

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Bali or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Bali and Okinawa both are decent 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable island. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Bali?

How long in Bali or Okinawa?

Both Bali and Okinawa 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 Okinawa. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Okinawa. 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 Okinawa 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 Okinawa?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Okinawa. 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 Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa is a fun place to experience. 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 Okinawa?

Bali is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bali has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Okinawa. This archipelago 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 Okinawa?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the idyllic archipelago of Okinawa. 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Okinawa?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa 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 Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa 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 Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Okinawa in the Winter?

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

Bali is much warmer than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Bali usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bali usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Okinawa in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bali is a little warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Bali