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

Should you visit Bali or Rotorua?

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

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bali and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali than Rotorua, 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, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rotorua is known for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Rotorua and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Rotorua is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Bali different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Rotorua specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Bali or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Bali has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Bali or Rotorua Better for Resorts?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Rotorua Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Bali and Rotorua.

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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Rotorua?

Bali is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Bali or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is one of the most popular family destinations. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Both Bali and Rotorua are amazing 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.

Rotorua has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Is Bali or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bali and Rotorua are amazing destinations for backpackers.

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.

A large number of backpackers visit Rotorua, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Both Bali and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Bali or Rotorua a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Bali?

How long in Bali or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Rotorua. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

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 Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Rotorua?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the natural destination of Rotorua. This 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 Rotorua?

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 natural town of Rotorua offers nightlife and food. 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 New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Rotorua?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Bali during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Bali usually gets less rain in July than Rotoruain January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bali is generally much warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Bali usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bali as well as Rotorua. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bali is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the spring, Bali is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Bali usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Bali