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

Should you visit Bali or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bali and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Bali and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums and shopping, while Bali is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bali is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Surfers Paradise is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck.

How is Bali different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Surfers Paradise specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Both Bali and Surfers Paradise are terrific when it comes to partying.

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.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Bali and Surfers Paradise.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. 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.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Bali and Surfers Paradise are terrific 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 Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Bali is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Surfers Paradise make it a world-class shopping destination. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Bali is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bali and Surfers Paradise are terrific 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 Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Both Bali and Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Bali or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Bali?

How long in Bali or Surfers Paradise?

Both Bali and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Surfers Paradise. 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.

One day in Bali or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the lush island of Bali. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the high energy destination of Surfers Paradise. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Bali is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the glamourous city of Surfers Paradise. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Surfers Paradise?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the summer, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradisein January. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Surfers Paradise during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

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

Bali is much warmer than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the winter, Bali often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise 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 spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.

In the spring, Bali is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Bali