A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Nelson for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bandung or Nelson?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bandung or Nelson? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bandung

Bandung is a cultural, scenic, and laidback city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Nelson

Nelson is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Nelson is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nelson travel costs.

Bandung and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Nelson?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nelson than Bandung. While Bandung is larger than Nelson, Nelson has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nelson is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bandung is known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Bandung is popular for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. Nelson is popular for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. It is also home to Abel Tasman National Park.

How is Bandung different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nelson and Bandung. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bandung or Nelson?

Bandung is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bandung. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

Is the Food Better in Bandung or Nelson? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bandung have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Nelson has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Both Bandung and Nelson have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bandung. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Nelson has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Nelson is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Bandung is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Nelson. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Hiking?

Nelson is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Nelson specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Nelson?

Bandung is renowned for shopping. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bandung is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Bandung or Nelson More Beautiful?

Nelson is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nelson is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful outdoor environments.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nelson is a very family-friendly destination. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Couples?

Nelson is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Nelson makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

Couples visit Bandung frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nelson is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Nelson. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

Bandung is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Students?

Bandung is a city with good options for students. However, Nelson is not popular with students.

Bandung is a good city to visit for students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Nelson is not popular with students.

Is Bandung or Nelson Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bandung is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Bandung has a few public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Public transit is mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Bandung or Nelson a more walkable city?

Bandung and Nelson are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Bandung is very walkable. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Nelson is a very walkable city. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Nelson Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Nelson?

In either Bandung or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson than Bandung because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bandung, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nelson than Bandung. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nelson that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nelson than Bandung 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 Nelson.

One day in Bandung or Nelson?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nelson, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bandung or Nelson?

Bandung is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Nelson, you'll find food and shopping. 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.

Five days in Bandung or Nelson?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nelson is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nelson has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bandung or Nelson?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bandung. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nelson. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nelson. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Nelson, we can see that Nelson is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bandung is in Asia and Nelson 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 Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Nelson would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nelson than you might in Bandung.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Nelson Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bandung or Nelson?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nelson. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Nelson, 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.