A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Sapporo for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Bandung or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Sapporo? 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 laidback, cultural, and scenic city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Bandung and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Sapporo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo. Although Bandung and Sapporo are about the same size, Sapporo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sapporo is better known for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bandung is more popular for its food, hiking, and shopping. Bandung is well known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. Sapporo is well known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. Also, Sapporo is famous for Odori Park.

How is Bandung different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bandung or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Bandung is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Bandung is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Bandung or Sapporo.

Bandung offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Sapporo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

Bandung is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Bandung or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Sapporo has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Bandung or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Bandung is a great city for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bandung for the hiking trails. 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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Sapporo?

Bandung is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Bandung specifically to go shopping. 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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Bandung or Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bandung and Sapporo make for a excellent place to visit.

Bandung makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Is Bandung or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung and Sapporo are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Bandung is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Sapporo is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Bandung or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Bandung is popular with 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.

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

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Sapporo can move around easily with public transportation. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Bandung, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Is Bandung or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Bandung and Sapporo are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bandung and Sapporo. In our opinion, Sapporo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sapporo than Bandung. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

One day in Bandung or Sapporo?

In Bandung, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Sapporo?

In Bandung, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bandung has to offer.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapporo has to offer.

Five days in Bandung or Sapporo?

Bandung is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Sapporo is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bandung or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bandung. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bandung or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Sapporo, 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.