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

Should you visit Bandung or Te Anau?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Te Anau? 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 scenic, laidback, and cultural city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a pristine, breathtaking, and stunning town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Bandung and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Te Anau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bandung. Although Bandung and Te Anau are popular destinations, Bandung has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bandung is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Te Anau attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bandung is famous for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also well known for White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). Te Anau is famous for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Bandung different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bandung is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

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

Bandung is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Te Anau is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Dining out in Te Anau is an experience not to be missed. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Is Bandung or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Bandung is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Bandung or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau 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 Te Anau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

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 Te Anau?

Bandung is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Bandung draws large crowds to its 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.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Bandung or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bandung or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau 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, Te Anau is a very family-friendly destination. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

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

Te Anau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

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 Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung and Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is a great city to visit for backpackers. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

Is Bandung or Te Anau Better for Students?

Bandung is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Te Anau is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bandung. 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.

Te Anau is not popular with students.

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

Bandung is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Bandung or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Bandung is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bandung and Te Anau. In our opinion, Bandung has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bandung than Te Anau. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bandung, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

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

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

One day in Bandung or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bandung or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer.

Five days in Bandung or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau 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.

A week in Bandung or Te Anau?

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 Te Anau. Since Te Anau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Bandung or Te Anau?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 820 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Te Anau, 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.