A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fraser Island vs. Gili Trawangan for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fraser Island and Gili Trawangan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a stunning, serene, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fraser Island and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Fraser Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Fraser Island is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Fraser Island and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Fraser Island is well known for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Fraser Island different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

Is the Food Better in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Gili Trawangan. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

Gili Trawangan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for its resorts. However, Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Gili Trawangan makes a nice vacation spot. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Fraser Island and Gili Trawangan both offer first-rate beaches.

Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gili Trawangan. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Fraser Island is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Fraser Island. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a moderate island for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Gili Trawangan has some nice offerings. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Both Fraser Island and Gili Trawangan are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Fraser Island is a very kid-friendly island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Gili Trawangan. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Fraser Island is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Fraser Island has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is very popular for backpackers. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Gili Trawangan. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

Gili Trawangan has a few public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable island. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

For even more information, also check out Is Fraser Island Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Fraser Island?

How long in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fraser Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fraser Island, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Fraser Island 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

In Fraser Island, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the tropical destination of Gili Trawangan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

Fraser Island is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fraser Island. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Gili Trawangan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Fraser Island or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the island of Fraser Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

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