A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Gili Trawangan for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan? 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking and museums. See Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Gili Trawangan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gili Trawangan is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also home to beautiful beachfront setting. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gili Trawangan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

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.

Is the Food Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Gili Trawangan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

Gili Trawangan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Gili Trawangan a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Gili Trawangan is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Gili Trawangan make for a great place to visit.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Gili Trawangan, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Gili Trawangan both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

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.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. 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.

The idyllic destination of Gili Trawangan offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gili Trawangan has to offer.

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 hiking. 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 nightlife and food around the laidback island of Gili Trawangan. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.