A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Byron Bay for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Jakarta or Byron Bay?

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 Jakarta and Byron Bay. 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.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a friendly, diverse, and genuine city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Jakarta travel costs.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a relaxed, mellow, and vegan-friendly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Byron Bay is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Jakarta and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Jakarta and Byron Bay are popular destinations, Jakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Byron Bay attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Byron Bay is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

Jakarta is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Jakarta. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Is the Food Better in Jakarta or Byron Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Jakarta and Byron Bay.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Byron Bay. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

Byron Bay is a great town for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Byron Bay has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Byron Bay to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is terrific for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Byron Bay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

Byron Bay is a good destination for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

If you're looking to go shopping, Jakarta and Byron Bay both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jakarta. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Byron Bay is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay More Beautiful?

Byron Bay is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Byron Bay is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Both Jakarta and Byron Bay are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jakarta offers lots of family activities. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly place to visit. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Byron Bay is a great town for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Byron Bay is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Byron Bay is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Byron Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jakarta and Byron Bay both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Public transit is generally limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Jakarta or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Byron Bay is a good destination for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Byron Bay is somewhat walkable. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

Both Jakarta and Byron Bay have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Byron Bay than in Jakarta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Byron Bay.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Byron Bay than Jakarta 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 Byron Bay.

One day in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

People visit Jakarta because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jakarta has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Byron Bay, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

People visit Jakarta because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Byron Bay, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Jakarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Byron Bay is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Byron Bay has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Byron Bay?

Jakarta is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. In Byron Bay, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Byron Bay?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 1260 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Byron Bay, 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.