A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Jakarta or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. 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 genuine, sprawling, and friendly 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Koyasan travel costs.

Jakarta and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Jakarta and Koyasan are popular destinations, Jakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jakarta is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Jakarta or Koyasan.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Jakarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Jakarta or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Jakarta or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a great town for its historic old town. However, Jakarta does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Jakarta does not have a historic old town.

Is Jakarta or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Koyasan offers some nice hiking trails. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Koyasan?

Jakarta is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Jakarta or Koyasan More Beautiful?

Koyasan is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Koyasan Better for Families?

Both Jakarta and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is a family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Jakarta or Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Jakarta and Koyasan are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Jakarta or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a great town for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jakarta or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jakarta than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

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

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

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

One day in Jakarta or Koyasan?

Because Jakarta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Jakarta or Koyasan?

Because Jakarta 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 Jakarta has to offer.

Koyasan 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.

Five days in Jakarta or Koyasan?

Jakarta 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.

Koyasan is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Jakarta or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jakarta. 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 Koyasan. Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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