A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo. 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Jakarta and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jakarta than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Lake Tekapo is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. Also, Jakarta is famous for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Jakarta is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Jakarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Jakarta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Jakarta or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Jakarta is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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 Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Jakarta or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a great town for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Jakarta is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Jakarta or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

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

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.


Is Jakarta or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Jakarta and Lake Tekapo both notable destinations for a couple.

Jakarta is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Lake Tekapo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Jakarta or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

For backpackers, both Jakarta and Lake Tekapo are notable 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 Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

Jakarta is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.


Is Jakarta or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Jakarta
Lake Tekapo

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jakarta than Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jakarta than Lake Tekapo 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 Jakarta.


  • How many days in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jakarta 1-3 
    Lake Tekapo 1-2

One day in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

Jakarta is a diverse city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lake Tekapo, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Lake Tekapo?

Jakarta is a sprawling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Lake Tekapo, you'll find . 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 Lake Tekapo has to offer.


Five days in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

The friendly city of Jakarta offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo 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 Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jakarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. Many people enjoy the when visiting Lake Tekapo. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Tekapo or Jakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $73, while the average daily cost in Lake Tekapo is $84. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jakarta and Lake Tekapo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jakarta $32
    Lake Tekapo $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jakarta $64
    Lake Tekapo $118
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Lake Tekapo

Looking for a hotel in Jakarta or Lake Tekapo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jakarta


Hotels in Lake Tekapo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jakarta Hotel Prices and Lake Tekapo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jakarta $20
    Lake Tekapo -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Jakarta Soekarno - Hatta ( Private Transfer ): $18
  • Airport Private Transfer Jakarta, Best Price: $19
  • Airport Transfer: $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta ( Private Car ): $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta - Bogor: $27
  • All-inclusive Private Jakarta Airport Transfer : $20
  • BEST PRICE Private Airport Transfer per CAR with Tax & Insurance (Oneway): $30
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK: $113
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Bandung/Lembang Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Cipanas - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer for Small/Big Group: $28
  • Jakarta Airport Transfers : Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK in Business Van: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

Prices for flights to both Lake Tekapo and Jakarta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jakarta $28
    Lake Tekapo $22
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.62
  • Dinner
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $55
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • Halfday Batavia by Night with dinner at Cafe Batavia & souvenir: $120
  • Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jakarta $12
    Lake Tekapo -

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.

  • Jakarta City Center: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Watercolor & Wellness : A Healing Art Therapy Experience: $29
  • Jakarta Culture and History Walking Tour: $33
  • Jakarta Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide : $37
  • Jakarta Walking Tour with Public Transportation Visiting Sites: $45
  • Jakarta Half Day Visit The Monument with Highlight City Tour: $45
  • Jakarta Half Day Shared Guided Tour Visit Monument and Old Town: $49
  • Pasar Baru Foodie Tour: $49
  • Experience Jakarta Street Food Scene with MRT Transportation: $50
  • Jakarta Half-Day Highlights Tour: $50
  • Half Day Jakarta Private Tour in two highlight place: $50
  • 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55

Tours and Activities in Lake Tekapo

Here are a few actual costs in Lake Tekapo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour: $71
  • Christchurch: Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Day Tour: $173
  • Christchurch: Mt Cook Full-Day Private Tour via Lake Tekapo: $180
  • Christchurch: to Queenstown via Mt Cook 1 Way Tour: $231
  • Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience: $36
  • Highlights Tour with Tasting & Sunset in Oia: $116
  • Lake Tekapo Fishing Tour: $191
  • Lake Tekapo Guided 4WD Tours (Small Group, Carbon Positive): $173
  • Lake Tekapo High Country Farm Tour (Carbon Positive): $86
  • Lake Tekapo Scenic 4WD Cass Valley Wilderness Tour: $202
  • Lake Tekapo Scenic Wilderness Cass Valley Tour: $208
  • Lake Tekapo Ultimate Stargazing Experience: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jakarta $4.06
    Lake Tekapo -


When comparing the travel costs between Jakarta and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Lake Tekapo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jakarta is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Lake Tekapo?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 25880 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Lake Tekapo, 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.