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

Should you visit Jakarta or Noosa Heads?

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 Noosa Heads. 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 sprawling, friendly, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Jakarta travel costs.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a scenic, natural, and charming coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Noosa Heads is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking. See Noosa Heads travel costs.

Jakarta and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Noosa Heads?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Jakarta and Noosa Heads are popular destinations, Jakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Noosa Heads attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Noosa Heads is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jakarta is a great city for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Jakarta and Noosa Heads.

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 Noosa Heads. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Jakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Jakarta and Noosa Heads.

If you're looking for night time activities Jakarta has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Jakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is terrific for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Noosa Heads offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Jakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Noosa Heads?

Jakarta is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Jakarta is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Jakarta or Noosa Heads More Beautiful?

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Noosa Heads is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's stunning natural beauty, breathtaking beaches, and nearby green spaces have made this a popular holiday destination.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

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

Noosa Heads is a very family-friendly destination. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

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 Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

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

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Noosa Heads is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

While Noosa Heads offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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 Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

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

Noosa Heads is very walkable. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Jakarta or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.

One day in Jakarta or Noosa Heads?

Jakarta is a sprawling 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.

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal 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 Noosa Heads?

Jakarta is a friendly 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.

Noosa Heads 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Noosa Heads has to offer.

Five days in Jakarta or Noosa Heads?

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.

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Noosa Heads?

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 Noosa Heads. Since Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Noosa Heads?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 850 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Noosa Heads, 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.