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

Should you visit Jakarta or Paihia?

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

Paihia

Paihia is a beautiful, relaxing, and fun-filled coastal town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Paihia travel costs.

Jakarta and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Paihia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Jakarta and Paihia 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 Paihia attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Paihia is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jakarta is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

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

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 Paihia. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Is Jakarta or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Jakarta or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is a great coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Paihia. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jakarta or Paihia Better for Beaches?

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

Paihia offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Jakarta or Paihia Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Paihia for the hiking trails. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Paihia?

Jakarta is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Jakarta or Paihia Better for Families?

Paihia is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paihia is very family-friendly. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia Better for Couples?

Paihia is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Paihia is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

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 Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Paihia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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

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

While Paihia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

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 Paihia a more walkable city?

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

Paihia is somewhat walkable. It's possible to explore parts of the town 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 Paihia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Paihia?

In either Jakarta or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia than Jakarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

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

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

One day in Jakarta or Paihia?

Jakarta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Paihia, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Paihia?

Jakarta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Paihia, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Paihia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Paihia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paihia has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the genuine big city of Jakarta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Paihia. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paihia. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Paihia?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 4390 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Paihia, 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.