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

Should you visit Jakarta or Picton?

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 Picton. 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Jakarta travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Picton travel costs.

Jakarta and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jakarta than Picton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Picton is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Picton is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. Also, Jakarta is famous for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jakarta is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

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

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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Jakarta or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Jakarta or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is a great town for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Picton for it's beautiful beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Jakarta or Picton Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Picton for the hiking trails. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Picton?

Jakarta is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Jakarta or Picton Better for Families?

Picton 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.

Picton is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

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

Picton is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

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

While Picton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Picton?

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

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

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

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

One day in Jakarta or Picton?

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

In Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Picton?

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 Picton, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Picton has to offer.

Five days in Jakarta or Picton?

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.

Picton 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 Picton?

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 Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Picton?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 2850 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Picton, 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.