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

Should you visit Jakarta or Taupo?

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 Taupo. 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

Jakarta and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Jakarta and Taupo 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 Taupo attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taupo is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Taupo and Jakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Jakarta or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is terrific for skiing. However, Jakarta is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Jakarta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Taupo?

Jakarta is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

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

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 Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Jakarta or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Jakarta or Taupo Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Taupo?

Jakarta is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Jakarta or Taupo More Beautiful?

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

Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo 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, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

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

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to 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.

Is Jakarta or Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is somewhat walkable. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jakarta and Taupo. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Taupo than Jakarta. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Taupo.

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

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

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

One day in Jakarta or Taupo?

Each neighborhood in Jakarta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Taupo, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Taupo, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 skiing. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taupo has to offer.

Five days in Jakarta or Taupo?

Jakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Jakarta. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo 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 Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the genuine big city of Jakarta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Taupo?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Taupo, 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.