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

Should you visit Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands. 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Jakarta travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a tropical, pristine, and luxurious archipelago. Many visitors also come to Yaeyama Islands because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Jakarta and Yaeyama Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jakarta. Although Jakarta and Yaeyama Islands are both popular with visitors, Jakarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Yaeyama Islands is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Jakarta is popular for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also home to Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Yaeyama Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jakarta is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago 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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Jakarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jakarta makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Jakarta and Yaeyama Islands.

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 Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Yaeyama Islands for its luxury resorts. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a great archipelago 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 Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands Better for Beaches?

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

Yaeyama Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands is a great archipelago for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands?

Jakarta is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jakarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Yaeyama Islands because of it's amazing beauty. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands Better for Families?

Yaeyama Islands is a great archipelago for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly destination. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Couples?

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

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Jakarta and Yaeyama Islands both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands a more walkable city?

Jakarta and Yaeyama Islands are decent when it comes to walkability.

Jakarta is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not very walkable. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yaeyama Islands or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands?

In either Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jakarta than Yaeyama Islands 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.

One day in Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands?

Jakarta is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This archipelago 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Jakarta is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Jakarta is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yaeyama Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Yaeyama Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jakarta. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Yaeyama Islands. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Yaeyama Islands. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Yaeyama Islands is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Yaeyama Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.