A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katoomba vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

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 Katoomba and Gili Trawangan. 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.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Katoomba travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a tropical, idyllic, and laidback island. Gili Trawangan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Katoomba and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Katoomba and Gili Trawangan are popular destinations, Gili Trawangan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gili Trawangan is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Katoomba and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also well known for beautiful beachfront setting. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Katoomba different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

Katoomba is very good for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Is the Food Better in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gili Trawangan makes for a great culinary experience. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Gili Trawangan just to party. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for its resorts. However, Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a handful of resorts to choose from. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Gili Trawangan offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Katoomba specifically for its hiking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

Katoomba is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is one of the most popular family destinations. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Gili Trawangan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Katoomba and Gili Trawangan both high quality destinations for a couple.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Gili Trawangan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gili Trawangan is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Katoomba and Gili Trawangan offer nice public transit options.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Gili Trawangan has some public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Is Katoomba or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Gili Trawangan is very walkable. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Katoomba Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Katoomba or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Katoomba. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Katoomba 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful island of Gili Trawangan offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

Katoomba is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gili Trawangan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Katoomba or Gili Trawangan?

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Katoomba and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Katoomba is in Pacific and Gili Trawangan is in Asia, 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 Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Gili Trawangan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Katoomba Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.