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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Jakarta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Jakarta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come to Koh Chang because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a diverse, genuine, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Jakarta travel costs.

Koh Chang and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jakarta. Although Koh Chang and Jakarta 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 Koh Chang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Chang is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. Jakarta is popular for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also home to Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Koh Chang different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

Jakarta is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Jakarta can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Jakarta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Jakarta have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Chang. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Jakarta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is adequate for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Koh Chang has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

Jakarta is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Koh Chang or Jakarta More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Chang because of it's amazing beauty. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Families?

Koh Chang is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly destination. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Couples?

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

Koh Chang is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Koh Chang is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

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

While Koh Chang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

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 Koh Chang or Jakarta a more walkable city?

Koh Chang and Jakarta are decent when it comes to walkability.

Koh Chang is generally not a very walkable island. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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 Koh Chang Worth Visiting? and Is Jakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Chang and Jakarta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than in Jakarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

In Koh Chang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Jakarta because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jakarta has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

In Koh Chang, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

People visit Jakarta because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Jakarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Jakarta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. 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.

Jakarta is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Chang and Jakarta, we can see that Jakarta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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