A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Bali for Food, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Bali?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Bali can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a small, local, and tranquil island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bali

Bali is a spiritual, cultural, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Lipe and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Bali?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali. Although Koh Lipe and Bali are popular destinations, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Koh Lipe attracts visitors for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Bali?

Koh Lipe is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Lipe offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lipe or Bali? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Koh Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Koh Lipe is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe and Bali both offer fantastic scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe is not to be missed. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe and Bali are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lipe is a very popular vacation destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Koh Lipe and Bali.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Bali?

Bali is a great destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Bali is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Bali.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bali is very family-friendly. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lipe and Bali are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lipe has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bali is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

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

Bali is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bali, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Is Koh Lipe or Bali a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable island. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Bali Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bali or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Bali?

Both Koh Lipe and Bali have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Bali has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bali than Koh Lipe. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 5-7 days is enough time in Bali.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Koh Lipe 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 Bali.

One day in Koh Lipe or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful island of Bali offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Koh Lipe or Bali?

Koh Lipe is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bali is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Koh Lipe. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local island of Koh Lipe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bali is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bali has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, 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 Koh Lipe and Bali, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Koh Lipe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lipe than you might in Bali.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe or Bali?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Bali in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Bali. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

April to September in Bali is the dry season. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Bali. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lipe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Bali in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Bali. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

Also, December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. May to October in Koh Lipe is the rainy season. October to March in Bali is the rainy season. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in October than Bali. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Bali in the Winter?

Both Bali and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Bali is October to March. In January, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Bali. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Bali in the Spring?

Both Bali and Koh Lipe during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Koh Lipe. May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe. April to September is the dry season in Bali. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in April than Bali. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lipe in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Typical Weather for Bali and Koh Lipe