A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Yogyakarta for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a colorful, youthful, and cultural city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta. Although Koh Lipe and Yogyakarta are popular destinations, Yogyakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yogyakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Lipe attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple. 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 Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Yogyakarta that are not to be missed. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

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

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yogyakarta makes for a great culinary experience. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Yogyakarta know how to have a good time. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

Koh Lipe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Lipe a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is renowned for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lipe. 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.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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 Yogyakarta More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Many visitors consider this to be one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It still holds on to that undiscovered quality and the nearby national park offers excellent nature to explore.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Lipe is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Lipe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Yogyakarta is a good island for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

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

Yogyakarta is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is very good for students. However, Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koh Lipe and Yogyakarta.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-4 days is enough time in Yogyakarta.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the local island of Koh Lipe, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Yogyakarta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Yogyakarta?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Koh Lipe, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Yogyakarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yogyakarta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta?

Koh Lipe, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Yogyakarta 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 Koh Lipe or Yogyakarta?

Koh Lipe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Yogyakarta, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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 Yogyakarta Expensive?.