A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Mount Bromo vs. Gili Trawangan for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a tropical, idyllic, and laidback island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Mount Bromo and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Mount Bromo and Gili Trawangan are popular destinations, Gili Trawangan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gili Trawangan is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Mount Bromo and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also well known for beautiful beachfront setting. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Mount Bromo different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Gili Trawangan is adequate for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Gili Trawangan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Gili Trawangan. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Gili Trawangan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gili Trawangan. 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.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Mount Bromo. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is adequate for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Gili Trawangan is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mount Bromo and Gili Trawangan make for a great place to visit.

Mount Bromo is a great volcano if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Gili Trawangan. 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.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Gili Trawangan is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

While Gili Trawangan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its walkability. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano 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.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gili Trawangan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

In Mount Bromo, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laidback island of Gili Trawangan. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

Mount Bromo 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tropical destination of Gili Trawangan. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

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

The tropical island of Gili Trawangan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the volcano of Mount Bromo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Gili Trawangan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia.

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

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