A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Paihia for Families, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Paihia?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Paihia? 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. Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Paihia

Paihia is a beautiful, relaxing, and fun-filled coastal town. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Paihia travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Paihia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paihia. Although Mount Bromo and Paihia are popular destinations, Paihia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paihia is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Paihia is more touristy than Mount Bromo and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also well known for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Mount Bromo different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paihia is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Paihia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Paihia is a great coastal town 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 Paihia. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

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 Paihia Better for Nightlife?

Paihia is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Paihia has a few options to choose from. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

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 Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is a great coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Paihia. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Paihia Better for Beaches?

Paihia 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 Paihia. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Paihia Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Paihia both have superb trails.

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. 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.

Paihia is a popular spot for hiking. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Paihia?

Paihia is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Paihia. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Paihia More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Paihia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Paihia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mount Bromo or Paihia Better for Families?

Paihia is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paihia is a very family-friendly destination. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia Better for Couples?

Paihia is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its romantic activities.

Paihia makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Is Mount Bromo or Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paihia is a great coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Paihia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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 Paihia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

While Paihia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

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 Paihia a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo and Paihia are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Paihia is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Paihia?

In either Mount Bromo or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia than Mount Bromo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

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

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

One day in Mount Bromo or Paihia?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the fun-filled coastal town of Paihia. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Paihia?

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Paihia. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Paihia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful coastal town of Paihia. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mount Bromo. This volcano offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Paihia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Paihia, we can see that Paihia is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mount Bromo is in Asia and Paihia is in Pacific, 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 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 Paihia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paihia 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 Paihia Expensive?.