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

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Picton?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Picton? 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 breathtaking, scenic, and spectacular volcano. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Picton travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Picton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Picton than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Picton is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Bromo is more popular for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is well known for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Picton is well known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Also, Picton is famous for the Queen Charlotte Track.

How is Mount Bromo different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mount Bromo
Picton

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

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mount Bromo
Picton

Picton is a great 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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Mount Bromo
Picton

Picton is adequate for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

Picton doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

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 Picton Better for Beaches?

Mount Bromo
Picton

Picton is a great town for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.


Is Mount Bromo or Picton Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo
Picton

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Picton 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.

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Picton?

Mount Bromo
Picton

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Picton More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo
Picton

Mount Bromo is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Mount Bromo or Picton Better for Families?

Mount Bromo
Picton

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

Picton is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo
Picton

With fun activities for couples, both Mount Bromo and Picton make for a superb 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.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Mount Bromo
Picton

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

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Mount Bromo
Picton

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

While Picton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo
Picton

Picton is a great town for its walkability. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its high level of walkability.

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mount Bromo or Picton to fill your time. In our opinion, Picton has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Picton than Mount Bromo. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Mount Bromo or Picton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mount Bromo 1-2 
    Picton 1-2

One day in Mount Bromo or Picton?

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 food and shopping when visiting the picturesque town of Picton. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Mount Bromo or Picton?

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 scenic destination of Picton. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Picton?

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.

The picturesque town of Picton offers museums and food. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic 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 food and shopping when visiting Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton or Mount Bromo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Bromo is $25, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mount Bromo and Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Bromo $10
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Bromo $20
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Mount Bromo and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Mount Bromo or Picton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mount Bromo


Hotels in Picton


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.03
    Picton -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $133
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Bromo or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton and Mount Bromo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mount Bromo $8.84
    Picton $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Picton

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Picton.

  • CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.88
    Picton $109

Tours and Activities in Picton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $119
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $66
  • Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour: $95
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $89
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $95
  • Depart Marlborough Sounds Afternoon Seafood Cruise: $90
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour: $178
  • From Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Postie's Day Off Cruise: $83
  • From Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood: $104
  • From Private Wine and Gourmet Tour of Marlborough: $575
  • Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Bromo $4.43
    Picton $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
  • Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
  • Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
  • Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Picton, we can see that Picton 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 Picton 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.