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

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Rotorua? 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. Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rotorua travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Rotorua?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rotorua than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rotorua is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is more popular for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is well known for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Also, Rotorua is famous for Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

How is Mount Bromo different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua is a great town for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Rotorua offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Rotorua has a few options to choose from. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

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 Rotorua Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Rotorua both have excellent 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.

Rotorua is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Rotorua?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rotorua. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is an amazing volcano to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and 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.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Mount Bromo or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua 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, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

While Rotorua offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo and Rotorua are notable 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.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mount Bromo and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rotorua than in Mount Bromo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

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

One day in Mount Bromo or Rotorua?

In Mount Bromo, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This volcano offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse town of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Rotorua?

In Mount Bromo, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mount Bromo has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The diverse town of Rotorua offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Bromo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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