A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Jakarta for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands or Jakarta?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Jakarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a remote, spectacular, and idyllic island chain. Many visitors also come to Similan Islands because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a diverse, genuine, and sprawling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Jakarta travel costs.

Similan Islands and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Similan Islands and Jakarta are popular destinations, Jakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Jakarta is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jakarta and Similan Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

Jakarta is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Jakarta. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Similan Islands or Jakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jakarta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Jakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Similan Islands area. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Similan Islands. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Similan Islands. These islands offer one of the world's most famous and impressive diving spots. World class divers travel great distances to experience the undersea world here. There are liveaboard boat trips that range in length from 4 to 6 nights and leave from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips will take you to the many great dive spots in the area. Do take note that the islands close every year from May until October.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands is terrific for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Similan Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The world class beaches have white sand and stunningly blue waters. The setting is challenging enough to reach that you'll likely have few people to share the beaches with. The undersea world is also among the best and most vibrant around.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands offers some nice hiking trails. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

Jakarta is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jakarta is well-known for its shopping. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Similan Islands because of it's amazing beauty. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Jakarta are nice to visit with kids.

Similan Islands is a family-friendly island chain. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jakarta. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Similan Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who want to escape the tourist crowds will appreciate this remote and beautiful beach setting. The blue water and sandy beaches make for a true paradise.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Jakarta is a good city to visit for backpackers. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Similan Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's remote setting makes it challenging to reach on a budget, but if you're willing to devote a day or more to travel, then you'll be well rewarded.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Similan Islands and Jakarta.

Public transit is mostly limited in Similan Islands. The national park operates boats between the islands. You can also charter private longtail boats, however these must be secured in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Similan Islands or Jakarta a more walkable city?

Similan Islands is a good destination for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Similan Islands is somewhat walkable. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Jakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Similan Islands and Jakarta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Similan Islands than in Jakarta. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jakarta than Similan Islands 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 Jakarta.

One day in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

In Similan Islands, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island chain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Jakarta is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Jakarta is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Jakarta is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Jakarta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jakarta. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Similan Islands Expensive? and Is Jakarta Expensive?.