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

Should you visit Similan Islands or Mount Bromo?

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 Mount Bromo 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.

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.

Similan Islands and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Mount Bromo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Similan Islands. Although Similan Islands and Mount Bromo are popular destinations, Similan Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Similan Islands is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its hiking. Mount Bromo is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Similan Islands is famous for its world class diving and remote setting. It is also well known for the undersea world.

How is Similan Islands different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Similan Islands is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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

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 Similan Islands or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Similan Islands or Mount Bromo offer decent nightlife.

Similan Islands doesn't offer many options. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mount Bromo. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Bromo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Bromo Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands. 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.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

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

Is Similan Islands or Mount Bromo More Beautiful?

Similan Islands and Mount Bromo are somewhat similar when it comes to the terrific scenery.

Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

The famous beauty of Mount Bromo is one of the main draws. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Both Similan Islands and Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo. 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 Similan Islands or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

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

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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 Similan Islands or Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Bromo is a volcano with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

Mount Bromo is a good volcano to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

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

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 Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Similan Islands or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Similan Islands and Mount Bromo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable island chain. 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 Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Mount Bromo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Mount Bromo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Mount Bromo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mount Bromo.

Families should spend more time in Similan Islands than Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.

One day in Similan Islands or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spectacular island chain of Similan Islands. 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.

The scenic destination of Mount Bromo offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the remote destination of Similan Islands. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island chain offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The volcano of Mount Bromo offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spectacular island chain of Similan Islands. 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.

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This volcano offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Similan Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island chain.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Mount Bromo, we can see that Similan Islands 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 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 Mount Bromo.

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 Mount Bromo Expensive?.