A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ubud vs. Dunedin for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ubud or Dunedin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Dunedin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ubud

Ubud is a popular, famous, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ubud travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small, hilly, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Dunedin travel costs.

Ubud and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ubud. Although Ubud and Dunedin are popular destinations, Ubud has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ubud is very popular for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Dunedin attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Ubud is more touristy than Dunedin and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. It is also well known for Tegallalang rice terrace. Dunedin is famous for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Ubud different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ubud or Dunedin?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ubud or Dunedin.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ubud. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Dunedin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Is the Food Better in Ubud or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Ubud is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Dunedin know how to have a good time. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Ubud is a great choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a good destination for the beach. However, Ubud is not a beach destination.

Dunedin offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Ubud is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Ubud. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Dunedin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dunedin and Ubud.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Ubud or Dunedin More Beautiful?

Ubud is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Families?

Dunedin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dunedin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Ubud is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Ubud makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud and Dunedin are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ubud is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

Dunedin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a great destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.

Many students visit Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Ubud is not popular with students.

Is Ubud or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dunedin is a good destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dunedin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Ubud or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Ubud and Dunedin both are superb when exploring on foot.

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

Dunedin is very walkable. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ubud Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Dunedin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Ubud 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 Dunedin.

One day in Ubud or Dunedin?

In Ubud, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dunedin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Ubud or Dunedin?

In Ubud, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Dunedin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Dunedin?

Ubud is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ubud has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Dunedin. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. In Ubud, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The vibrant city of Dunedin offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Dunedin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.