A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ubud vs. Katoomba for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ubud or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. 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 cultural, breathtaking, and popular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Ubud travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a serene, natural, and relaxing town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Katoomba travel costs.

Ubud and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Katoomba?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ubud than Katoomba, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ubud is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Katoomba is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Katoomba and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Also, Ubud is famous for Tegallalang rice terrace. Katoomba is well known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Ubud different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ubud is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Ubud is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Ubud, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Ubud or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ubud or Katoomba has a better nightlife scene.

Ubud has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Katoomba has a few options to choose from. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Ubud or Katoomba Better for Resorts?

Ubud is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Ubud for its luxury resorts. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Katoomba is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Many visitors go to Ubud for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Katoomba?

Ubud is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Ubud is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Ubud or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. 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.

Is Ubud or Katoomba Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Katoomba is very family-friendly. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Ubud is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Ubud is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Ubud or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud and Katoomba are excellent 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.

Katoomba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Katoomba 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 Katoomba, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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 Katoomba a more walkable city?

Ubud is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Ubud is very walkable. 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.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Ubud or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ubud due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

Couples should spend more time in Ubud than Katoomba. 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 Ubud than Katoomba 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 Ubud.

One day in Ubud or Katoomba?

The town of Ubud offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Ubud or Katoomba?

Ubud is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Katoomba?

Ubud is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ubud, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Katoomba?

Ubud is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ubud has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Because Katoomba is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ubud and Katoomba, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ubud is in Asia and Katoomba is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Katoomba?

Ubud has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Katoomba, 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.