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

Should you visit Ubud or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. 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 is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Ubud travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking. See Koyasan travel costs.

Ubud and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Koyasan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ubud. Although Ubud and Koyasan are both popular with visitors, Ubud has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ubud is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Ubud is more touristy than Koyasan and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. It is also home to Tegallalang rice terrace. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Ubud different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Ubud is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Ubud or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Ubud is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Ubud or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Ubud is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ubud does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Ubud does not have a historic old town.

Is Ubud or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Ubud is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Koyasan?

Ubud is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ubud is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ubud or Koyasan More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of good scenery and beauty in both Ubud and Koyasan.

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.

Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Is Ubud or Koyasan Better for Families?

Both Ubud and Koyasan are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ubud. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Ubud or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Ubud is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Ubud or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ubud is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

Ubud and Koyasan both are excellent 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.

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Koyasan?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ubud than Koyasan. 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 Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Ubud or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Koyasan?

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.

Because Koyasan is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Koyasan, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

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