A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Ubud vs. Mount Bromo for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ubud or Mount Bromo?

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 Mount Bromo. 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 famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a breathtaking, scenic, and spectacular volcano. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Ubud and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Mount Bromo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ubud than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ubud is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Bromo is more popular for its impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Mount Bromo and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Also, Ubud is famous for Tegallalang rice terrace. Mount Bromo is well known for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Ubud different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ubud is a great town for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Ubud offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

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 Ubud or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Ubud is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Ubud or Mount Bromo Better for Resorts?

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Ubud and Mount Bromo, and they are superb.

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 visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Mount Bromo?

Ubud is a great town for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ubud or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Both Ubud and Mount Bromo are notable 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.

Mount Bromo offers lots of family activities. 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 Ubud or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Ubud or Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Ubud is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ubud and Mount Bromo.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly 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 Ubud or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Ubud is a great town for its walkability. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano 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.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Ubud Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Mount Bromo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ubud or Mount Bromo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ubud 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 Ubud, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mount Bromo.

Families should spend more time in Ubud than Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural town of Ubud. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Ubud or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the famous destination of Ubud. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Mount Bromo is a fun place to experience. 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the popular town of Ubud. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Mount Bromo. This volcano 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ubud. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

The spectacular volcano of Mount Bromo offers . 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, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

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