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

Should you visit Ubud or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton. 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 breathtaking, popular, and famous town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ubud travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a traditional, charming, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Ubud and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Rockhampton?

Both Rockhampton and Ubud have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ubud is very popular for its food, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rockhampton attracts visitors for its beaches. Ubud is more touristy than Rockhampton and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Rockhampton is famous for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks.

How is Ubud different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Rockhampton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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

Ubud is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rockhampton makes for a great culinary experience. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ubud or Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton has a few options to choose from. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton Better for Resorts?

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

Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

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

Rockhampton offers a nice beach destination. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Ubud and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton for the hiking trails. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Rockhampton?

Ubud is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton More Beautiful?

Ubud is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton Better for Families?

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

Rockhampton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Ubud is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ubud. 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.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a good destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.

Rockhampton is popular with students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Ubud is not popular with students.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton.

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 Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Ubud or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Ubud is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Ubud or Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural 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.

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the breathtaking 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 museums and nightlife around the natural destination of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

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 charming town of Rockhampton offers nightlife and food. 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Rockhampton, 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.