A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yaeyama Islands vs. Alice Springs for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

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 Yaeyama Islands and Alice Springs. 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.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a idyllic, tropical, and pristine archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a charming, friendly, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Yaeyama Islands and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands than Alice Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yaeyama Islands is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Alice Springs is more popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Yaeyama Islands is well known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Also, Yaeyama Islands is famous for Nishihama Beach. Alice Springs is well known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

Alice Springs is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yaeyama Islands and Alice Springs.

Yaeyama Islands offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Alice Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Alice Springs are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Yaeyama Islands is a world class resort vacation destination. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a great archipelago for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Yaeyama Islands is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Yaeyama Islands is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its hiking trails.

Alice Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

Alice Springs is a good destination for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Alice Springs are very good family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Alice Springs is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Yaeyama Islands is a great archipelago for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Alice Springs offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Alice Springs is a good destination for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alice Springs than Yaeyama Islands 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 Alice Springs.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the serene destination of Yaeyama Islands. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Alice Springs is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the serene destination of Yaeyama Islands. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Alice Springs?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Since Alice Springs is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Alice Springs, we can see that Alice Springs 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 Yaeyama Islands is in Asia and Alice Springs 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.