A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Yogyakarta vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Bali?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Bali? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a cultural, historical, and colorful city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. Bali is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Bali travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Bali?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bali than Yogyakarta. While Yogyakarta is larger than Bali, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Bali is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows.

How is Yogyakarta different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Bali?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Yogyakarta are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Bali? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Dining out in Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Bali is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Bali is a great choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Bali a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Beaches?

Bali is renowned for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Bali. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Bali?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Yogyakarta make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali More Beautiful?

Bali is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bali is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Families?

Bali is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bali is very family-friendly. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Couples?

Bali is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bali makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bali is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Yogyakarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is very good for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is a good city to visit for students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Bali is not popular with students.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bali is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Bali a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

Bali is generally not a very walkable city. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Bali Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bali or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Bali?

Yogyakarta and Bali both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Yogyakarta because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 7-14 days is enough time in Bali.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Yogyakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bali that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Yogyakarta 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 Bali.

One day in Yogyakarta or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and nightlife around the spiritual island of Bali, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Bali?

Yogyakarta 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bali, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Bali?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. This city 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.

Bali, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Bali?

The historical city of Yogyakarta offers nightlife and food. 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.

Bali is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Bali?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Bali, 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.