A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Yogyakarta vs. Mount Bromo for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo? 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 youthful, cultural, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Yogyakarta and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta. Although Yogyakarta and Mount Bromo are popular destinations, Yogyakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yogyakarta is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Yogyakarta different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Yogyakarta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Yogyakarta is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Yogyakarta. 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.

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 Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great city for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Yogyakarta has something for everybody. 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.

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 Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great city for its historic old town. However, Mount Bromo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Mount Bromo does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo. 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.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

Yogyakarta is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Yogyakarta. 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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mount Bromo. 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 Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Mount Bromo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

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 Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Yogyakarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

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 Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Mount Bromo is not popular with students.

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

Mount Bromo is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Yogyakarta and Mount Bromo.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally 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 Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta and Mount Bromo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

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

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

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

One day in Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

With around the scenic volcano of Mount Bromo, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Bromo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With around the destination of Mount Bromo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this volcano.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

The historical city of Yogyakarta offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mount Bromo, a popular volcano, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Mount Bromo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mount Bromo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. 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 Mount Bromo, we can see that Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Mount Bromo Expensive?.