Choosing between Bali and Fiji can be a difficult decision as both destinations offer breathtaking views, beaches, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. To help you make the best decision based on your budget, travel style, and preferences, we’ve compared the two destinations.
Overall, we lean towards Fiji as the better option. It’s generally more affordable to get to from major cities like Sydney and Brisbane, with only slightly higher prices from Melbourne. Plus, flying to Fiji saves you hours compared to flying to Bali. While prices may be higher in Fiji, the luxurious accommodations and stunning beachfronts make it worth it. Fiji is also an excellent choice for honeymooners and families.
Bali vs Fiji
Which is better for cost?
When it comes to cost, Bali and Fiji offer different experiences for travelers. In recent years, Fiji has become more expensive, with transport being the biggest budget eater, where taxis can charge $36 to $65 between cities. On the other hand, Bali is generally less expensive overall, with a 1-hour taxi ride costing around $30. However, it’s important to note that the more remote islands in Fiji can be more expensive.
While Bali may be more expensive to fly to from cities like Sydney and Brisbane, it makes up for it with cheaper accommodation, meals, and tour costs. Fiji, on the other hand, offers luxury accommodations and breathtaking beachfronts at a higher cost.
Ultimately, it depends on your budget and travel style. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination, Bali may be the better choice. However, if you’re willing to spend more for a luxurious experience, Fiji may be the better option.
If you are planning a vacation in Southeast Asia or the South Pacific, Bali and Fiji are two great options to consider. Skyscanner has listed the average return airfare for Australians flying to Bali, with prices ranging from $273 from Darwin to $740 from Sydney. On the other hand, flights to Fiji cost around $705 from Sydney, $857 from Melbourne, and $755 from Brisbane.
When it comes to accommodation, you can find a 3-star hotel in Bali for as low as $13 per night, according to prices obtained from Hotels Finder for a stay on February 1, 2020. Meanwhile, a 3-star hotel in Fiji costs approximately $60 per night.
If you enjoy drinking beer, Bali offers affordable options with prices averaging around $3.49 per bottle. In Fiji, a bottle of beer costs around $3.93.
Food is another aspect to consider when choosing between Bali and Fiji. Meals in Bali can range from $3 to $12, while in Fiji, expect to pay $6.55 to $20 for a meal.
Finally, both Bali and Fiji offer exciting day tours. An 8-hour Bali Quicksilver cruise costs $143.13 via Viator, while an 8-hour Fiji day cruise costs $174.32 via the same tour provider. Choose your destination based on your budget, preferences, and travel goals.
How do flights compare from Australia?
When it comes to flights from Australia, Fiji generally has the upper hand over Bali in terms of cost and convenience. Return flights to Fiji from Australia’s major cities typically cost around $700 to $800, while flights to Bali tend to be more expensive. Both budget and full-service airlines offer direct flights to both destinations. Jetstar, Qantas, and Garuda Indonesia fly non-stop to Bali, while Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Fiji Airways fly non-stop to Fiji. Bali has one main international airport, Denpasar, while Fiji has two: Nadi and Suva.
Flight duration varies depending on the departure city. Flights from Darwin and Perth to Bali are under four hours, while flights from Sydney or Melbourne can take up to seven hours. On the other hand, flights from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to Fiji take 4–5 hours, while flights from Perth take almost 10 hours. Both destinations have numerous flights throughout the day, but there are slightly more flights from Sydney to Bali compared to Fiji, with up to five flights per day versus three.
Overall, Fiji is the winner in terms of flights from Australia, with cheaper prices, shorter flight times, and more airport options. However, Melbourne flights to Bali are shorter, so it could go either way.
Compare flight prices to Bali or Fiji:
When planning a trip to Bali or Fiji, it’s important to compare flight prices to find the best deal. Both destinations offer a range of accommodation options, including budget hostels, homestays, and luxury resorts. Fiji also offers the unique option of camping, which is mostly run by hostels and is priced similarly to other budget accommodations. By comparing flight prices, travelers can save money on their trip and allocate more funds towards activities and experiences in their destination of choice.
Which is better for hotels?
When it comes to accommodation, Fiji can be more expensive with budget dorm rooms starting at $27 and mid-range hotels at $160. Luxury resorts can cost upwards of $300 per night. On the other hand, Bali offers more affordable options, with hostels starting at $10 and homestays at $15. Budget hotels are available from $30 and luxury hotels range from $250 to $1,000 per night, depending on your preferences.
It’s worth noting that Fiji has the unique feature of overwater bungalows, which Bali does not offer.
Overall, Bali offers more consistent and affordable prices for accommodation throughout the island. Fiji may have some cheaper options, but accommodation in certain areas can be quite expensive.
For those seeking a luxurious stay, both Bali and Fiji have plenty of high-end resorts to choose from.
Which is better for beaches?
When it comes to beaches, Fiji is the clear winner. This island country is well-known for its pristine white sand beaches that can be found throughout the region. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a secluded spot, Fiji has plenty of options for beach lovers. Plus, you can easily spot marine life in the crystal-clear waters just off the shore.
On the other hand, Bali’s beaches are often crowded and notoriously dirty, although there are some exceptions like the Uluwatu area. While Bali does have some white sand beaches, many of its beaches are black sand. Therefore, if you’re looking for beautiful and peaceful beaches, Fiji is the ideal destination.
Which is better for food?
When it comes to food, Bali is known for its rich flavors of noodle, rice and fried dishes. However, Bali being a popular tourist destination for Australians, there are a lot of options available for Australian/Western cuisine, with many cafes and hotel restaurants offering familiar dishes, often with a hipster atmosphere.
On the other hand, Fijian food celebrates seafood, coconut, rice, and cassava. As there are many Indian and Chinese Fijians, you can expect to find a wide variety of cuisines or fusion meals that incorporate these cultures’ palates. Resorts, in particular, offer a wide mix of cuisines, including your standard high-end Western restaurant and mixed buffet options.
Which is better for night-life?
If you are looking for a party scene, Bali is the place to be. Bali has an incredible array of night-life options to cater for all ages, ranging from beach bars to world-class bars and nightclubs. Whether you are in Kuta, Canggu or Uluwatu, you’ll find numerous nightclubs and bars with famous DJs and live music.
On the other hand, Fiji offers a more laid-back and casual night-life, with bars located mainly in Nadi and Suva, as well as Beachcomber Island, known for its party atmosphere. The bars in Fiji are typically relaxed with surfer vibes.
Which is better for a honeymoon?
If you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon getaway, both Bali and Fiji have a lot to offer. However, your choice should depend on your preferences.
Bali is the perfect choice for couples who are looking for adventure, cultural exploration, and some relaxation. From the beautiful beaches, lush rice paddies, and stunning temples, Bali offers a mix of unique and exotic experiences. Bali also offers a wide range of accommodations, from affordable beach bungalows to luxury villas.
On the other hand, Fiji is a paradise for couples who are seeking a romantic honeymoon on a beach resort. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and beautiful sunsets, Fiji offers a perfect setting for relaxation and romance. Fiji has a great selection of luxury resorts and overwater bungalows, which provide an intimate and private atmosphere for honeymooners.
Which is better for families?
When it comes to choosing a family-friendly holiday destination, both Bali and Fiji offer plenty of activities for children of all ages, including resorts that cater specifically to families. For younger kids, both locations offer kids’ clubs and babysitting services. Older children will enjoy water activities in Fiji or water parks, shows, and animal parks in Bali.
However, many families regard Fiji as a safer and cleaner option compared to Bali.
Winner: Fiji is an ideal family vacation spot, with shorter flight times, in-resort kids’ clubs, and a plethora of marine activities for all ages.
Bali vs Fiji: Features compared
When it comes to comparing Bali and Fiji, there are many factors to consider before choosing your next travel destination. Let’s take a look at some of the features of both locations.
Popular Activities: Both Bali and Fiji offer similar activities such as beaches, snorkelling, island hopping, visiting temples, and surfing. However, Bali has some additional activities like volcano treks and rice terraces.
Transport Options: Bali has limited public transportation and mostly relies on private drivers and some shuttles, while Fiji has a reliable network of buses and ferries to travel between its main islands. Taxis, car hire, boat charters, and small planes are also available in Fiji.
Best Months to Visit: Bali is best visited from April to September, while the best time to visit Fiji is from July to September.
Type of Scenery: Both locations offer an excellent variety of scenery, such as jungles, mountains, beaches, and rainforests. Fiji has clear ocean views while Bali has rice-paddies.
Airlines that Fly Non-stop from Australia: Bali is serviced by airlines such as Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Malindo Air, and Batik Air, while Fiji is served by Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Fiji Airways.
Average Flight Costs: According to Skyscanner, flights to Fiji from Australia’s most populous cities are generally cheaper than flights to Bali.
Cuisine: Balinese food consists of Indonesian and Western cuisines, while Fijian food includes Fijian, Indian, Chinese, and Western cuisines.
Travel Style Best Suited for: Bali is suited for adventure travellers, culture enthusiasts, and beach lovers. Fiji, on the other hand, is more suited for beach lovers, active travellers, water activities, and honeymooners.
In conclusion, both Bali and Fiji have their unique features, and the choice of which to visit depends on your preferences.
Bali vs Fiji: Which won?
Choosing between Bali and Fiji can be a difficult decision, but ultimately, Fiji has more to offer. It boasts shorter direct flights from Australia’s east coast, luxurious overwater bungalows, stunning beaches, and a family-friendly and romantic atmosphere.
Here’s a breakdown of the strengths of each destination:
Bali
Cheaper accommodation, food, and activities
Better night-life
More adventure activities, including hiking and water parks
A wider variety of airlines that fly directly to Bali
Fiji
Cheaper direct flights overall
Shorter flight times
Better beaches
A more romantic and relaxing atmosphere
Safer and friendlier for families
More public transport options
A wider variety of food options
In conclusion, while Bali may offer cheaper prices and more activities, Fiji wins with its stunning beaches, shorter flight times, and family-friendly atmosphere.