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Mas Bellboy

27 Sep 2023 - 6 min read

Bali vs. Phuket: Which Island is Right for You?

Seeing which tourist destination is right for you?

Bali and Phuket are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southeast Asian region. Bali in Indonesia is famous for its natural attractions, such as beaches, temples, and culture.

Meanwhile, Phuket, located in Thailand, has temples, culinary, and museums. Nonetheless, Bali and Phuket also have similarities when it comes to offering a pleasant holiday experience.

To spend summer this year, you need to consider many factors. Well, to make it easier, we compared Bali or Phuket so you can choose which island is right for you.

Beaches

1. Bali

The first factor to consider when choosing an island for your beach vacation is the beaches. Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches, which can be found in almost all island areas. The beaches offer a range of activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and other water sports.

Bali's beaches are also perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and staycation at beachfront resorts. Seminyak Beach is one of the most popular areas, with many luxurious beachfront resorts. The best time to visit Bali is from May to July, especially in October, for surfing with the best wave conditions.

Book your flight to Bali

AirAsia Indonesia

Start from S$ 103.00

Singapore (SIN) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Mon, 27 May 2024

Jetstar Asia Airways

Start from S$ 115.97

Singapore (SIN) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Tue, 28 May 2024

Batik Air

Start from S$ 116.46

Singapore (SIN) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Mon, 27 May 2024

2. Phuket

Phuket has over 30 beaches with clear waters and beautiful stretches of sand, including the famous Patong Beach. The beach has a long stretch of white sand and shaded umbrellas, ideal for relaxation.

However, Phuket is vulnerable to monsoon rains that can last for days. Therefore, your vacation in Phuket will depend on the weather. The hottest weather occurs in April and May, while the wettest weather occurs in September to October.

Book your flight to Phuket

Thai AirAsia

Start from S$ 90.05

Singapore (SIN) to Phuket (HKT)

Tue, 28 May 2024

Scoot

Start from S$ 90.68

Singapore (SIN) to Phuket (HKT)

Tue, 28 May 2024

Jetstar Asia Airways

Start from S$ 91.00

Singapore (SIN) to Phuket (HKT)

Wed, 29 May 2024

Nightlife

1. Bali Nightlife

Besides having fun on the beach, Bali also offers a vibrant nightlife scene. To experience it, head to the city center and visit some of the clubs and bars. Bali has many options, from luxury dance clubs to relaxing lounges.

One of the most famous clubs in Bali is Sky Garden, which stays open until 4 am. Be sure to check it out and explore other nightlife in Bali.

2. Phuket Nightlife

Phuket is a favorite tourist spot for experiencing the beauty of nightlife. The best places to enjoy it are Patong and Karon beaches, where you'll find a variety of colors, spirits, and crowds.

Phuket's sundowners, lounge areas, cultural performances, and nightclubs are all popular attractions. Enjoy them all from sunset to sunrise for the full experience.

Cost

To determine which island is right for you, you also need to consider which one is cheaper: Phuket or Bali? Bali and Phuket certainly have different prices ranging from airline tickets, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

1. Prices in Bali

In Bali, the average price you will spend on accommodation is SGD 100 per night. For the cost of the aircraft, you will spend around SGD 1,100 per person. You will also spend around SGD 80 per day on food, drinks, and attractions. For transportation while in Bali, you usually only need to pay around SGD 100 to SGD 200.

2. Prices in Phuket

While in Phuket, the average price per day that you will spend is around SGD 120 with food costs around SGD 25 and local transportation around SGD 12. For accommodation, you will pay around SGD 130 per night. Usually, in one week you will spend around SGD 1,500 to SGD 1,500.

Activities

1. Bali

Bali is famous for its beautiful islands and the best beach in Asia. While in Bali, you can enjoy various activities and tourist attractions.

Island hopping: Take a boat for 40 minutes to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida.
Hiking: Hike to the top of Mount Batur – it's the best place to appreciate nature, cool down, and watch the sunrise.
Beaches and water sports: Bali is also a suitable place for beaches, summer, and water sports. Feel the cool air, the warmth of the sun, and the sound of the waves. Enjoy a cocktail and relax for a while in the Balinese sun.

2. Phuket

Phuket also has differences in activities and tourist attractions compared to Bali. In Phuket, you can explore various natural beauties and tourist attractions.

Phang Nga Bay: Explore Phang Nga Bay and enjoy the natural beauty around it.
Big Buddha of Phuket: Climb hundreds of steps to the top of the Big Buddha of Phuket.
Phi Phi Island: Phuket also has beautiful islands – one of which is Phi Phi Island. Phi Phi Island is a fantastic island with huge cliffs on top of two bays. The island is also always crowded throughout the night by young men and women.

Bali and Phuket Activities

1. Surfing

Surfing is one of the most favorite water sports in summer. In Bali, you can go to Uluwatu – the surfer's favorite beach. Or you can surf at Keramas Beach – a beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you want to surf in Phuket, head to Kalim Beach – a beach with waves that can reach three meters high. You can also surf at Kamala Beach – a beach with a height of three meters but suitable for beginners.

2. Snorkeling

Besides surfing, Bali and Phuket are also suitable for snorkeling. In Bali, there are several beaches suitable for snorkeling ranging from Menjangan Island, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Blue Lagoon. There will be professionals ready to guide you during the snorkeling process.

While in Phuket, for snorkeling you can visit Ao Sane Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Paradise Beach, Ya Nui Beach, and Laem Singh Beach. If you are a beginner, there will be a tour guide or a professional who will give a short guide.

You will be invited to explore marine life, look for coral reefs, and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world – both in bali or phuket.

3. Diving

You can also explore the marine world by diving in Bali or in Phuket. For diving in Bali, you can visit Tulamben, Padang Bai, Amed, Nusa Penida, and Menjangan. While in Phuket, you can visit Home run reef, Anemone reef, karon beach, koh dok mai, lucy's reef, and phuket shark point. Not only enjoying the beauty of the underwater world, you can also get acquainted with various marine animals that you can only find in Bali and in Phuket.

4. Hiking

Not only the underwater world, enjoying the natural beauty from the top of mountains and hills can also be done in Bali and Phuket. In Phuket, you can find many trails for hiking.

You can start at Monkey Hill, then go to black rock, then challenge yourself to hiking on Buddha Hill, and end your trip at Rang Hill. While in Bali, the best hiking spots that you can visit are Tegalalang rice fields, Campuhan Ubud Hill, Sekumpul Waterfall, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, and rice fields in Jatiluwih.

5. Shopping

Bali and Phuket have shopping centers with a variety of their own distinctive products. In Phuket, you can visit Phuket Weekend Market, Banzaan Fresh Market, and Chillva Market Phuket. Market for a variety of traditional products and handicrafts typical of Thailand.

For Bali, you can visit Trans Studio Mall, Seminyak Village, and Beachwalk Shopping Center. This shopping center will give you a luxurious shopping experience during the holidays.

6. Eating

Looking for the best place to taste Balinese and Phuket cuisine? Here is the way you can follow. In Phuket, come to Phuket town Central Market, Kata Market – near Kata Beach, and Kamala Village Market. While in Bali, you can visit sunday market at Samadi Bali, gianyar street night market, and pepito market.

7. Drinking

Bali and Phuket are also famous for their modern and classic bars – tourist favorites. In Bali, you can visit Bikini Restaurant, the Barber, and Night Rooster. Meanwhile, in Phuket, you can visit Wassa Homemade Bar, Quip rooftop bar, baba nest, and catch beach club.

8. Partying

Enjoy the nightlife in Phuket? You can come to Soi Bangla Road – enjoy a variety of beauty and romance at night in the middle of Phuket. You can also visit Simon Cabaret – a place where you can find many ladyboys.

In Bali, you can visit Vue Beach Club – and have fun at a private exotic beach. You can also visit Finns Beach Club – enjoy the excitement of a poolside bar party with other tourists.

Which island is right for you? By understanding the differences between Bali and Phuket, you can determine the best time to visit each destination. Plan your trip now using the Traveloka app.

Both islands offer a variety of travel routes, including beaches, museums, temples, and cultural centers. If you're seeking sun, beaches, and nature, Bali is the place to be. Alternatively, if you're looking for a holiday experience full of parties and vibrant nightlife, Phuket is your go-to destination. Invite your family, friends, or significant other to join you for a serene getaway in Bali or an exciting adventure in Phuket. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, plan your trip, and have a happy holiday!

If you want to book accommodation, Singapore to Bali or Singapore to Phuket flight tickets, and travel activities you can get the best price from Traveloka.

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