Bali vs Sri Lanka: Where to go on holiday? The best beaches, surfing and more (2023)

FAQs

Is Bali better or Sri Lanka? ›

Bali is known for its iconic beaches such as Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua, which are ideal for swimming and surfing. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has a more rugged coastline with fewer developed tourist areas, but offers some of the most scenic beaches in the world, like Unawatuna and Mirissa.

Cost of living in Colombo (Sri Lanka) is 13% more expensive than in Denpasar, Bali (Indonesia)

Sri Lanka or Bali: which one is cheaper? The best destination for a cheap holiday. If you're on a budget and looking for a very affordable destination, head to Sri Lanka.

Most travelers will agree that 10 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Bali. However, 5 days is the bare minimum if you want to explore more than one area of the island.

We've always known that the gem of an island that is Sri Lanka is a spectacular place to visit. There's a never-ending list of things to see and do. And now it has earned recognition by one of the world's leading travel authorities for being one the most diverse, beautiful and captivating countries.

Weather: During the months of December to April, most of the island country experiences a beautiful hot and dry climate. With ample sunshine, clear blue skies and lush green landscapes, this period is considered to the best climate to visit Sri Lanka in.

The shortest distance (air line) between Sri-Lanka and Bali is 2,623.37 mi (4,221.90 km).

The cheapest times for accommodation in Bali coincide with the wet season, October through to March. During this time, tourism numbers are lower so hotels in Bali are cheaper due to a lack of demand and act as a draw to bring more people in.

Flights from Bangkok and Singapore to Bali are often the cheapest. Air Asia and other budget airlines offer extremely cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, via the new low-cost carrier terminal KLIA2. Bali's peak season is in the summer, especially between the months of June and August.

Is Maldives or Bali more expensive? ›

Is Bali cheaper than the Maldives? Bali is without a doubt cheaper to visit than The Maldives. Bali offers a huge range of accommodation starting at just $20 a night, up to $1000 or more. Not only is accommodation cheaper but the food and activities are also very budget friendly.

In general, the peak surfing season is during the dry seasons of May and September. This is when the legendary swells and strong offshore winds come together for the best surfing experience in Bali. Additionally, surfers should stick to the beaches on the south and western side of the island for the best swells.

While Bali boasts a plethora of advanced waves, it also has a decent amount of beginner surf spots that are perfect for learning. Many of those waves are right near our surf resort on the Bukit Peninsula.

The average cost of a trip to Bali is around $3000 USD for two people for two weeks. This budget includes flights, accommodation, food, activities, and transport within Bali. Of course, this is just an estimate and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific travel plans.

If you prefer being able to travel around a destination quickly and “see it all,” then you might enjoy Bali more. If you're looking for a destination that offers a range of different cities—each full of its own sub-culture, activities, and climates—then Thailand is an ideal choice.

The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island's dry season. Although the weather is ideal for travellers, the island is also subject to soupy, humid days throughout the year. Many shops offer sales and promotions; restaurants are less crowded in those mid-season months.

It is nicknamed Pearl of the Indian Ocean and teardrop of India. Sri Lanka is known for these two lovely names. Pearl of the Indian Ocean is given to this small island nation probably due to its incredible natural beauty, extraordinary biodiversity as well as its precious gemstones.

Sri Lanka is well known for its rich Buddhist culture as well as other religions. Being a religious country, Sri Lanka has many places with religious and historic significance, which attract tourists from all over the world.

Which side of Sri Lanka has the best beaches? ›

The south coast is one of Sri Lanka's most rewarding areas to visit. Representing the island in microcosm, the region offers gorgeous beaches, colonial towns, and superb wildlife parks, as well as a host of Buddhist shrines and temples.

There's a lot to see in Sri Lanka—two weeks will allow you enough time to explore all the island's top sights or even travel to other countries in the surrounding area. However, you can still enjoy Sri Lanka in a shorter time frame.

Generally speaking, you can travel around Sri Lanka on a budget of $25-$50 per day (per person). With a budget of $25 a day, you'll stay in budget hotels, travel with public transport, make the most of the (many) free activities Sri Lanka has to offer, and eat (delicious) local food.

Sri Lankans have to apply for a B211A Visit Visa to travel to Bali / Indonesia for tourism purpose. With a Sri Lankan passport you can not get a Visa on Arrival at the moment. Please check the FAQ below for further details on your options on how to get a B211A Visa, the costs and process.

Colombo to Bali Flights, Fares @ ₹ 14959 | MakeMyTrip INTL Flights.

Sri Lanka has all the essentials it needs now and there are no critical concerns in this respect. During the summer of 2022, there were reports of medical supplies running short, but the private hospitals were able to maintain a normal service throughout and that is no longer an issue.

How far is Bali from Maldives? The overland distance from Bali to Maldives is 12019 miles (19338 km). The flying distance is 12019 miles (19338 km).

It's a long journey from North America to Sri Lanka. The flight from North America to Sri Lanka takes around 20 hours minimum, necessitating at least one change of plane.

Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Bali 2023/2024 & When is the Rainy Season. The best time to visit Bali is between April and October when the weather is warm and dry. However, it is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices peak for July/August. The rainy season in Bali occurs between November and March.

Is $1,000 enough for a month in Bali? ›

hello, 1000 should be plenty but always handy to have some 'xtra loot' as backup. I think it is enough, thats $100 a day, you dont drink and you are only planning one outing to Waterbom Park. You also have you card as a back up in case you see anything more expensive that you really want to buy.

Indonesia (is it a country worth visiting?) has a very low cost of living. This means that things like labour, food and accommodation are a lot cheaper than they would be in say, Western Europe, where the cost of living is high. Due to the cost of living being low, this brings down all costs in general.

Can I get a direct flight to Bali (Denpasar) Airport? No airlines currently offer direct flights between United States and Indonesia. Most routes have one or more stops.

Flights to Bali are expensive now due to factors such as rising demand, limited supply, inflation, fuel prices, closed airspace, and the increase in operational costs for airlines. One key factor within your control is the timing of your booking.

Cost of Living

Living in Bali is cheaper than in Hawaii. It costs less to find a place to stay, buy food, and get around in Bali. This means that living in Bali is a good choice for people who want to save money.

Bali offers more hotel choices than Phuket does. If you're a surfer, Bali is your choice for its collection of world-class breaks. On the other hand, Phuket's beaches are more scenic and laidback, great for those preferring island beach escapades with a mix of water sports and just lazing on the sand.

If your're looking to explore a different culture and seeing sights that you would not see in a Western country, definitely go to Bali. If you're primarily a beach person, and not that interested in exploring the inland areas, then go to Hawaii.

While it is pretty easy to go from one spot to another, the downside surfing in South Bali is that the spots can get crazy crowded! Canggu is most known for its green scenery vibes, but the beaches are best for beginners to intermediate.

What about the water temperature in Bali? The water temperature in Bali is between 26°C (July/August) and 30°C (December/January). You will only need to wear a lycra top or a thicker surf top but definitely not a wetsuit.

How good is surfing in Bali? ›

Bali's waves are so good and consistent that even the most surf starved surfer will eventually become “surfed out”. The surf breaks are breathtakingly beautiful, and it is mesmerising to watch perfect sculptured waves.

Pichilemu in Mapuche language means “Little Forrest”. Beautiful and calm spa located in the central zone of Chile, in the last few years it becomes beautiful and beautiful landscapes that go from the sea to the mountain range, everything together brings the qualified name: Pichilemu, The World Surfing Capital.

Peru cements position as world's number one surf nation and a blond Mexican wins men's gold at Olympic qualifier while Team USA plunges to hitherto unseen low! And eight surfers gifted spots into the 2024 Paris Games, surfing to be held at Teahupoo!

Uluwatu Beach

Uluwatu is probably the most famous surf beach in Bali due to some of the most famous surfers in the world favoring the spot. Not much of a sandy beach, the wide reef break is set below a huge cliff face - so be prepared for the steep climb down a lot of steps!

Kuta is by far the best beginner surf beach in Bali as it's rarely flat here and provides the perfect place to learn to surf, with fun and playful peaks up and down the beach. The gentle waves and soft sand offer the perfect opportunity to hop to your feet and ride the white water to the beach.

Usually no, but certain surf spots might require surf booties on a lower tide if you are already an independent surfer and not in lessons. Surf shops around Swell sell good quality reeg booties.

With its paradisal surroundings & magical vibes, Bali is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here are the must-see hotspots! Pristine beaches, candy-coloured sunsets, dense jungle and colourful traditions – Bali really is a picture-perfect paradise.

Tourist Attractions

Both countries have a series of fantastic fascinations in all aspects. For beaches surely Sri Lanka is favored by most tourists, as they often find pristine and deserted more than what Bali has to offer you.

Bali is great for every type of traveler. No matter how you like to travel, you can't go wrong with a trip to Bali. The island has such a wide variety of things to do that there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. We can guarantee that you are not going to get bored in Bali.

Without hesitation, we respond… “absolutely, yes it is.” There is really no doubt in our minds that Sri Lanka is generally one of the safest places to visit in Asia, if not the world. While the economic and political issues are by no means solved, they will no longer impinge in any way on travellers.

What is the best of year to go to Bali? ›

Best time to visit Bali for weather (May - October)

Most people prefer to visit Bali during the dry season from May to October, when the weather is typically warm and clear - perfect for water activities and exploring the island. Visit outside of July and August for cheaper prices and fewer tourists.

Although Bali is climatically comfortable throughout the year, and is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Bali is from April to October, the summer months in Bali.

Ultimately, the advantage of an All Inclusive stay in Sri Lanka is that it secures all of your essentials and lets you know that you're going to have a full tummy and a cosy bed every night, all without any further fretting about the travel budget.

Go to Bali if you're looking for the type of honeymoon that has a little bit of everything, for every type of couple. Do not go to Bali over the Maldives if: You are expecting a completely first-class, first-world vacation, or you're expecting to spend your vacation laying on a beach.

If adventure on land is on your mind, Bali is for you. On the other hand, the Maldives offers better alternatives for the sea - the Baa Atoll offers amazing snorkelling, diving and underwater expeditions. Watersports in Maldives are better, and there are many places to try them.

On top of flights, if you budget around $100 per day for your trip to Bali it would be more than enough. This amount would enable you to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat out for every meal and enjoy some of the island's best activities. Therefore, $1500 per person (plus flights) would be plenty for two weeks in Bali.

Bali has suffered from over-tourism, characterized by water shortage, environmental degradation, sanitation issues, over-crowded destinations, loss of authenticity, and higher cost of living.

Sri Lanka is famous for its exotic beach resorts, flavorful cuisine, tea production, and incredible biodiversity amongst diverse landscapes. Sri Lanka is a South Asian country formerly known as Ceylon. It is an island that lies in the Indian Ocean, therefore has no bordering countries.