Thinking about taking a break on a tropical island and not sure whether to play it safe and head to Ibiza or take a chance on a glimpse of paradise in Bali?
Well, our guide should help you decide where you’d prefer to go. We compare both islands using a series of factors that people use to decide where they take their holidays – so that you can make an informed decision as to where to book.
Both destinations have plenty to offer holidaymakers, but if you can only visit one, you want to make certain that it’s the right place for you.
Bali In Brief: What’s It Like?
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a beach club, then Bali is famous for its beach clubs and you will be able to find somewhere to enjoy amazing drinks in comfort by the beach with ease.
The island has plenty of other attractions too, from monkey forests, to ancient temples, to waterparks, to museums and much, much more.
There are also small islands off the coast where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a real desert island experience as part of your Bali holiday.
Most of all, the Balinese people are famous for their welcoming and kind nature and you will always be made to feel at home, wherever you are on the island.
Ibiza In Brief: What’s It Like?
Ibiza has some wonderful beaches too and they have beach clubs in a similar style to Bali (though they tend to have an entrance fee, unlike beach clubs in Bali.
It’s a very hedonistic place and much of the island is given over to partying for good and for bad.
However, the old town offers lovely cobbled streets and marinas full of luxury yachts.
Ibizans have had to deal with rather more grief from their party-hard crowd and are no longer as welcoming as they once were, but the Spanish island is still very tourist-friendly.
Bali Vs Ibiza: Head-To-Head Comparison
OK, so let’s take it category by category and put these two holiday giants head-to-head and see which wins out in each category and overall.
Beaches In Bali Vs Beaches In Ibiza
Both islands are famous for their beaches and the beach clubs that adorn them.
Bali’s Kuta Beach has certainly seen better days, but the other big-name beaches on the island don’t disappoint. Nusa Dua’s soft white sands and family-friendly environment offer a truly stunning experience.
The island is also home to the world’s best beach club, FINNS Beach Club, on Berawa Beach and if you love watching sunsets with a cold and reasonably priced drink in your hand, you’re going to adore spending time at FINNS.
Ibiza’s main beaches can be absolutely packed and places like Playa d’en Bossa can feel like you’re crammed in like sardines unless you have a seat at a Mediterranean-style beach club there.
However, if you head to somewhere like Cala Salada, you can get the more laid-back vibe that you might wish for and the waters are clear and clean.
We don’t think there’s an awful lot in this category, both islands have plenty of stunning beaches. However, if we have to declare a winner, we think Ibiza might just edge out Bali but not by very much.
Water Sports In Bali Vs Water Sports In Ibiza
You can, as you’d expect on an island as opposed to Las Vegas, find water sports easily enough on both islands.
There’s a bigger emphasis on sailing in Ibiza than there is in Bali, though there are plenty of private yacht charters and party boats on the Indonesian island.
However, Bali is an easy winner in this category thanks to the ubiquitous nature of a wide range of watersports and the incredibly cheap access that it offers to these sports.
Many Bali hotels and beach clubs offer free non-motorized water sports options and even renting a jet ski isn’t going to break the bank.
Safety In Bali Vs Safety In Ibiza
Ibiza can be a very safe destination. If you stay around the old town area and the more traditional side of the island, the most you will have to worry about is petty theft.
However, in the more party-friendly parts of the island, there is a real risk of drug and alcohol-related crime, and you certainly wouldn’t want to walk the streets late at night.
Bali is considered to be one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia and the whole region is very safe.
There is very little violent crime in Bali, though you may get some alcohol-related incidents at late-night bars or nightclub venues; they are few and far between.
The vast majority of visits to Bali are very safe and that’s despite the risk of tropical diseases and natural disasters.
Overall, we think Bali wins in this category, but we’re prepared to concede that Ibiza is also fairly safe.
Things To Do In Bali Vs Things To Do In Ibiza
Ibiza has plenty to keep you entertained over a weekend and you will find that you can enjoy everything from markets to caves and museums.
However, the longest list of things we can find to do in Ibiza weighs in at just 21 items.
Comparatively, our own list of things to do in Bali hits 101 items and we could easily have made that list twice as long.
Bali is a big island and you can find everything from volcanoes and monkey forests to temples and museums, night markets, art galleries and much more.
Bali has been gearing up to keep tourists entertained for nearly 50 years, now and it’s very good at what it does. So, Bali wins this category.
Nightlife In Bali Vs Nightlife In Ibiza
This is a very tight category given that both destinations are famous for their nightlife. In Bali, there are beach clubs, nightclubs, pubs and bars galore.
Around the Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak and Legian areas, you would find it very hard to be bored even if you want to party in a different venue every night for a month without repeating anything.
However, it’s fair to say that Ibiza’s nightlife scene is legendary among many Europeans and the biggest nightclubs there are among the best in the world.
Ibiza, because it’s close to Europe, sees more big-name international acts too, though Bali is not far behind. Acts like Black Coffee, John Summit and Flume are all playing on the island in the next few months as we go to press.
Overall, we think Bali just edges it for nightlife but there’s not a huge amount in it though we would note that in Bali, they don’t charge you 60+ Euro just to get in the door. In most venues, if there is an entrance fee in Bali, that fee gets you a free drink or two at the bar.
Culture In Bali Vs Culture In Ibiza
Bali is world famous for its culture. The island is something of an oddity in the Indonesian archipelago, which is majority Muslim, and the few other islands that have non-Muslim majorities tend to be Christian; instead, Bali is Hindu.
Balinese Hinduism is inspired by Indian Hinduism but has its own unique flavour and you can find it everywhere on the island. From the little offerings left outside of each business, beach club and home each day, to the majestic temples to the national costume and attitudes of the people, it’s embedded in the soul of the land.
Ibiza, on the other hand, has a distinct rural Spanish culture that has seen itself suppressed to accommodate the hedonistic attitudes of the majority of visitors to the island.
That means that while there are amazing cultural highlights such as the cathedral or the old town, overall, many locals are reluctant to engage with tourists on anything more than a surface level.
This is an easy win for Bali as the island’s culture is one of the big draws for visitors, whereas in Ibiza, it’s the culture that tourists bring with them that dominates.
Food In Bali Vs Food In Ibiza
One thing’s for certain, you never have to go hungry on either island. Ibiza has some amazing restaurants, including three Michelin-starred restaurants and many other high-end fine dining establishments.
It’s also a great place for pub grub and bar food as it seeks to cater to the tourists that throng to the beach clubs and beaches there.
However, it’s quite expensive and the quality of food can be very variable with some places acting as pure tourist traps.
Bali, on the other hand, has no Michelin stars, but that’s because the Michelin guide doesn’t come to the island at the moment – there are several Michelin-starred chefs working in Bali.
There’s a huge range of variety in food and at all different price points on the island. Best of all, it tends to be good value for money wherever you eat.
You may prefer Spanish food to Indonesian food or vica-versa, but the amount of different cuisines represented in Bali means that you’re never stuck for a tasty meal.
Overall, we think Bali edges this category, but there’s not a huge amount in this.
Aesthetics Matter: Bali Or Ibiza?
The popular spots on both islands are popular due to their stunning beaches. It’s why the beach club environment is so popular in Bali and Ibiza.
However, once you get away from the beaches, Ibiza has a lovely old town, some pleasant forest paths for wandering and a cool overall vibe.
Bali, on the other hand, has a much wider array of natural beauty and some of the world’s most attractive buildings. Bali has more $1,000+ a night hotel rooms than any other place on Earth and you can be certain that a building has to be beautiful to get somebody to spend $1,000 a night to stay there.
There are also areas of Bali that aren’t as pretty and still need a little development.
Overall, we’d say that this is a tie with both islands offering environments of real beauty where you an enjoy relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Which Has The Better Shopping? Bali Or Ibiza?
Ibiza has an amazing shopping scene where you can pick up amazing items from European designers.
You can also buy a wide array of products and services on the island related to crafts, home furnishings, etc.
The trouble is that Ibiza is expensive.
Whereas Bali has a wide range of both local and international designers and you can acquire products at bargain prices.
The stores here are used to helping tourists ship their purchases home too, so don’t worry about things getting broken in your luggage.
This could have been a tie, but the value-for-money element is simply too far in Bali’s favour. Bali wins this one.
Which Island Is Best For Digital Nomads Ibiza Or Bali?
Bali is, without a doubt, one of the most popular destinations on the digital nomad circuit.
The island has a wealth of places where you can enjoy co-working or co-living.
Ibiza has an advantage over Bali in that Spain has a very good digital nomad visa which allows freelancers and online business owners the freedom to work legally from the island.
However, in all respects, it’s much more expensive than Bali and that’s going to mean that, for now, Bali remains a digital nomad favourite compared to Ibiza.
Which Island Is Best For Expats Ibiza Or Bali?
If you’re in search of a pro-business paradise, both Ibiza and Bali make it easy to start and own a business on the island (as long as you have the necessary capital, that is).
Both destinations are also popular with expats and retirees. There’s definitely a good argument that Bali is easier on the wallet than Ibiza, but Ibiza has better access to healthcare and the EU.
Overall, we’d say that this category is a tie. Ibiza and Bali are both great places to be an expat.
Bang For Buck: Which Is Better Value Ibiza Or Bali?
We think this is the most important factor when deciding between the two islands and that’s why we left it until last.
Let’s assume you’re flying out for a long weekend and you’re coming from England to Ibiza (Australian tourists will already know that it’s cheaper to fly to Bali than to Ibiza) but for Europeans, it’s going to be cheaper to fly to Ibiza.
Flight Costs
When we look at a long weekend in Ibiza the cost of the flights (leaving London on Thursday and coming back Sunday) is between 2 million and 3 million IDR return. That’s around $150-$200 USD or 100-150 GBP.
Whereas the flight for a week in Bali is going to cost around 15 million IDR from London return, that is about $1,000 or 800 GBP!
So, why would anyone choose Bali if the flights are so much more expensive? Well, once we take into account flights, let’s look at hotels.
Hotel Costs
We’ve opted for a 5-star hotel brand that appears in both places and which is well-known as a brand – The Hard Rock Hotel.
A single night in the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza at the cheapest rate we could find was 14 million IDR. That is around $950 a night or 750 GBP!
Whereas, a single night in the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta, Bali is just 2 million IDR a night (less with some book agents). That’s about $130 a night or 100 GBP!
Yes, you can book 7 nights in a hotel in Bali for the price of a single night in Ibiza!
A Long Weekend In Ibiza Vs A Week In Bali
So, if you opt for a long weekend in Ibiza at the Hard Rock Hotel, you’re going to spend $200/150 GBP on the flight, plus $950/750GBP a night for the hotel with 3 nights in a long weekend, you’re going to spend $3,050 or 2400 GBP on the trip!
Whereas for a week in Bali, you’re going to spend $1,000/800 GBP for the flight and then with $130/100 GBP per night for 7 nights in the hotel comes in at a total cost of $1,910 or 1500 GBP for the week!
Yes, your week in Bali is going to cost over $1,000 or 900 GBP less for flights and hotel than a long weekend in Ibiza!
And once you factor in the fact that Bali’s beach clubs, bars, restaurants, etc. are all cheaper than in the Balearics, you quickly realise that you can have an amazing time in Bali for much less money.
A Week In Ibiza Vs A Fortnight In Bali
And the savings grow over time, a week in the Hard Rock in Ibiza including flights is going to set you back $6,850 or 5,400 GBP!
Whereas, a fortnight in Bali is just $2,820 or 2,200 GBP! That’s nearly $4,000 or 3,000 GBP less expensive!
Imagine how many nice meals and days out you can enjoy in luxury with an extra 3 or 4 grand in your hand.
Speaking Of Nights Out…
Overall
When you take into account the stunning beaches, beach parties, local culture, rice fields, etc. of this popular destination in the Indian Ocean, it’s a no-brainer to visit Bali. It’s a little slice of paradise for a bargain price.
No wonder it’s a top destination for Australian tourists, who already know what amazing value Bali represents.
Final Round Up Bali Vs Ibiza
So, Ibiza wins for the best beaches.
And Bali wins for the best watersports, the most things to do, being the safest destination, for culture and food, for digital nomads, for nightlife and for shopping.
And they’re tied for aesthetics and as an expat destination.
However, in the main, there’s not much difference in these categories and you might consider the two destinations “tied” until you account for the costs of Ibiza vs the costs of being in Bali.
Then, it becomes clear that Bali is the better destination for most people. You get all the same benefits of visiting an island like Ibiza, but your money goes much further.
Who wants to spend more on a long weekend in Ibiza than they could on a fortnight in Bali?
FAQs
Has Bali Become Too Touristy?
No, while some parts of Bali can get busy Bali’s West Coast which is home to some excellent beaches and the island’s only national park, barely sees any visitors at the moment, which is a real shame.
Bali is still the tropical paradise that it once was and while if you don’t visit a beach club or two, you might be a bit of a potato head. Beach club life is, after all, where the fun is, there’s a huge island to explore.
Which Is Better Ibiza Or Bali?
While Ibiza might be the best place to spot a former professional football player chilling at a Mediterranean-style beach club, Bali has a lot to offer and it’s a wonderful place to spend some time without spending a fortune.
The beach club environments have a lot in common with Ibiza and there are amazing DJs at places like FINNS as well as parties that go on into the night.
Overall, we’d say that you’re going to have fun in either destination, but Bali has more variety and it’s amazing restaurant scene, won’t stop you from finding an amazing infinity pool among the rice paddies and the accommodation is simply world-class.
Is Ibiza In Bali?
No. Ibiza is a Balearic Island near Spain in Europe in the Northern Hemisphere. Bali is an Indonesian Island in Asia in the Southern Hemisphere.
Is Bali Still Worth Visiting?
We wouldn’t be here if Bali wasn’t worth visiting. It’s one of the most amazing places on Earth and the people are friendly and welcoming, the temperature is near perfect all year round.
You’re next door to the Indonesian archipelago where endless innovative things are taking place to lure people from all over the world to visit the world’s fourth biggest country (by both land area and population size) and it’s on the doorstep of Australia too.
The restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. are world-class and there’s a lot to see and do from cultural highlights to club nights that go all night long.
Final Thoughts On Bali Vs Ibiza
We’re admittedly a little biased as we’re based in Bali, Indonesia and not in Ibiza, but there’s no doubt that if you want to enjoy a little slice of heaven in Indonesia, then Bali is a great place to come on holiday.
Whether you want to be relaxing by the pool or having a party in one of the many beach club venues on the island, there’s something for everyone here and you can enjoy all the action for a much more reasonable cost than in Ibiza without compromising on quality.
Tourism is booming around the big destinations in Bali because places like Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak, etc. are hugely appealing to travellers seeking amazing holidays that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Also read:
Bali Vs Maldives: The Tropical Island Heavyweights Go Head-To-Head
Bali Vs Phuket: The Battle Of The Islands – Where Should You Go?
Bali Or Lombok: Which Island Is Best For Your Indonesian Holiday?
