Straight to your inbox
There's no doubt Bali and Fiji offer incredible scenic views, beaches, adventure activities and culture. When you have flight deals available for both, deciding which to visit can be a tough (but fun) decision.
That's where our comparison comes in handy. It details which is better for your budget, travel style and activity and cuisine preferences so you can make a quick and easy decision then be on your way.
The winner: It's a super tough decision here but we're leaning towards Fiji as the better option. It's generally cheaper to get to from the big smoke (Sydney and Brisbane, though marginally more expensive from Melbourne) and saves you hours in flight time compared to flying into Bali. Prices are higher in Fiji, but luxury abounds, as do unsurpassed beachfronts. It's also better for honeymoons and families.
In recent years Fiji has seen an increase in prices, making it the more expensive option.
Its biggest money eater is transport with taxis charging $36 to $65 between cities. As Bali is more concentrated and less expensive overall, a 1-hour taxi ride will generally set you back around $30.
It's important to note the more remote islands in Fiji are also more expensive. So if you plan to venture further from Viti Levu or Denarau Island you should increase your budget.
| Feature | Bali | Fiji |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (return fares supplied by Skyscanner, based on what the average Australian pays) |
|
|
| Hotels (3-star hotel) | From $13 per night. Prices obtained from Hotels Finder for a stay on 1 February 2020. | From $60 per night. Prices obtained from Hotels Finder for a stay on 1 February 2020. |
| Beer | $3.49 | $3.93 |
| Meals | $3–$12 | $6.55–$20 |
| Tour | An 8-hour Bali Quicksilver cruise costs $143.13 via Viator | An 8-hour Fiji day cruise costs $174.32 via Viator |
Prices obtained on 9 April 2019. Food and meal prices obtained from Numbeo.
Cost: Flights are generally cheaper to Fiji from Australia's most populous cities. Most set you back around $700 to $800 return.
Airlines: A good mix of budget and full-service airlines fly direct to Bali and Fiji. Airlines that fly non-stop to Bali include Jetstar, Qantas and Garuda Indonesia. Airlines that fly non-stop to Fiji include Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways.
Airports: Bali has one main international airport (Denpasar) while Fiji has two (Nadi and Suva).
Flight duration: Flights to Bali from Australia's north and west (Darwin and Perth) are under four hours. However, if you fly from the east (Sydney or Melbourne) flights creep closer to the seven-hour mark. The opposite applies for flights to Fiji with journeys out of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane taking 4–5 hours and flights from Perth taking almost 10 hours.
Flight times and frequency: Numerous flights take off throughout the day to both Bali and Fiji. There are slightly more flights to Bali out of Sydney, with up to five flights per day as opposed to three flights per day to Fiji.
Both Bali and Fiji offer budget hostels, homestays, cheap hotels and luxury resorts. Fiji has the added bonus of camping as well, though this is mostly run by hostels and cost the same.
However, Fiji again is more expensive with budget dorm rooms starting at $27. Budget hotels start at $60 a night, mid-range hotels at $160 and luxury resorts from $300 per night.
In Bali hostels are common and generally start at $10. Homestays can be as cheap at $15, hotels start at $30 and villas at $100. Luxury hotels can range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the level of luxury you want.
As an aside, Fiji has overwater bungalows while Bali doesn't.
Fiji is famous for its white sand beaches in just about every part of the country. Scoring a fine resort along the beach isn't an issue in Fiji and marine life is typically available for you to spot just off of the clean and not-too-busy beaches.
Bali, unfortunately, has beaches and waters that are notoriously dirty and often but not always busy. Many of the beaches are black sand beaches but white sand beaches exist too. If you want great beaches in Bali your best bet is on the shores of Uluwatu.
Balinese food is rich in flavour and consists of noodles, rice and fried dishes. As Bali is popular with Australian tourists, you won't be short of options for Australian/Western cuisine with many cafes and hotel restaurants offering familiar dishes, some even with a hipster atmosphere.
Fijian food heroes seafood, coconut, rice and cassava. As there are many Indian and Chinese Fijians, you'll discover 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.>
Chicken satay skewers in Bali
Expect endless seafood options in Fiji
Fiji offers a number of bars on the main island of Viti Levu in Nadi and Suva, as well as the famous Beachcomber Island, which is known for partying. The bars are typically laid-back with surfer vibes.
Bali is the polar opposite, boasting an abundance of night-life from relaxed beach bars and lounges to world-class bars and nightclubs. If you're in the right spot, such as Kuta, Canggu or Uluwatu in Bali you'll be able to dance the night away to world-famous DJs.
Deciding on where to visit for your honeymoon comes down to what type of honeymoon you want.
If you're craving adventure, exploration and culture then Bali is for you. If you prefer a romantic honeymoon on a beach resort where you just plan on relaxing or enjoying the waters, then Fiji is your winner.
Bali is not short on romantic novelties
Fiji is all about romance
Bali and Fiji both have plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages and resorts designed for families. For younger kids, both destinations have nannies and kids' clubs. For older kids, Fiji is excellent for water activities while Bali has water parks, shows and animal parks.
Fiji, though, is often regarded as safer and cleaner than Bali.
| Feature | Bali | Fiji | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popular activities |
|
|
Bali |
| Transport options | Bali has no public transport system so transport is limited to private drivers and some shuttles. | Travelling between the main islands is easy with a network of buses and ferries. Taxis, car hire, boat charters and small planes can also be hired. | Fiji |
| Best months to visit | April to September | July to September | Bali |
| Type of scenery | Jungles, mountains, beaches and rice-paddies | Rainforests, mountains, beaches and clear ocean views | Both |
| Airlines that fly there from Australia, non-stop |
|
|
Bali |
| Average flight cost from Australia, according to Skyscanner |
|
|
Fiji |
| Cuisine | Indonesian and Western | Fijian, Indian, Chinese and Western | Fiji |
| Travel style best suited for |
|
|
Both |
As much as we love Bali and love to keep to our budgets, Fiji has a little more going for it. This includes shorter direct flights from Australia's east coast, the option to luxe it up in overwater bungalows, more pristine beaches and being geared toward families and romance.
Here are each destination's finer points:
Flight Centre - International
AirAsia sale: Asia flights from $216 return
Valid for travel between October 2019 - February 2020. Destinations include Singapore, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City,, Bali, Shanghai, Delhi, Bangkok and more. Sample fare is Perth-Lombok.
Last verified
Deal ends
P&O Cruises
$1 deposits + up to $900 in onboard credit
Available cruises departing after 27 August 2019 to the Whitsundays, Queensland coast, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji and more. Onboard credit amount depends on the length of your cruise and cabin booked.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hotels.com
Up to 75% off accommodations worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Bali, Phuket, Miami Beach, Santorini, Athens, Barcelona and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Klook
Get up to $80 off Bali tours and attractions
Save on snorkelling tours, Waterbom entry, whitewater rafting, Mount Batur hiking tours especially on holidays like Christmas, New Year's and more.
Last verified
Columbus Direct
Get 5% off your next travel insurance policy
Use our exclusive code to get 5% off any Columbus Direct travel insurance policy, domestic or worldwide. Destinations would include Thailand, Bali, Fiji, USA, UK, Italy, France, Japan and more.
Last verified
Budget Air
Los Angeles flights from $923 return
Valid for travel between November - December 2019. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Fiji Airways.
Last verified
Deal ends
Budget Air
Bali flights from $407 return
Valid for travel between 8-21 February 2020. Sample fare departs from Brisbane with Malindo Air.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Fiji flights from $579 return
Valid for travel between October 2019 - June 2020. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Qantas.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Up to $125 off flights on Fiji Airways
Valid for travel between 13 August - 30 November 2019. Destinations include Nadi, Apia, Tokyo and Los Angeles. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia
Global: Up to 15% off business flights with code
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include within Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Fiji. Includes 7% off getaway, elevate and freedom fares. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Skyscanner
Bali flights from $449 return
Valid for travel on select dates in August 2019. Sample fare departs from Perth with Garuda Indonesia.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Holidays
Bali: 7-night hotel + return flights from $435
Valid for travel on select dates between 1 October 2019 - 29 February 2020 with AirAsia. Includes accommodation at Champlung Mas Hotel, return flights from Perth, welcome drink on arrival and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Bali flights from $285 return
Valid for travel between October 2019 - February 2020. Sample fare departs from Perth with AirAsia.
Last verified
Deal ends
Luxury Escapes
Bali: 9-night holiday with flights from $1,885
Valid for travel between 15 August 2019 - 14 August 2020. Includes accommodation at TS Suites, daily buffet breakfast, private airport transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Budget Air
Extra $20 off international flights with code
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Delhi, London, Auckland, Singapore, Bali and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Voyagin
Extra US$40 off with code
Valid on select tours and attraction tickets in Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali and Seoul. Minimum spend of US$450. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Voyagin
Extra US$25 off with code
Valid on select tours and attraction tickets in Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali and Seoul. Minimum spend of US$300. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Voyagin
Extra US$10 off with code
Valid on select tours and attraction tickets in Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali and Seoul. Minimum spend of US$150. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Flight Centre - Holidays
30% off hotels on 6-night Fiji tour with return flights
Valid for travel between 1 February - 31 March 2020. Includes return flights from Sydney to Nadi with Virgin Australia, 6-night stay at the 4.5 star Shangri-La, free access at the Resort's Waterpark, daily buffet breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Bali flights from $213 return
Valid for travel on select dates from July - November 2019. Sample fare departs from Darwin with Jetstar.
Last verified
Deal ends
Luxury Escapes
Bali: 5-night luxury holiday with flights from $1,765
Valid for travel until 20 December 2020. Includes accommodation The Leaf Jimbaran, return flights from Brisbane, one 60-minute massage, two three-course dinner, private transfers, daily breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Fiji flights from $520 return
Valid for travel between 10 October 2019 - 15 November 2019 with Jetstar. Sample fare departs from Sydney.
Last verified
Deal ends
Tick Travel Insurance
10% off your Bali travel insurance policy
Want to save more on your Tick Travel Insurance policy? Simply enter this code to receive a 10% discount on your cover.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Trip.com
Fiji flights from $552 return
Valid for travel on select dates from June - August 2019 with airlines like Qantas, Jetstar and more. Sample fare departs from Sydney to Nadi with Fiji Airways. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Wotif
Holiday sale: Asia hotels from $95
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020. Destinations include Bali, Phuket, South Korea and more. Sample fare is for a 4-star Whistle Lark Hotel in Jeju Island. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Accor Hotels
Fiji: Resort and spa from $390 per night
Valid for stays commencing 19 April 2019 with grand-opening Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa. Includes beachfront water-sports centre, ballroom and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Agoda
Bali 3-star+ stays from $12 per night
Bali villas, homestays, hotels and hostels from just $12 per night. Sample destinations in Bali include Jimbaran, Seminyak, Kuta, Denpasar, Legian and more. $12 sample price is for Vilarisi Hotel in Legian.
Last verified
HomeAway
Bali villas from $29 per night
Book a private villa stay in Seminyak, Kerobokan, Sanur, Ubud and more.
Last verified
Groupon
Up to 70% off hotel stays and vacation packages
Destinations include Gold Coast, Port Douglas, Bali, Phuket, Fiji, Vietnam and Hawaii. Sample packages include a 5-night stay in Surfers Paradise for $299 (Regularly $579) and a 5-night package to Fiji for $999 (Regularly $2101),
Last verified
TripAdvisor Rentals
Bali private pool villas from just $214 per week
Price is based on a seven-night stay in February 2018.
Last verified
Design Hotels
Up to 30% off if you book in advance
Valid for bookings made at least 30 days in advance at hotels around the world. Destinations include France, USA, Bali, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, UK, Singapore, Japan and more.
Last verified
Scoopon
Up to 63% off Bali escape
Valid for stays on select dates until 20 December 2018 at Sintesa Jimbaran. Includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner, a 90-minute massage for two and more. T&C's apply.
Last verified
All the flight, hotel, vacation and cruise packages available online.
Find the lowest rates on rooms by comparing top booking sites.
Search for your next flight at the right price.
Compare coverage from Australian insurance providers.
