Comparison · Bali vs Maldives · Indonesia / Maldives
Bali vs Maldives
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Paskuu, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Bali for Hindu temples, Rice terraces, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife; choose Maldives for Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a short break. Bali is generally less expensive, and the two are about 4,829 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 4,829 km
- Less expensive
- Bali
- Best time for Bali
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Maldives
- December–April
Side by side
| Bali | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Maldives |
| Known for | Hindu temples, Rice terraces and Surfing | Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and Manta rays |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$180 | $250–$500 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | April, 32°C (90°F) | April, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | June, 30°C (86°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 1 | 3 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Seminyak and Double Six Beach | Hulhumalé beach |
| Airports | DPS | MLE, GAN, DRV, VAM, KDO |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bali for…
Hindu temples, Rice terraces, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Bali is a Hindu island in mostly Muslim Indonesia, about 140 km across, where daily offerings sit on doorsteps and temple ceremonies close roads. The south — Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua — has the beaches, surf breaks and beach clubs, while…
Choose Maldives for…
Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a short break. The Maldives is a chain of about 1,190 low coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls that stretch across the equator in the Indian Ocean. Almost every visitor lands at Velana International Airport beside the capital, Malé, then continues by speedboat to…
Top sights compared
| # | Bali | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance | Hanifaru Bay manta rays |
| 2 | Tanah Lot | Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll |
| 3 | Tegallalang Rice Terraces | Banana Reef |
| 4 | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary | Maaya Thila and Fish Head |
| 5 | Tirta Empul | Lankan Manta Point |
Food compared
| Bali | Maldives |
|---|---|
| Babi guling | Mas huni |
| Bebek betutu | Garudhiya |
| Nasi campur Bali | Mas riha |
| Sate lilit | Roshi |
Which is cheaper?
Bali is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $80–$180 per person there, against $250–$500 in Maldives (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Bali on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 4,829 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 18 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bali or Maldives cheaper?
Bali is usually less expensive: about $80–$180 a day mid-range against $250–$500 (estimates).
+Is Bali or Maldives better for a first trip?
Pick Bali for Hindu temples, Rice terraces, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife, or Maldives for Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a short break.
+How far is Bali from Maldives?
About 4,829 km in a straight line.