Bali vs Bora Bora: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

When it comes to dream getaways, Bali and Bora Bora are two destinations that are at the top of most people’s bucket list. Both islands offer something unique to every type of traveler.

From romantic getaways to adventure-clad holidays, unforgettable moments are waiting to be had in each. Yet the reality remains that Bali and Bora Bora are actually very different from each other…

For example, if you’re looking for sun, sea and sand, but also adventure, then Bali is the better choice. 

The Indonesian island of Bali offers more than just turquoise waters, as it’s also brimming with culture, incredible wildlife, and happens to be much more budget friendly destination than Bora Bora.

But if you have in your head an image of a tropical island getaway that includes sipping cocktails from a coconut, and spending more time sunbathing and swimming than anything else, then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. 

This French Polynesian paradise can be pricey though – especially if you want to stay in an iconic overwater bungalow. 

However that’s just the beginning when it comes to how different Bora Bora and Bali can be…

That’s where we can help!

Below we use our knowledge to show you which tropical island paradise has the best beaches, activities, culture, food and more. All so you can make the right vacation decision!

Which Has The Better Beaches & Landscape?

Bora Bora: The Beaches & Landscape

The French Polynesian island of Bora Bora is undeniably beautiful when it comes to sparkling blue lagoons, and picturesque palm trees languidly lining its sandy beaches.

It’s the perfect place for an upmarket holiday where you can easily while away your time in Bora Bora’s iconic overwater bungalows on stilts, sipping cocktails on the beach. Simply put, for a luxury holiday, Bora Bora may be the best destination in the world.

For a proper beach paradise on the island, head to Matira Beach for white sands surrounded by greenery.

In fact, if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then hands down Bora Bora will be a better choice than Bali. The water is calm, clear and perfect for snorkeling, and the beaches are some of the best in the world.

Bora Bora also has an exceptionally romantic feel to it. Those iconic overwater bungalows, luxury hotels, and gorgeous views make this the perfect honeymoon destination. So if you’re looking for the most romantic destination, then Bora Bora ticks all the boxes too.

Yet although it’s best known as a romantic destination, Bora Bora has lots to offer adventure-wise too.

The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are perfect for kayaking and provide the ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, kite-surfing and other water sports.

Hikers will also revel in attempting to climb Mt Otemanu. This old volcano is best scaled with a local guide though.

And if you’re traveling to Bora Bora from June to November then it’s also peak whale-watching season! Humpback whales migrate here to breed during this time, and can even be spotted while snorkeling around the island. Having a great underwater camera – such as this one – is a must.

Bali: The Beaches & Landscape

Bali certainly has similarities to Bora Bora, but this Indonesian island is probably more suited to those seeking more than just sun, sea, sand, and relaxation.

After all, Bali’s stunning coral reefs and sandy beaches give way to a forested volcano-sculpted inland. which makes it the perfect place to discover exotic wildlife and go jungle trekking.

West Bali National Park is just a three-hour drive from the airport, but is virtually unexplored rain-forest. Whilst Bali’s northern-central rain forests have some spectacular waterfalls – Git Git and Sekumpul are two of our favorites.

If you want to stick with sand but avoid the crowds, Nusa Dua is a little-known beach that has miles of golden coastline, and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and kayaking.

In fact head to Bali’s north coast for great diving, but the south coast for superb surfing.

Bali’s natural habitats allow you to holiday in style too. Expect upmarket hotels deep in the jungle, yoga retreats in the mountains, as well as the usual beachside break accommodations. That diversity of landscape and accommodations just isn’t present in Bora Bora.

Simply put Bali, in comparison to Bora Bora, truly is an adventure lover’s paradise.

It also tends to attract many backpackers who come to explore, surf, and have fun. Subsequently you’ll find much cheaper accommodation options in Bali – including hostels and guesthouses. In contrast Bora Bora is one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world.

Which Has The Better Culture & Cultural Excursions?

Bali: The Culture

The majority Hindu island of Bali has a plethora of stunning temples. From exotic beachside sanctuaries to houses of worship hidden deep in the jungle interior.

So you can go temple hopping around the island for a cultural experience, and a way to see Bali in it’s full glory.

Tirta Empul Temple – with holy water that you can bathe in which is said to clean sins – is an unforgettable experience and well worth visiting.

In fact with a population of over four million people, and huge diversity across the island, Bali is a culture-seekers paradise. We recommend watching a Balinese Gamelan show – the traditional music of the Balinese.

Rice has been cultivated on Bali for generations, and the gorgeous rice paddies that rise up into the clouds across the island are as iconic as they are important.

Head to Tegalalang to see some of the most beautiful tropical rice terraces on the planet. Speak to the friendly locals in the villages about their life and work when there – you won’t regret it.

Simply put, if you’re looking for cultural experiences and a real taste of island life on your vacation, then Bali will give you that more than Bora Bora.

Bora Bora: The Culture

If you know where to look you can find culture on this island too.

From the famous story of the ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ to the oral history shown through dance and song, you can learn a lot through the cultural experiences on offer here. Many resorts will host cultural events and dances too, and that will likely be your best way to see Bora Bora’s cultural highlights.

Recommended: Traveling to Bora Bora? Here’s the Culture Guide You Need

Or why not try your hand at spearfishing in Bora Bora or learn the incredible meanings behind traditional Maori tattoos.

On islands like Bora Bora and nearby Tahiti, you will also find dance performances of the ‘Ori Tahiti’, and there are also places to take lessons with locals.

In general though, because locals and tourists mingle far less in Bora Bora than Bali, and the fact this French Polynesian island is so tourism-orientated, it’s hard to get a true cultural experience when visiting.

Bali vs Bora Bora: Where You Should Stay According To Your Budget?

Which Has Better Food?

With both being tropical island paradises, expect an abundance of fresh fruit, coconuts and fresh fish. Still, there are some local dishes which might surprise you!

Bali: The Food

In Bali the food is pork and chicken dominated.

Definitely order lawar, a dish that is made up of coconut, garlic, chili, and either chicken or pork meat and blood.

Another traditional meaty dish is Bebek betutu, which is duck cooked with coconut inside banana leaves.

If you want to try something vegetarian, then hunt down Urab. This is a delicious and refreshing traditional Balinese salad that is accompanied with coconut.

Bora Bora: The Food

In Bora Bora, the food is mainly seafood based.

For an authentic experience, try raw fish with coconut milk. Usually, this is made from tuna or bonito fish. It is sliced into cubes and marinated in coconut milk, lemon juice, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, garlic and spring onion.

With such a big Chinese-Polynesian population in the region, there is a wonderful fusion of cuisines on French Polynesia.

Chao men (fried noodles with vegetables, meat and shrimp), chicken with lemon sauce, chao chap (roasted duck), and mapo tofu are popular dishes on the islands. Raw fish is also very prominent in Chinese cooking on French Polynesia. 

The French influence in Bora Bora also shines through in sweet treats such as firi firi (Tahitian doughnuts) and banana crepes. A favorite breakfast food is coconut bread! (Related: Exceptional Restaurants in Bora Bora).

Bali Or Bora Bora: Which Is The Better Choice?

If time and money weren’t limited, then we would recommend visiting both of these island paradises.

However if you’re looking for beaches alongside adventure then Bali is the better choice. This Indonesian island offers more than just sun, sea and sand, as it’s also brimming with culture, incredible wildlife, and happens to be pretty budget friendly too.

But if you have in your head an image of a luxury island getaway on an overwater bungalow in one of the most beautiful places on the globe, then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali.

This French Polynesian paradise can be pricey though – especially if you want to stay in an overwater bungalow. However it is an opportunity to experience an island in one of the most far-flung and desirable places on the globe.

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