Bali vs Maldives: An Honest Comparison In 2023!

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Last updated on February 20, 2023 by Wandering our World

When it comes to tropical island paradises, you can’t get much better than Bali or the Maldives. However due to their remote nature, visiting either is costly and the airplane journey long.

So making the right decision between the Maldives or Bali for your dream getaway is vitally important. Especially as both of these destinations are actually quite different from each other….

For example, if you have an image in your head of a luxury and private tropical island getaway that includes sipping cocktails from a coconut on an overwater bungalow, then the Maldives may be a better choice for you.

But if you’re looking for sun, sea and sand, but also a bit of adventure and culture then Bali could be the right choice. This Indonesian island offers fun beaches, jungle-clad mountains, ancient temples and is brimming with things to do. It’s far more budget friendly than the Maldives too.

And that’s just the beginning when it comes to how these two destinations differ!

Luckily after spending time in both, we compare Bali vs the Maldives below, showing you which has the best beaches, excursions, culture, food and more. All so you can make the right vacation decision!

CONTENTS:

  1. A Quick Overview & Comparison
  2. How Do The Beaches & Landscape Compare?
  3. How Does The Culture Compare?
  4. Where To Stay According To Your Budget
  5. A Taste Of Island Life: How Does The Cuisine Compare?
  6. Which Is The Better Choice?
An infographic pitting the Maldives vs Bali and showing some of the key differences that will be discovered later in the article.

A Quick Overview & Comparison

If you want gorgeous white sand beaches, and superb swimming and snorkeling, then Bali and the Maldives will be perfect.

But there’s no doubt in our mind that the Maldives has the best beaches. The stunning pristine white sand and calm crystal clear water in this nation makes it one of the world’s best beach vacation spots.

Bali has wonderful beaches too and has a mix of sandy stretches perfect for sunbathing, as well as beaches with wild waves great for surfing. In general though, the water is not as calm or warm in Bali as it is in the Maldives.

So if you’re looking for beaches that look like they’ve been plucked from a brochure, then the Maldives is the best choice.

However many islands in the Maldives are privately owned by a resort complex, and so activities on the island revolve around the resort and what it offers. That also means that many of the beaches in the Maldives are not public.

That’s not the case in Bali where the beaches are public. So you have the right to sunbathe and swim throughout the island.

As a result, Bali tends to give you a more local experience where you can explore the country, go for picnics on the beach, and interact within the community. In contrast the Maldives has far less integration between the community and tourists.

iStock/CreativaImages

Therefore think of the Maldives as a holiday destination which revolves around a resort and the beach or island that it owns.

In comparison, a Bali holiday can be more adventurous – especially as the island has lots of jungles and temples to explore. That easily allows tourists to spend their holiday away from a resort if they wish.

The Maldives is also a very expensive destination in comparison to Bali. Why? Well the tourist trade in the Maldives focuses almost exclusively on luxury vacations, while in Bali there’s a variety of accommodation for all budgets. That makes the Indonesian island much more budget friendly.

However in terms of snorkeling, the Maldives is a better destination.

But Bali, as we explain next, is an island that has a lot more to offer than just beach and water based activities. So if you want to do more than sunbathe and swim, Bali will certainly suit you better.

aerial view of tropical paradise maldives island resort with coral reef and turquoise blue ocean tourism background
iStock.com/Grafner

How Do The Beaches & Landscape Compare?

Bali: The Beaches & Landscape

This gorgeous island certainly has some similarities to the Maldives. However Bali is suited to those seeking more than just sun, sea, and sand.

That’s because Bali’s stunning coral reefs and sandy beaches give way to a forested volcano-sculpted inland.

The perfect place to discover exotic wildlife and go jungle trekking is 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.

There’s also the likes of Ubud Monkey Forest, where you can spot monkeys playing in the trees.

Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud, Indonesia
iStock.com/nvelichko

If you want to stick with sand but avoid the crowds, Nusa Dua is a little-known beach that has miles of golden coastline. It’s 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, with upmarket hotels deep in the jungle and on the coastline, yoga retreats in the mountains, as well as the usual beachside break accommodations, or cheaper guesthouses.

All in all, Bali has lovely beaches. But you shouldn’t visit this island to just sit on the sand all day. There’s mountains to hike, lots of wildlife to spot, waterfalls to swim in, jungles to trek through, lots of surf, and plenty of culture and temples (more on those later) to discover too. So if you’re looking for a slice of adventure with your vacation, then Bali could be perfect.

Recommended: How To Stay Safe In Bali

iStock.com/Nuture

Maldives: The Beaches & Landscape

Ever seen pictures of crystal clear turquoise water, with those stunning wooden hotel huts sitting over it? That’s what you should expect throughout the Maldives, a country that specializes in up-market resorts and honeymoon vacations.

Some of the world’s best beaches happen to be in this nation too.

One of our favorites is the powder white coastline at Lhaviyani Atoll where the palm tree lined beaches look like a computer screensaver. We’ve found that the west side of the atoll has wider beaches and softer sand, so is perfect for a day’s sunbathing.

As many of the islands are privately owned by resorts, you may be limited as to where you can go on each island in the Maldives. In general, that’s not an issue in Bali.

However what this means is that if you’re staying at a Maldives resort you are pretty much guaranteed to have a spectacular beach, and a coral reef for snorkeling, right beside your room. When it comes to high-end beach vacations, this country really does excel.

Clear water at a beach in the Maldives with palm trees
iStock.com/Altug Galip

It also excels when it comes to snorkeling. The spectacular colorful underwater life can be seen easily thanks to the gin-clear water. However most snorkeling is done with a resort, due to the privately owned nature of many islands in the Maldives.

If you can do on your own snorkeling excursion, then make sure you head to Manta Point, which is home to Manta Rays!

Also known as Emas Thila, this is probably one of the best places in the world to swim alongside these gentle giants. Just make sure you take a great underwater camera with you – like this one.

For a burst of color, Banana Reef is another great spot to snorkel and dive. Here you’ll see rays, sharks, and many different types of reef fish including Royal Blue Tangs. You may not have heard that name before, but you will recognize the fish if you’ve seen ‘Finding Nemo’ – ‘Dory’ was a Blue Tang!

Apart from gorgeous beaches, colorful reefs and gently swaying palm trees, the Maldives is quite limited when it comes to the landscape. However for sun, sea, sand and swimming, the Maldives really is hard to beat.

aerial view of tropical paradise maldives island resort with coral reef and turquoise blue ocean tourism background
iStock.com/Grafner

How Does The Culture Compare?

As the Maldives is more focused on resort-based holidays, interaction with the local community and culture tends to be limited.

That’s unless you make a trip away from the private island resorts, and into the population centers.

While Bali also has upmarket resorts, many hotels and guest houses are quite integrated into the community.

Therefore a Bali vacation can have more of a ‘local’ feel than one in the Maldives. That also opens up opportunities for excursions away from the hotel, or to try out the fantastic street food.

Below we show you a snapshot of the cultural experiences in both countries, so you can see which looks the best to you!

Bali coastline
iStock.com/R.M.Nunes

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.

Go temple hopping around the island for a cultural experience, and a way to see Bali in its full glory. Tirta Empul Temple – with its holy water that you can bathe in which is said to clean you of your sins – is an unforgettable experience.

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.

All in all, it’s definitely easier to experience a different culture and life in Bali than in the Maldives. The island archipelago is more integrated with tourists and there’s still areas where the tourist trade hasn’t completely taken over yet.

iStock.com/tawatchaiprakobkit

Maldives: The Culture

As a majority Muslim country, the Maldives is a conservative nation. However within resort complexes you are free to act as you would in any liberal Western country.

But if you plan to make any excursions into population centers Рlike the capital Mal̩ or public beaches Рthen be sure to dress conservatively, and avoid things such as alcohol.

The culture in the Maldives is vibrant, interesting, and definitely worth discovering though.

Bodu Beru is a traditional rhythmic dance performed by upwards of 15-20 people, and was introduced to the Maldives around 1000 years ago. It’s been a tradition in the nation ever since, and many resorts have cultural nights where dancers perform.

If venturing into Malé, a visit to the Maldives National Museum is a must. Not only does it give an insight into the history of this nation, but it also has a great collection of historical artefacts from the region, some several centuries old.

iStock.com/Michael Geyer

Where To Stay According To Your Budget

Bali

Budget: With beautiful beachside bungalows and a pool with an unbeatable Indian Ocean view, Nirwana Beach & Resort feels far more luxurious than the price tag. Set in pristine Eastern Bali, you’ll be taking photos everywhere you turn if staying here. See photos and rates here!

Luxury: It would be easy to recommend another beachside resort in Bali, but instead we had to suggest what must be one of the most magical hotels in the world. At Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas you’ll be walking across bridges above the treetops to get to their stunning restaurant, bar and outside pool.

But don’t expect to have your feet on the ground when returning to your room – you’ll be staying in their luxury ‘floating villas’ complete with jacuzzi and jungle views from above! It’s a place that really has to be seen to be believed. See photos and rates here!

Couple enjoying beach vacation holidays at tropical resort with swimming pool and coconut palm trees near the coast with beautiful landscape at sunset, honeymoon destination
iStock.com/NicoElNino

The Maldives

Budget: The word ‘budget’ is a rarity in the Maldives, but on the stunning Fonimagoodhoo Island you can find private villas at the four-star Reethi Resort at a tenth of the price as other Maldives stays.

With everything catered for, and a white sand beach on your doorstep, this resort makes the Maldives affordable to most. See photos and rates!

Luxury: At Amilla Maldives you get the opportunity to stay on an overwater villa that sits directly over the gorgeous waters of the lagoon. The sea views are, of course, breathtaking. But even more so from your own private pool.

Couple that with the world-class service and you have one of the best resorts in the world and the perfect honeymoon stay. And incredibly it’s still a lot cheaper than similar stays in the Maldives. See photos and rates!

Romantic place with clear water
iStock.com/mvaligursky

A Taste Of Island Life: How Does The Cuisine Compare?

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

Bali: The Food

In Bali the food is mainly pork and chicken dominated.

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 delicious and refreshing traditional Balinese salad is accompanied with coconut.

Lastly, we’d say that the food scene in Bali is definitely more accessible than in the Maldives. It’s easier to find local restaurants and traditional dishes, so if you’re a foodie, then we think Bali will likely suit you more.

iStock/Space_Cat

Maldives: The Food

The first settlers to the Maldives came from India and Sri Lanka, so while a lot of the food is seafood based, there’s also plenty of dishes with an Indian twist.

Curry is therefore one of the most popular dishes. We recommend trying Mas Riha. Made with freshly caught tuna, coconut, and a good number of chilies, this is a truly unique and delicious Maldivian dish.

Seafood is also popular and traditional dishes include Garudhiya (a type of fish soup) and Kulhi boakiba, which is a fish cake made from smoked tuna, coconut, ginger and rice.

As for what to drink, resorts in the Maldives have countless number of cocktails to try. However the coconut water in the Maldives is delicious and refreshing – especially when sipped direct from the coconut.

Of course, as most resorts in the Maldives are on their own private island, you’re unlikely to have many options for dining out when visiting.

But the resort restaurants in this nation do tend to be exceptionally good, so while you may not get the chance to try street food, you certainly won’t miss out on good food.

Two plates with lobster on table at window with view on ocean
iStock.com/Konstik

Bali vs Maldives: 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 sun, sea and sand, but also a bit of adventure than Bali is probably the right choice. The Indonesian island offers more than just turquoise lagoons, is brimming with culture, and is budget friendly.

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 at a high-end resort than anything else, then the Maldives will be perfect.

This Indian Ocean paradise – which almost exclusively centers its tourist trade on upmarket resorts – can be very expensive though. However the beaches are world class, as is the snorkeling.

Recommended For Your Trip To The Maldives Or Bali

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.