Can’t decide whether to spend your next holiday on the Island of the Gods or the Island of Smiles?

Choosing between Bali and Fiji might seem like an impossible task, but depending on what you want and need out of your island escape, it can be done.

Check out our easy guide outlining the basics of these two stunning and contrasting island getaways. In this (friendly) battle between two of the world’s most beautiful tropical destinations who wins? Bali vs Fiji – what’s your pick?

Bali

Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is the stunning jewel in Indonesia’s sparkling crown of over 17,000 islands. Home to over 4 million people and welcoming over 3 million visitors annually, Bali has so much on offer that you could spend months exploring here and still come back wanting more.

But Bali is more than just stunning beaches, world-class diving, epic surfing conditions, delicious food, icy cold Bintangs, and bargain shopping; it is also steeped in ancient traditions, a peaceful approach to life, and an unparalleled natural beauty that will take your breath away.

• Distance of flight:4,649km from Sydney (6 hours, 15 minutes); 4,434 km from Melbourne (6 hours)
• Currency exchange: $100AUD = 983,123.43 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
• Average weather: Tropical climate with 20-33 degree temperatures, with a monsoon season from October – March.
• Average cost of a meal (inexpensive restaurant): 20,224 IDR ($2 AUD)
• Average cost of a Bingtang: 24,000 IDR ($2.50 AUD)
• Best for: Couples looking for romance and singles looking to party.
• Top attractions: Gili Islands, Potato Head Beach Club, Ubud Monkey Forest, Singlefin Bar, Goa Gajah, Mother Temple of Besakih, La Plancha.
• Top beaches: Kuta Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Jimbaran Beach, Nusa Lembongan, Balian Beach.
• Food you must try: Gado gado, Nasi campur (the national dish), Nasi goring, Sate, Ketoprak.

Fiji

Comprising of 333 stunning little islands, Fiji is the heart of the South Pacific. Home to just under 900,000 people, friendly Fijians annually introduce over half a million visitors to the laid-back ‘Fiji Time’ lifestyle.

With beautiful beaches, stunning reefs, palm tree-fringed islands and sunsets that will take your breath away, Fiji is truly heaven on earth. Proudly boasting a deeply respectful culture and close community of locals who cheerfully shout ‘Bula!’ as they pass you by, Fiji is a peaceful and relaxing island paradise which will soon be your second home.

• Distance of flight: 3,215 from Sydney (4 hours, 30 minutes); 3,914 km from Melbourne (5 hours, 20 minutes)
• Currency exchange: $100AUD = $159.50 FJD
• Average weather: Tropical South Pacific climate with 26-31 degree temperatures, with a wet season from November – April.
• Average cost of a meal (inexpensive restaurant): $7 FJD ($4.50 AUD)
• Average cost of a Fiji Gold: $4.75FJD ($3 AUD)
• Best for: Families wanting a relaxing and fun holiday, and couples looking for romance or a destination wedding.
• Top attractions: Shark Diving in Beqa Lagoon, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Tavoro Falls, Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pools, Tiko’s Floating Restaurant, Cloudbreak.
• Top beaches: Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast; Qalito Island in the Mamanucas (set for the Tom Hanks movie Castaway); Nanuyalailai Island in the Yasawas; Vatulele; Matana Beach on Kadavu; and Volivoli near Rakiraki.
• Food you must try: Kokoda, Lovo, Palusami, Kava, Rourou, and Tavioka. Also feast on tropical fruits and freshly caught seafood.

Featured image by Donald Man and Jared Wiltshire