Bali or Sri Lanka: Which Destination is Better for You?

Bali and Sri Lanka are popular destinations among travelers worldwide – and it’s easy to see why. Both offer incredible landscapes, waterfalls, friendly locals, beautiful beaches, and delicious food.

But how do you choose between Bali and Sri Lanka? After spending a month in both, I’m here to share insights to help you decide.

In this article, I compare Bali and Sri Lanka based on key travel factors: getting around, attractions, landscapes, wildlife, food, accommodation, safety, and more.

By the end, you’ll better understand which destination to choose: Bali or Sri Lanka. Let’s get started!

At a Glance: Bali vs. Sri Lanka

Bali

Best time to visit: April-October
Climate: tropical climate
Size: 5,780 km²
Population: 4,4 million
Religion: Balinese Hindu
Highest Point: 3142m
Reasons to visit: Rice fields, Volcanos, Diving, Waterfalls, Beach Clubs, Health Food

Sri Lanka

Best time to visit: November – March
Climate: tropical climate
Size: 65,610 km²
Population: 22 million
Religion: Buddhist / Hindu
Highest Point: 2524m
Reasons to visit: Wildlife(!!), Surfing, Historic Heritage, Vegetarian Food, Tea Plantations

Getting Around: Bali vs. Sri Lanka

In Bali, getting around is pretty straightforward:
– Download the Grab or Gojek App to book drivers (both cars and scooters).
– If you are more adventurous, renting a scooter is a popular option, too.
– Public transportation is limited and used to cover bigger distances (e.g. to get from Bali to Java).

Bali Road Conditions & Traffic:
Roads in Bali are far from ideal – large potholes, electricity wires, or any other obstacles can appear at any second. Traffic is chaotic and accidents are frequent. If you have never driven a scooter before, consider taking driving lessons first.

In Sri Lanka, getting around is equally simple:
– Anywhere you go, there will be a driver/tuk-tuk driver available.
– Download the PickMe App (a Sri Lankan Uber) to book drivers online.
– A big plus is the great public transportation. The train connections are extensive & there are frequent public buses to most places.

Sri Lanka Road Conditions & Traffic:
Most roads were in fairly good condition. While driving there, I had the impression that everyone was taking care of one another. Sri Lankan drivers were also considerate when driving around wildlife.

Rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka:
Renting a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka is the real thing – locals will love to see you drive a tuk tuk. We rented one and it was the single best thing: it offered the flexibility and freedom we wanted to have. I wrote a complete article about how you can rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.

Attractions & Activities: Bali or Sri Lanka?

Beaches

Nothing can beat the beaches in and around Bali. Nusa Penida, geographically belonging to Bali, is home to the most beautiful beaches worldwide (Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach). Not to mention, that the see is home to large ocean creatures: the manta rays and the mola mola. The island of Bali also has many beautiful beaches, the best most beautiful ones are around Uluwatu in the South.

Sri Lanka has some beautiful beaches on the southern coastline (like the famous Delawalle Beach). However, I found most of the beaches are rather for surfing than swimming. Unfortunately, marine life suffered greatly because of the 2004 tsunami: most corals disappeared so did the fish.

Pro Tip: For a hidden, picture-perfect paradise beach, visit Rekawa Beach.

Winner in Beaches: Bali

Wildlife

On the first days exploring Bali, we were fascinated by its dense flora. So, I expected Bali to be packed with wildlife. While it is true underwater, I hardly saw any animals on land. I was very surprised to see basically no birds on the island. We did see a few spiders and lizards, but that`s all. If you are a wildlife lover, Bali is not the best place for it.

Balinese culture historically places little emphasis on animal welfare, as noted by David Attenborough in Adventures of a Young Naturalist. Practices like trapping birds as singing pets likely contributed to the region’s wildlife decline. As a traveler seeking wildlife, I found Bali lacking in it.

If your ultimate goal is to see wildlife: choose Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has the most abundant wildlife I have ever seen. Without exaggeration, everywhere we looked, especially in the South, Sri Lanka was teeming with animals. I was relieved to see that there are huge forests in Sri Lanka.

Animals to expect in Sri Lanka: turtles, monkeys, peacocks, elephants, crocodiles, a large variety of bird species, snakes, monitor lizards, mongoose, Sri Lankan giant squirrels, blue whales (although rare), butterflies, and more.

Winner in Wildlife: Sri Lanka

Waterfalls

Bali is known for its huge waterfalls and they are worth the hype. Usually, there is a hiking trail with stairs leading down to the waterfalls, surrounded by lush jungles. They say you can find over a hundred waterfalls in Bali. My favorite, lesser-known waterfall was the Nung Nung Waterfall.

Sri Lanka has some high waterfalls, too. Its tallest waterfall, the Bambarakanda Falls is 263m meter high. My favourite was the Diyaluma Falls where you can also take a dip in the little pools carved out by the streams.

Winner in Waterfalls: Bali

Landscape and Scenery

You won`t be disappointed by the landscape neither in Bali nor in Sri Lanka.

Bali has the most beautiful plants as you head to the northern regions. Bali has it all: beaches, lakes, huge volcanoes, waterfalls, rice fields and jungles. If you like taking photos, you will find hundreds of scenic spots to capture.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, offers incredible diversity with its Sinharaja Rainforest, kilometer-long surf beaches, massive trees, vibrant flowers everywhere you look, tea plantations, caves, waterfalls, cool highlands, and misty mountains.

Winner in Landscapes: both Bali and Sri Lanka

Activities (Surfing, Diving, Wellness, Nightlife)

Bali is a haven for diverse activities, offering something for every type of traveler:
Surfing & Diving: Known for its world-class dive spots and surf beaches.
Wellness: Bali excels in wellness experiences, with facilities offering massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures.
Shopping: Explore chic swimwear boutiques ( and stylish local shops, particularly around Canggu and Ubud.
Beach Clubs & Nightlife: Visit insta-famous Finns and La Brisa Beach Clubs with unforgettable sunset views.
Nature Adventures: Chase waterfalls, walk around rice fields, or hike the island’s famous volcanoes.
Accommodations: Bali boasts some of the most luxurious and Instagram-worthy stays in the region. Make sure to book your stay that includes an outdoor bathroom!

Sri Lanka is renowned for its authentic nature and wildlife experiences:
Wildlife Watching: One of the best places to see wild animals, including elephants and leopards.
Surfing: A paradise for surfers, with surf towns along the South and East Coasts like Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay.
Hiking & Trekking: Discover scenic jungle trails and picturesque hikes. For a unique experience, visit the SInharaja Rainforest or the Knuckles Mountains.
Driving Tuk-Tuks: In Sri Lanka, you can rent a tuk tuk and travel around like a local.
World-Famous Train Rides: The Kandy-Ella train route is often referred as the world’s most scenic train journey.

Both Bali and Sri Lanka offer incredible activities, although they cater to slightly different interests. Bali stands out for its blend of luxury, wellness, nature, and nightlife, while Sri Lanka shines with its raw natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure opportunities.

Winner in Activities: both Bali and Sri Lanka

Food & Drinks: Bali or Sri Lanka

Bali is hard to beat when it comes to the health-food and trendy restaurant scene. It boasts an impressive array of breakfast and brunch spots that cater to every taste.

Bali Must-Try Dishes:
Local Dishes: Gado Gado, Nasi Goreng, Satay, Tempeh;
Western and Health Foods: Smoothie bowls, poke bowls, and other health-focused options

Sri Lankan cuisine is equally exceptional. On our first visit, I was convinced it could rival Thai food. It’s particularly fantastic for vegetarians and vegans. We loved the dahl curry, Sri Lankan pancakes, and the unique local bread.

Sri Lanka Must-Try Dishes:
Egg Hoppers, Dahl Curry, Sri Lankan Pancakes, Coconut Roti

Winner in Foods: both Bali and Sri Lanka

Accommodation in Bali vs. Sri Lanka

Bali offers a vast selection of villas, often featuring private pools. One unique and delightful feature is the outdoor bathrooms, which create a sense of connection with nature.

Accommodations in Bali are often chic and highly “Instagram-friendly,” with stylish designs that naturally look cool and beautiful. In addition to luxury options, Bali also offers homestays where you can stay close to local Balinese families, providing a unique opportunity to learn about their lives and culture.

Sri Lanka excels in homestays, where you stay on the same property as a local family, usually in a separate house or bungalow. We chose homestays to immerse ourselves in local life, and it was a rewarding experience. A highlight of Sri Lankan homestays is the homemade meals, which are often far better than what you’d find in restaurants.

Winner in Accommodation: Bali

Costs: Is Bali or Sri Lanka Cheaper?

Food
Local meals in both destinations are highly affordable, costing 1–3 EUR/USD at small eateries. In tourist-heavy areas, expect to pay 4–8 EUR/USD per meal.

Accommodation
Both Bali and Sri Lanka offer diverse accommodation options. While Bali has more luxury choices, mid-range hotels in both destinations cost about 20–45 EUR/USD per night.

Transportation
Daily scooter rentals are budget-friendly at 4–6 EUR/USD in both places. However, tuk-tuk rentals in Sri Lanka are pricier, at 18–20 EUR/USD per day.

Excursions
Sri Lanka’s wildlife safaris and whale-watching trips range from 30–60 EUR/USD, making them more expensive than Bali’s tours, which are generally cheaper.

Safety (Local People, Scams)

Overall, general safety is good both in Bali and Sri Lanka.

In Bali, the only time I felt unsafe was during transportation. Van drivers are often reckless, so you must stay vigilant and take responsibility for your own safety. If a driver seems careless, don’t hesitate to get out of the vehicle. In Sri Lanka, I felt completely safe from the very first minute.

Don`t travel without insurance:
Over the years, I’ve tried several, but only Heymondo stood out. When I was robbed in the Dominican Republic, Heymondo reimbursed me without hesitation.
In contrast, another company barely covered my medical costs when I had dengue fever in Borneo. Since then, I only trust Heymondo.
>> I asked Heymondo for a discount for my readers, and they said yes! Get 5% off at Heymondo.

Local People
Both Balinese and Sri Lankans are incredibly friendly. However, Balinese people generally don’t speak much English, while most Sri Lankans have excellent English skills. This makes communication in Sri Lanka easier compared to Bali.

Stray Dogs
Both Bali and Sri Lanka have stray dogs, many of which are friendly and sweet. Sadly, some are in poor condition, which broke my heart every time I saw them. If you see a dog unwell, please try to help them.

Tourist Scams
We encountered a few tourist scams in both Bali and Sri Lanka. Scams usually happen during your initial days when you’re unfamiliar with local pricing. To avoid being overcharged, research online beforehand to get an idea of fair prices for activities and services.

Fazit: Is Bali or Sri Lanka Better as a Destination?

Bali and Sri Lanka are two of the world’s best travel destinations, and I plan to revisit both soon.

Reasons to choose Bali:
For me, the main draw of Bali is its food, religion, and culture. Delicious food is available on nearly every corner, making it a food lover’s paradise. Additionally, Bali’s volcanoes and waterfalls are breathtaking natural highlights that make the island even more magical.

Bali is ideal if you aim for a more modern experience, with high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and beach clubs amidst stunning rice fields, volcanoes, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.

Reasons to choose Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s charm lies in its wildlife—you can see animals everywhere, not just in national parks. The local people are another reason to return. During our one-month stay, we formed friendships with locals we’re still in touch with. Their openness and hospitality left a lasting impression.

Sri Lanka is perfect for a more authentic experience, especially if wildlife spotting is a priority.

Now it’s your turn to decide: Bali or Sri Lanka—Which is the better destination for you?
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. 🙂