For your next Asian destination vacation, I suggest choosing Singapore for its modern attractions and efficient public transport. But if you’re after stunning beaches and rich cultural experiences, choose Bali.

Since I’ve been to both (and actually live in one) of these places, I can highlight Singapore vs Bali’s unique features and attractions as travel destinations. This guide is for tourists, travel planners, and anyone eager to explore these captivating Southeast Asian destinations.

Travel Costs in Singapore vs Bali

Being a tourist in Singapore is generally around 2 to 3 times more expensive than in Bali, depending on your travel style and budget.

According to Budget Your Trip, the daily budget for a budget traveller in Singapore might be around S$100-150 (US$75-110), including accommodation, food, and transportation. For a mid-range traveller, it could be around S$200-300 (US$150-220), and for luxury, S$500 (US$375) or more.

In Bali, budget travellers can manage with IDR 400,000-800,000 (US$30-60) per day, while mid-range travellers might spend around IDR 1,000,000-2,000,000 (US$70-140). Luxury travellers could look at daily costs of IDR 3,000,000 (US$200) and up.

I made a more detailed comparison of the expenses you can expect in each destination.

Cultural Experiences in Singapore vs Bali

While Singapore provides a unique blend of modern attractions and multicultural heritage, Bali’s focus on spirituality, traditional crafts, and local ceremonies presents a more authentic cultural experience for travellers seeking to delve deeply into local customs and traditions.

Singapore’s heritage features a melting pot of cultures with a rich blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. This diversity is reflected in its festivals, architecture, and cuisine. Tourists can celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Thaipusam, experiencing unique traditions and vibrant street parades​.

Meanwhile, Bali is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, offering a unique cultural experience with its temples, ceremonies, and traditional dances. If you go there, you can experience the Nyepi (Day of Silence), Galungan, and Kuningan festivals, where the island’s spirituality is on full display​.

Cuisine in Singapore vs Bali

While Singapore’s culinary scene is globally recognised and diverse, I believe Bali offers a more immersive experience of local flavours and traditions.

Singapore stands out for its diverse and award-winning food scene, including Michelin-starred hawker stalls and a vibrant mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. Its hawker culture was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Singapore’s hawker centres offer an authentic taste of local life, where you can try a variety of street foods from different ethnic backgrounds, such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and satay.

On the other hand, Bali’s cuisine is an integral part of its culture, with dishes such as nasi goreng, babi guling (suckling pig), and satay lilit. Local markets and warungs (small family-owned eateries) provide an immersive culinary experience​.

Man-Made and Natural Attractions in Singapore vs Bali

Bali generally offers more attractive and appealing natural attractions due to its extensive and picturesque landscapes, such as the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Mount Batur. 

In terms of man-made attractions, Singapore stands out with its modern and innovative landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

I recommend visiting Mount Batur in Bali, an active volcano popular for sunrise hikes, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Batur​. For a spot of serenity, Uluwatu is a cliffside sea temple known for its dramatic location, traditional Kecak dance performances, and stunning sunset views.

If you have the time on your SG itinerary, go to Pulau Ubin, a rustic island providing a glimpse of Singapore’s past with its traditional kampong (village) houses, Chek Jawa wetlands, and scenic cycling trails​.

Activities and Entertainment in Singapore vs Bali

Both destinations offer unique and diverse activities, with Singapore leaning towards a modern and cosmopolitan vibe, while Bali emphasises traditional and spiritual experiences.

Singapore has:

✔ World-class performances usually at Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay. Known as the premier performing arts centre in Singapore, it hosts a variety of world-class performances including theatre, music, dance, and visual arts exhibitions. It’s a cultural landmark offering both local and international shows year-round​.

✔ Art and culture events with the National Gallery Singapore housing an extensive collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. It provides a comprehensive insight into the region’s history and contemporary art scene through its permanent and rotating exhibits.

✔ Modern attractions like Gardens By the Bay, which also hosts various events, light shows, and exhibitions in its Supertree Grove and conservatories, make it a hub for both nature and entertainment​.

✔ Urban entertainment in places like Sentosa Island offers a wide range of activities including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and S.E.A. Aquarium, catering to thrill-seekers and families alike​.

Meanwhile, Bali has:

✔ Traditional performances like the Kecak and Legong dances, often accompanied by the gamelan orchestra. These dances are usually performed in open-air venues or temple settings, providing an authentic cultural experience​.

✔ Arts and crafts hubs in Ubud’s art villages such as Celuk, Mas, and Batuan, which are famous for traditional crafts like batik, silver jewellery, and woodcarving. These villages offer workshops and tours where visitors can learn about and purchase local crafts.

✔ Spiritual retreats that make Bali a popular destination for yoga and meditation retreats, particularly in Ubud. These retreats are set in serene surroundings, emphasising the island’s spiritual ambience and offering a peaceful escape for wellness seekers.

✔ Iconic temples such as Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, and Besakih Temple. These temples not only offer stunning architecture and scenic locations but also host various religious ceremonies and rituals that provide insight into Balinese Hindu culture​.

Crime and Safety in Singapore vs Bali

Indonesia ranks 40th in global crime levels, which is 4 times more than Singapore at the 92nd rank. 

The data comparison between Indonesia and Singapore on NationMaster highlights significant differences in crime rates and perceptions of safety between the two countries.

In Singapore, tourists can feel safe walking alone during both day and night. The country has stringent laws and effective law enforcement. The most common crimes are non-violent, such as petty theft and pickpocketing, but these incidents are rare.

In Bali, tourists need to be more vigilant, especially at night and in crowded areas​. The most common crimes in Bali include petty theft, pickpocketing, and scams. Certain areas, like nightclubs in Seminyak and busy streets in Canggu, see higher incidents of petty crime. 

Singapore vs Bali: Which is the better place to visit?