Maldives, Bali, Borabora, Fiji, and Seychelles are currently among the most popular beach destinations in the world. So, if you are planning your next beach vacation but can’t decide whether to go to the Maldives, Bali, Bora Bora, Fiji, or Seychelles, then you are not alone.
All these places are havens for beach lovers on this planet, and everyone becomes clueless when choosing one among them.
All of these destinations are home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, and choosing one of them for your honeymoon or family vacation is really a daunting task. Even though all these places are popular travel destinations, they are quite different from each other.
So before comparing all these destinations, you should be clear about what you want from your ideal honeymoon or holiday destination.
In other words, before making your final decision, you should do proper research. And that is where this blog will come in handy. In this article, we have compared these destinations based on various important parameters to help you decide which one to visit for your next vacation.
Maldives vs Bali vs Bora Bora vs Fiji vs Seychelles? Which is better for Vacation!!
Table of Contents
Accommodation: Which destination has better accommodation?
It doesn’t matter whether you are a backpacker or a luxury traveler; accommodation is always a big factor for every kind of traveler. It is the most important parameter that you must take into account before picking your next vacation destination.
Especially if you are on a honeymoon trip or a family vacation, you have to stay in midrange hotels or luxury villas. In such cases, accommodation costs play a big role in your overall travel expenditure.
| Destination | Budget | Mid-range hotel | Villas/ Luxury rooms |
| Maldives | $38 | $96 | $438 |
| Bora Bora | $32 | $72 | $417 |
| Bali | $5 | $15 | $248 |
| Fiji | $38 | $91 | $407 |
| Seychelles | $31 | $70 | $405 |
As you can see in the above table, Bali offers the most affordable accommodation compared to other destinations. If you are a backpacker or budget traveler, you can easily find dorm rooms for $3 to $5.
Bali is considered one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world, whereas the Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, and Fiji are considered some of the most luxurious travel destinations. So, it is not surprising to know that Bali has the most affordable accommodation of all these destinations.
Aside from that, Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury, for every kind of traveler. In other words, it is an ideal option for budget travelers.
On the other hand, Maldives and Bora Bora are filled with expensive and luxurious accommodation options. In other words, it is hard to find budget accommodation options in Maldives and Bora Bora.
Compared to Maldives and Bora Bora, Fiji and Seychelles offer relatively cheaper accommodations. Also, you will find more accommodation options in Fiji and Seychelles compared to Maldives and Bora Bora.
However, remember that even though Seychelles and Fiji are less expensive than Maldives and Bora Bora, they are still considered luxury travel destinations.
As I mentioned earlier, Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, and Fiji are some of the most luxurious travel destinations in the world. And that’s why you will mostly find luxurious accommodations there. Compared to Bali, these luxury islands offer a limited range of accommodation options, as most of the hotels and resorts are luxurious and expensive.
For example, Maldives has adopted the “One Island, One Resort” concept. Due to this unique and interesting concept, most of the Maldivian islands are privately owned. In other words, one resort or hotel occupies the entire island. As a result, Maldivian resorts are quite expensive, and visitors are compelled to rely on a single exquisite resort for all their needs.
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Beaches: Which is better?
Maldives
That is the way life is in Maldives. Maldives has adopted a policy of ‘one island, one resort.’ That is why the majority of the Maldives’ beaches and islands are privately owned.
Due to the exclusive nature of the islands’ beaches, Maldives offers the utmost privacy and serenity. As a result, expect luxury and seclusion in the Maldives.
However, there is one big disadvantage. Due to the “one island, one resort” concept, your honeymoon or holiday will be limited to that single island.
Another wonderful thing about Maldives is its unique location in the middle of the Indian Ocean, far from pollution and human interference. Due to their geographic isolation from the rest of the world, the Maldives islands have remained untouched for generations, preserving their natural beauty.
There is no doubt that Maldives offers far better beaches than Bora Bora, Fiji, Seychelles, and Bali. Maldives, with its unspoiled white sand beaches, azure blue lagoons, and tranquil setting offers the perfect setting for beach lovers.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora and Maldives have a lot in common. Both are known for their beautiful azure lagoons, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts.
Bora Bora undoubtedly has some of the most beautiful blue lagoons in the world. It is gifted with a divine beauty that is unparalleled.
It is a place where you will find the world’s most magnificent white-sand beaches surrounded by beautiful lagoons filled with some of the world’s most gorgeous turquoise and marbled azure waters. These two destinations (Maldives and Bora Bora) undoubtedly offer far better beach experiences than the rest.
However, there is one important difference. Unlike Maldives, Bora Bora does not follow the “One island, one resort” concept. This is why you will find more privacy and seclusion in Maldives than in Bora Bora. On the bright side, unlike Maldives, you are not restricted to a single island in Bora Bora and may visit as many as you choose.
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Seychelles
After Maldives and Bora Bora, we think, Seychelles is the third best beach destination for beachgoers.
You can say that Seychelles is a “lost paradise” in the middle of the ocean. It is widely celebrated for its gorgeous shores, its wide array of beaches, its craggy cliffs, and its pure white sand beaches.
Unlike Maldives, Seychelles does not restrict visitors to a single island or beach. You are free to travel to as many beaches and islands as you wish.
Aside from that, Seychelles’ beaches and resorts are never crowded. In other words, regardless of whether you’re on a honeymoon, family holiday, or backpacking trip, Seychelles is a great place for all types of travelers.
Fiji
Fiji is another hidden beach paradise in the Pacific Ocean, like Seychelles. In fact, Fiji is quite similar to Seychelles in many ways.
Fiji is not a super popular travel destination like Maldives and Bora Bora. In other words, it is still relatively natural and unspoiled. Like Seychelles, it also boasts a wide range of beautiful beaches that suit every kind of traveler.
It is especially a great choice for families and solo travelers. Fiji is also cheaper than the Maldives, Bora Bora, and Seychelles.
Bali
When it comes to beaches, Bali is not a better option compared to Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, and Fiji. I am not saying that there are no good beaches in Bali. I am simply saying that Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, and Fiji offer far better beaches than Bali.
Bali is a perfect destination for adventure travelers. In other words, the tourism sector in Bali is focused on adventure rather than the beaches. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Bali is not a better option as compared to the other destinations, as the beaches in Bali are not quite as beautiful, calm, and clean as they appear in images.
On the other hand, Bali features a wide range of beaches. If you love busier beaches, you can go to Kuta, Seminyak, and Balangnan beaches, which are one of the busiest beaches in Bali. If you want peace and tranquility, you can go to the beaches of Padang Padang, Jimbaran, and Balian. Surfing, snorkeling, and deep-sea diving are also available on Bingin, Amed, and Dreamland beaches.
Bali’s beaches have one major disadvantage: they are crowded with tourists and vendors trying to sell you stuff. Due to the huge number of tourists, most beaches in Bali are polluted and crowded, which can be disappointing at times.
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Culture: Which destination has better culture?
Bali
When it comes to culture, Bali is again a clear winner. The Balinese culture often attracts a number of tourists from all over the world.
The influence of Balinese culture can be felt everywhere in Bali, which is what makes Bali unique. For Balinese people, culture and religion are very important parts of daily life. That’s why this tiny island has more than 20,000 temples!
Balinese culture is mainly influenced by Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is known for its old temples, unique rituals, traditional dances and dramas, arts and crafts, museums, and rural villages.
If you’re interested in traditional Balinese cultural traditions, you can visit these historic temples and learn about eastern spirituality. So, if you want to learn about eastern cultures, Bali is the place to go.
Fiji
Fiji has an intriguing culture. India, China, and Europe have all influenced Fijian culture. Faiths in Fiji are mostly Christian, Hindu, and Islamic. Far from being a beach destination, Fiji has more to offer.
Aside from its gorgeous beaches, Fiji is a place known for its amazing museums, traditional arts and crafts, dances, and temples. You can visit Nadi, Fiji, which is home to several amazing temples and shrines. Fiji’s must-see cultural attractions include the Fiji Museum and Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple.
Maldives and Bora Bora
When it comes to culture, Maldives and Bora Bora have little to offer. Maldives and Bora Bora are travel destinations that are mainly focused on the beach, water, and sun.
In other words, both Maldives and Bora Bora are destinations for those who want to spend their whole vacation on the beach.
If you prefer to discover different cultures, then there is no compelling reason to visit Bora Bora or Maldives, as they are mainly known for their beaches and various water sports activities.
Seychelles
Seychelles is a young country. Its culture has been influenced by immigrants from Europe, Africa, and India. The islands were deserted when Europeans first arrived in Seychelles. The first immigrants to Seychelles were French planters who came in 1770.
As a result, Roman Catholicism is practiced by 83 percent of Seychelles’ population. Despite the fact that Seychelles is a young country, there is much to explore, such as traditional dances, arts and crafts, and a culture influenced by a various range of ethnicities and religions.
Food
Bali has a diverse selection of cuisines. Bali’s cuisine, like its culture, is influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian cuisine. It makes no difference whether you are a vegan or a nonvegetarian; Bali has something for everyone. If you are a foodie, Bali is a better option than the others.
Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, and Fiji are all island nations. That is why their meal is primarily composed of fish, coconut, and rice. Fiji and Seychelles, in particular, provide a diverse variety of dishes as a result of their diverse and vibrant cultures.
Comparison of Average Cost of food per day
| Places | Bali | Maldives | Bora Bora | Seychelles | Fiji |
| Meal for Two (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.45 | $12.32 | $15 | $10.33 | $7.62 |
| Meal for Two (Mid-range Restaurant) | $25 | $34.56 | $37.56 | $30.45 | $30.37 |
| Beer | $3.16 | $4.83 | $5.00 | $6.24 | $3.78 |
| Cappuccino | $2.68 | $2.78 | $3.62 | $4.44 | $2.87 |
| The average cost of food per day | $18 | $62 | $41 | $44 | $34 |
Safety
Maldives and Bora Bora are both tourist hotspots. Violence is infrequent. Most guests to Maldives and Bora Bora go straight to the islands from the airport and stay at the resort, which has a low crime rate.
When it comes to Fiji and Seychelles, both of these destinations are quite safe for travelers. However, on both of these destinations petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing are not uncommon.
Also, the Balinese are friendly people that love to help tourists. However, Bali has recently become a global tourist hotspot and tourism has become Bali’s main revenue source. That’s why petty crimes like thefts and pickpocketing are common.
Nightlife
Bali’s nightlife is unparalleled. Bali, along with Thailand, is a wild party destination. It is brimming with pubs, clubs, live DJs, and beach bars where you may drink and dance till dawn. There are many party hotspots in Bali, however, Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are the main nightlife hotspots in Bali.
When it comes to Maldives and Bora Bora, remember that 80% of visitors to the Maldives and Bora Bora are honeymooners. That’s why Maldives and Bora Bora are destinations that are focused on romance and elegance.
As a result, Maldives and Bora Bora have a relaxed nightlife. There are no big clubs or bars in Maldives or Bora Bora. Both Maldives and Bora Bora have quiet nightlife, and most couples choose to stay in rather than go out.
When it comes to Fiji, its beaches may not be as beautiful as Maldives and Bora Boras. However, it outshines both in terms of nightlife. Fiji’s vibrant nightlife is filled with various nightclubs, taverns, and bars.
Seychelles has a relatively quiet nightlife. Like the Maldives and Bora Bora, the nightlife in Seychelles is laid-back. Some hotels have casinos and bars, but no major nightclubs or bars.
Maldives vs Bali vs Bora Bora vs Fiji vs Seychelles for Honeymoon?
If you are ready to spend a fortune on your honeymoon and want to spend your entire honeymoon at a luxurious resort or on a beautiful beach, then without a doubt Maldives and Bora Bora are the best honeymoon destinations on the planet.
Bora Bora and Maldives are excellent honeymoon destinations for couples who would rather relax on a beach than engage in adventure activities or culture. In Maldives and Bora Bora, you’ll experience the utmost in romance, elegance, seclusion, and tranquillity, all of which are usually desired by honeymooners.
Bali is a great honeymoon destination for adventurers. Bali is the best option for those on a budget looking for world-class luxury resorts at an affordable price, adventurous activities, and the chance to immerse themselves in intriguing eastern culture and world-class tropical beaches.
If you want both world-class beaches and culture, Fiji is a better option than Maldives, Bali, or Bora Bora, as it boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches (much better than Bali) and intriguing culture.
If you want beaches comparable to those in Maldives and Bora Bora but also want some sightseeing opportunities, then Seychelles is a better option.
Maldives vs Bali vs Bora Bora vs Fiji vs Seychelles for Family Holiday?
Compared to other destinations, we think Bali is the best place for a family trip. Bali is a place that offers countless adventurous activities.
It has several family-friendly beaches, affordable markets, gorgeous temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic landscapes to explore. Bali is, therefore, one of the best destinations in the world for a family vacation.
After Bali, we believe Fiji is the best place for a family trip, followed by Seychelles. Fiji, like Bali, has many family-friendly beaches. While more expensive than Bali, Fiji offers more affordable family-friendly accommodations than Maldives and Bora Bora.
Fiji also offers amazing temples, traditional dance, and arts to explore. Seychelles also has family-friendly beaches. But it’s more pricey than Bali and Fiji. Unlike Bali and Fiji, Seychelles offers few attractions besides beaches.
When it comes to Maldives and Bora Bora, both of these destinations are fantastic honeymoon spots but unsuitable for families. Both Maldives and Bora Bora are too expensive, too posh, and too remote for a family vacation. Aside from that, there are very few things to do in Maldives and Bora Bora for families apart from beaches and water.
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Maldives vs Bali vs Bora Bora vs Fiji vs Seychelles for Solo Traveler?
Compared to other vacation spots, Bali is perhaps the best choice for single travelers. Bali has everything a solitary traveler needs!! Bali has recently been the most popular destination for single travelers, owing to its different beaches, breathtaking scenery, dynamic culture, bustling nightlife, lush-green woods, affordable markets, traditional villages, eastern mysticism, and thousands of temples.
The same goes for Fiji. Unlike the Maldives, Bora Bora, and Seychelles, Fiji has magnificent beaches and reasonable lodging. Fiji’s culture is impacted by Indian, Chinese, and European influences. Fiji has a Hindu population of 28%, thus there are numerous historic temples to see.
The Maldives and Bora Bora are well-known honeymoon hotspots, not suitable for lone visitors. Both sites are expensive and lack budget-friendly lodging choices. Apart from beaches and water sports, Maldives and Bora Bora have nothing to offer.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit the Maldives is between November and April but this is the busiest and costly period, too. This time of year is ideal for holidays due to the warm and bright climate.
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October when the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. If you want a more peaceful and quiet experience, avoid traveling to Bali between April and June, when the majority of tourists arrive.
May to October is the peak season of tourism in Bora Bora. August is the best month to visit Bora Bora. August is the driest month of the year, making it excellent for outdoor activities. To save money, though, you can visit Bora Bora during the low season, which lasts from October to May.
April to May and October to November are the ideal months to visit Seychelles. During this time period, Seychelles provides an ideal environment for outdoor water sports activities.
May is the ideal time of year to visit Fiji. In May, Fiji provides an excellent environment for outdoor water sports activities. Additionally, you will witness a decrease in the cost of accommodation and flights to Fiji.
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Thanks … but there should be a date on or in this article and/or it’s charts to help the reader to know if it’s current or from previous years. Maybe I missed it but if so it should be clearly shown and not easy to miss.
Thanks Ron for your opinion. We update this article every month.
Incredibly helpful and informative. Thank you.
Thank You Safina. 😊
This post was extremely helpful in me making a decision for my travel. Thank you.
Your welcome Nene. Happy Travels 😊