Last Updated: October 14, 2021
Indonesia Vs. Singapore: Nature Or Future?
Not sure if you should travel to Indonesia or Singapore next? Then you’re certainly in the right place because this detailed comparison of the two countries will help you make up your mind!
Singapore and Indonesia are two very different countries that appeal to different types of travelers. One is a small but fast-paced city-state with a futuristic vibe, while the other is a massive island country known for its mesmerizing nature and relaxing atmosphere.
I’m pretty sure you know which is which, but if not I’ll tell you soon. Read on to learn more about Singapore and Indonesia, and see which is ultimately the better destination for you!
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Answer: It Depends
Comparing Singapore and Indonesia is kind of like comparing apples and oranges – they’re two very different countries in every aspect that matters.
If you’re more into modern sights and futuristic attractions, Singapore is the right country for you. It’s a much smaller country so it’s a lot easier to get around Singapore and see all of its fascinating supertrees and colorful landmarks. The city is best suited for travelers who enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle of big urban environments, and who plan to go on a shorter trip.
Indonesia is different. It boasts stunning beaches, beautiful nature, and more Hindu temples than I can count. If you’d rather spend your time hiking, swimming in the ocean, and just roaming around and exploring the incredible nature, then Indonesia is the better option for you.
Especially if you’re thinking of going away for a month or longer – the island country boasts so many fun things to see and do that it would take months before you get bored.
Key Differences
The largest difference between Singapore and Indonesia is the size of the country. Indonesia is a big country, both by landmass and population. It has more than 270 million residents, which makes it the fourth largest country in the world by population. It’s also the 14th largest country by area, as well as the largest island country in the world.
Singapore, on the other hand, is a much smaller country. It’s actually a city-state, with a total population of a little over 5,6 million people over an area of some 728 square kilometers. It’s a highly developed country with a high standard of living, while Indonesia is a growing economy with a much lower standard of living.
The size difference is also why I’ve narrowed down the top sights in Indonesia to its two best islands – Java and Bali. The country has about 17,000 more islands, but these two are home to most of the top sights in the country, so you won’t necessarily need to spend too much time island hopping.
Another reason for this is the inaccessibility of Indonesia – Java is the island with the best public transportation system, so you should be able to get around without too many issues.
Highlights And Attractions
Singapore is known for its futuristic constructions, tall skyscrapers, and beautiful landmarks all over the city. It’s not a country rich with natural resources, so just like its economy, most of its highlights and attractions are man-made. Sure, Singapore has some stunning beaches, but for the most part, you’ll be exploring museums, theme parks, monuments, and similar attractions.
The nature of interesting sights and tourist attractions in Indonesia is very different from those in Singapore. The country is known for its spectacular natural attractions, as well as countless Hindu temples.
Also, Indonesia has several islands and cities worth visiting, so it’s better to travel through the country instead of staying in the same place all the time. If you enjoy exploring, backpacking, and island hopping, you will have an amazing time in Indonesia.
Getting Around
Another major difference between Singapore and Indonesia is how easy it is to get around the country. Singapore has an excellent system of public transportation with buses, underground, and over-the-ground trains. It’s very easy to get around the city, and because it’s so small, it doesn’t take a lot of time to travel from one end of the city to the other.
Singapore still suffers from traffic congestion, but even that has improved a lot over the recent years. In any case, if there’s a traffic jam above the ground, you can always ride the underground trains to bypass the crowds. If you prefer to stay in places with good public transport, Singapore is a much better option for you.
Indonesia is an island country, so the quality of public transport varies on each island. Java and Sumatra are the two largest islands in Indonesia and the only ones with any sort of railway network in place. Even on those islands, trains run only between the largest cities.
There are buses on all major islands in Indonesia, and the smaller inhabited islands will also have some sort of public transportation. Usually, it’s minibusses or even vans, depending on exactly how small the island is. However, buses aren’t the recommended mode of transportation – they’re incredibly affordable, but they’re not that safe or reliable.
Taxis are the preferred method of transport in Indonesia. They’re cheap and safe, and the larger islands have several reputable taxi companies. The only issue is that Indonesia suffers from horrible traffic congestions, due to the fact that the roads are not developed enough and there are just too many vehicles driving on them. So, the taxis might be cheap, but they’re not always going to be very efficient.
Cost Of Travel
If you’re traveling on a budget, then there’s no dilemma really – Indonesia is almost 60% cheaper than Singapore.
Singapore is a highly developed country with a high standard of living. It’s more expensive than Norway, and that happens to be one of the most expensive countries in all of Europe. It’s pricey to go out, eat at restaurants, visit museums, and it’s worth every single penny because everything about the city is fascinating. If money’s not an object, you won’t regret a dime spent in Singapore.
But if you have a tighter budget, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck in Indonesia. It’s a developing economy and everything is cheaper there, from the cost of a bus ticket to the cost of your hotel room. It’s also cheaper to eat out, especially since Indonesian cities are known for excellent street food and stalls on pretty much every other corner.
Top Sights In Indonesia
Spectacular nature, Hindu temples, and Komodo dragons are just some of the top sights in Indonesia. Find out what the rest are below, but keep in mind that I’m focusing on the islands of Java and Bali for the most part!
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, which certainly makes it an unskippable attraction in Indonesia. It dates back to the 9th century, and it consists of nine stacked platforms – six are circular, three are square, and there’s a central dome atop them. The temple is truly a fascinating sight, and it’s definitely something you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Indonesia.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a huge theme park in Jakarta. It is home to museums, landmarks, and many other attractions that really bring the Indonesian culture to life. There are also gardens on the park grounds, as well as replicas of various famous attractions. It’s a fun place to visit on a weekend, especially for families.
Lawang Sewu
Lawang Sewu is another popular spot on Java island and it’s in Semarang. It’s the former headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company popular for the colonial-era architecture.
The place looks stunning and it’s even possible to tour the inside of the building. There is a small museum inside with an exhibit on railways, but most people visit just to see the spectacular buildings and take in the views.
Bogor Botanical Gardens
Bogor Botanical Gardens are the best-known botanical gardens in all of Indonesia. They’re in the center of Bogor, a city just south of Jakarta. The gardens boast a wide variety of tropical plants in a serene setting, making them the perfect destination for a relaxing family evening.
There’s a lake in the gardens, as well as an interesting zoology museum with a large collection of fossils and animal skeletons.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Tegallalang Rice Terrace is one of the top sights in Bali. The hillside rice paddies are a wonderfully scenic sight, but the pretty views aren’t the only reason to visit. The place also features zipline rides and jungle swings, so you can fly above those terraces – a typical Balinese experience. There are lots of cafes in the area so you can sit down and admire the views while enjoying some coffee.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a Hindu complex of temples in Bali. It’s situated in a jungle and it’s very popular for the macaque monkeys who live there. It’s an absolute must if you want to spend some time with monkeys and explore more of Bali’s exceptional nature.
Just keep the shiny stuff in your pockets, and keep an eye on your wallet – the monkeys aren’t aggressive or dangerous, but they are rather curious and a bit kleptomaniac.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the most popular spots in Bali. It’s a traditional Balinese temple, situated on a small rocky island just off the Tanah Lot beach. The place is very interesting and beautiful, and it offers stunning water vistas. However, it is one of the most popular sights on the entire island, so go early in the morning if you want to skip the crowds.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu temple in Bali. It’s famous because it’s perched atop a cliff, which results in some of the most incredible views you can experience in all of Indonesia. Beware of the monkeys though – they roam around the temple grounds freely, and they like to steal stuff from visitors, so keep an eye on your valuables.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo dragon. The giant lizards can be seen roaming around the tiny Komodo island, and it’s even possible to get really close to them. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place that you can only experience in Indonesia, but keep in mind that it’s not exactly easy to reach the national park with the endangered species.
The good news is that you can go on multi-day tours, which will give you enough time to also explore the magnificent beaches of this Indonesian island.
Devil’s Tears
Devil’s Tears is a scenic overlook on a small island very close to Bali. It’s easy to reach from Bali and it’s not that popular with tourists, so this is one of the best things to do in the area if you’re trying to avoid massive crowds.
Devil’s Tears offers stunning scenic views of the waves crashing over the rocks, and it’s one of the best places in Indonesia to see the sunset. The beaches on this tiny island are worth checking out too.
Top Sights In Singapore
Singapore is a city of skyscrapers, bright lights, and modernist architecture. It’s best known for the futuristic supertrees, but they are just one of the many fun and exciting attractions in the city – below a few more!
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a resort island and the most popular destination in Singapore for family vacations. It’s home to the city’s best beaches, exciting amusement parks, indoor skydiving centers, and countless other ways to have fun. Whether you have a few days or just a few hours, Sentosa Island is a Singapore sight definitely worth your time.
National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is a must-visit if you’re interested in the history and culture of the country. It’s considered the absolute best museum in the city, both because of the interesting and educational exhibits, as well as just the size of the collection of Singaporean artifacts.
Unlike the National Gallery Singapore, which is also a must-visit for art lovers, the museum isn’t situated in an old municipal building. The building that houses the National Museum of Singapore boasts a blend of modern and classic architecture, and it’s a rather beautiful sight.
Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is the only Universal amusement park in Southeast Asia, and it’s a must if you’re a fan of theme parks. It has seven zones that are themed according to different Universal movies, with some 24 rides throughout the entire park.
If you’re traveling to Singapore with children, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in the city. They’ll love it in the theme park, and it’s pretty fun for adults as well.
Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer is what the London Eye is to London – the city’s iconic (and massive) Ferris wheel popular for spectacular panoramic views. But this one is a bit more special – it’s the tallest observation wheel in the world at the height of 165 meters. Maybe skip this attraction if you’re afraid of heights, but otherwise? It’s a must-see if you’re into scenic views.
Merlion
Merlion is a big fountain of a lion head with a fish body. It’s a popular tourist attraction in the city, especially in the evenings when it lights up in bright colors. The fountain is 8.5 meters tall and it shines bright as a diamond, so it’s a Singapore sight you pretty much can’t miss.
It’s right below the Jubilee Bridge – you’ll want to visit this area both for the interesting fountain and for panoramic river views.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay are easily the most famous attraction in Singapore. This is a network of vertical greenhouses and it’s best known for the futuristic supertrees that are so fascinating to see.
The massive trees are actually lined with solar cells, which is what allows them to shine in bright colors when the night falls. Gardens by the Bay are situated at the waterfront, and they’re particularly beautiful if you visit in the evening.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical garden that’s 162 years old. It’s located in the city’s shopping district, and it is the only tropical garden that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The botanical gardens feature a lake with swans, lots of sculptures, and a vast collection of tropical trees that’s fascinating to observe.
Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest is also a botanic garden, but it’s unlike any other botanic garden you’ve ever seen. The entire garden is situated in a massive greenhouse, and it boasts an indoor waterfall, as well as lots of tropical plants and trees. There’s an observation deck near the top of the waterfall, so you can get a really good look at all the lush vegetation in the greenhouse.
Flower Dome
Flower Dome is another massive greenhouse and it’s right next to the Cloud Forest. It’s also a huge glass greenhouse, but this one boasts a myriad of flowers instead of tropical vegetation. There are countless exotic plants in the Flower Dome and they’re all incredibly beautiful. The entire place is air-conditioned, but it smells amazing inside as you can imagine.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
