Gili Islandsis 13% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (58/10) vs Bagan "Fair" (41/10). Dorms avg $13/night vs $9/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇲 Bagan
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★3 hostels, avg 9.8 rating
★★★★★17 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $25/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $36/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $1.34, dorms avg $13
★★★★★Coffee $1.80, dorms avg $9
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $0.83, 3 hostels
★★★★★Beer $2.54, 17 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇲 Bagan | 🇮🇩 Gili Islands | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $13 | $11 cheaper | $2/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $21 cheaper | $21 | $1/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $44 | $40 cheaper | $4/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇲 Bagan | 🇮🇩 Gili Islands |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $1.84 | $1.06 42% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $6.40 | $5.40 16% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $0.83 67% less | $2.54 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.34 26% less | $1.80 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.89 | $0.60 33% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇲41
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $13/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelOstello Bello Bagan Pool (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$13/night
Total hostels3
🇮🇩58
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelMad Monkey Gili Trawangan (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels17
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇲 Bagan
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
City to City
Getting Between Bagan & Gili Islands
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇲 Bagan
🌧 Rainfall: 5mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
🌧 Rainfall: 196mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇲 Bagan
1. Lawkananda Paya - a big golden stupaFree
2. Manuha PhayaFree
3. 1007Free
4. 1798Free
5. Easy climb, sunset was okFree
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
1. BunkerFree
2. Gili Meno Taman Burung - Bird ParkFree
3. Gili Meno TurtlesFree
4. HalikFree
5. MALIMBU 2Free
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Bagan or Gili Islands cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Bagan vs Gili Islands?+
Do I need a visa for Bagan or Gili Islands?+
When is the best time to visit Bagan or Gili Islands?+
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