The tropical islands are always among the favourites for those seeking laid-back holidays. Be it an escape from mundane life or a desire to steal some intimate moments with your partner on a romantic vacation, tropical islands with their stellar beaches and clear waters offer far more secluded, serene, and off-the-grid experiences. When globetrotters talk about beautiful tropical places in the world, Bali or Mauritius come to mind almost right away for many of them. But if you have to choose between the two to pick one destination for that dream tropical holiday, which one should you choose? How should you decide? Read on to get clarity on which destination is perfect for your idyllic tropical holiday.
Bali or Mauritius, which is your dream destination?
Well, before you start to reach on a decision of Mauritius vs Bali which is better for a tropical holiday, let’s gain a bit of background and facts about both these gorgeous destinations.
Mauritius
A country in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius is all about sunshine, sea, and sand. Contrary to popular belief, Mauritius isn’t just one island. The surrounding islands of St. Brandon and Rodrigues also form part of Mauritius. However, they aren’t as popular with tourists as the main island. The capital is Port Louis, and the island has a classy fusion of French, Indian, and African influences. It is exotic and often makes you feel as though it’s a destination to head to for a pampering holiday. It’s amazingly famous all over the world for its perfectly pristine beaches like Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac, and Le Morne, tapering off into bright blue waters. Though exploring the vast beach shores is one of the finest things to do in Mauritius, there are many more surprises tucked within, such as the multi-hued Chamarel Geo Park and vivid wildlife and underwater life experiences that you can see there.
Bali
On the other hand, Bali is a tropical province nestled among the vast archipelago of Indonesia in Southeast Asia. Bali is Indonesia’s spotlight, a bustling island packed with quaint cafés, jaw-dropping beaches, lush rice terraces, ancient temples, and vibrant nightlife. Bali is energetic, dramatic, and will whisk you off to a number of thrilling adventures. Its coastline is undoubtedly stellar, but the verdant terraced fields, the rustic temples, and volcanic terrains add a shade of earthy tones to the aquamarine and beige-hued shores. While Mauritius has a classy, fine-dining kind of vibe, Bali is more country-like with a raw vibe that fits the tropical ambience.
It is true that both destinations are tropical havens, conjuring visions of sun-soaked escapes where turquoise waves kiss pristine shores, creating picture-postcard-perfect moments. Surely, both are bucket-list destinations, however, they offer unique and distinct vibes, experiences, and price tags.
Choose Bali if you want:
Idyllic, verdant scenery along with turquoise water.
Bali instantly hits you with images of swaying palm trees and terraced rice paddies, rather than sweeping white sandy beaches. Yes, there’s an amazing line-up of the world’s best beaches in Bali, but the place is more than just sea and sand. It also has some of the most stunning, Instagrammable spots, such as the Gate of Heaven and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
Dive into a kaleidoscope of Asian adventures, culture, food, and more!
Bali is best not just for honeymooners and couples, but also for solo backpackers, culture enthusiasts, digital nomads, families and adventure lovers. That’s because the place isn’t just about the beaches. So, if you resonate with the idea to do more than just enjoying lazy days in a beach resort and strolling on the sandy shores, Bali has much more to offer you. Temples abound, and you feel a divine vibe envelope you. The short hikes to waterfalls and rice terraces will keep you energised. The food is also affordable, spicy, and amazingly lip-smacking to cherish. When you book Bali packages, you aren’t just enjoying the sandy shores and emerald waters, but also hikes to Mount Batur, a visit to Tanah Lot, surfing in Uluwatu and dancing the night away in Bali’s electrifying nightlife.


Choose Mauritius if you want:
Sun-soaked, bare-foot beach holidays.
Mauritius is the epitome of laid-back relaxation. The sun, the sea, and the sand have an intoxicating visual combination designed by nature to instantly relax your soul. It is elegant, serene, and inviting for nature lovers and beach-goers. Mauritius is inarguably a great spot for snorkelling and scuba diving sessions with its clear blue waters and stunning aquamarine life, but it isn’t the place for an exhilarating, adrenaline-spiking adventure holiday. It’s a haven for those seeking underwater adventures and sun-soaked relaxation.
Beach luxury at its finest!
Mauritius is a fine example of tropical luxury. Tucked into its own private landscaping along the sweeping stretches of beaches in Mauritius are some of the finest luxury resorts in the world. Here, you can settle into exquisite resorts like One&Only Le Saint Géran, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resorts and Villas, and Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok and experience resplendent days in private villas, infinity pools, and spa treatments that melt your stress away. The cuisine, blended with Creole, Indian, and French influences, offers a unique, flavourful experience unlike any you have ever experienced. Though honeymooners and romantic couples eye this destination as their favoured spot, it is often a charming place for family fun in Mauritius as well, to revel in luxury.
Best time to visit – Bali or Mauritius?
The trickiest part of planning a tropical vacation to either of these destinations is deciding when to go. Both destinations have distinct seasons and, being island destinations, are prone to shifts in wind, humidity, and weather influenced by the sea. The best time to visit Bali is from April to September, which is the dry season and the peak season for the destination. Other months see heavy downpours throughout Bali, but the east coast benefits from perfect swells for surfers to have the best wave-chasing experience of their lives. The best time to visit Mauritius, on the other hand, is from May to September when the sun shines bright and the water temptingly glistens, inviting you for soothing swims. The verdict? Bali takes the win with one extra sunny month, ideal for outdoor expeditions and adventures, against Mauritius.
Accessibility – Bali or Mauritius?
Mauritius is smaller in size compared to Bali, and hence it’s easy to explore the island. Even for reaching Mauritius, the country’s position is convenient for all major airlines from the USA, Europe, and Asia to reach it. But the frequency is less. On the contrary, Bali is good for wallet-friendly travel and even has direct and frequent flights from most countries, making it easier and affordable to reach. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport has better direct connectivity to cities in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Affordability – Bali or Mauritius?
Now to the golden question: Which is cheaper Bali or Mauritius? We believe that Bali right away takes the spotlight as a wallet-friendly destination compared to Mauritius. Even private tours and spa days are wallet-friendly. If you have a budget that you can stretch a bit and splurge, then you can have a lavish trip comfortably at one of those opulent Bali villas with infinity pools. Mauritius has more of an aura of opulence, and the resort prices are also on the higher end. Compared to that, Bali exudes affordability, not just in accommodations but also in flights, tours, transportation and food. Bali would cost around USD 90 to USD 260 per person per day for a comfortable trip, while Mauritius holiday packages might start from USD 200 onwards for a basic holiday.


Takeaway
So, Mauritius vs. Bali which is better for a holiday? The decision ultimately depends on your preferences. Both destinations allure travel enthusiasts with an irresistible tropical charm. Bali offers a vibrant Asian culture, stunning temples, lush landscapes, and an array of water and land adventures, along with beach getaways. Mauritius, on the other hand, presents pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts accentuated with French and Creole influences. So, we insist you ask yourself: what exactly is the type of holiday you desire, the activities you wish to do, and how much is your budget, to make the best choice for your tropical getaway. Is it Bali’s buzz or Mauritius’ bliss that entices you? There, you have your answer!