Bali or Lombok: Which island is the better choice?

Are you planning an Indonesia trip and having trouble choosing between Bali or Lombok? Or maybe you are wondering if Lombok is worth a visit?

After traveling in Bali for 15 years and even living in Lombok, I still find it hard to choose between the two. Both have so much to offer and cater to different types of travelers. But I do lean towards Lombok these days. In many ways, Lombok feels like a vacation from your Bali holiday.

So let’s take a closer look at the main differences, such as culture, nature and infrastructure, and settle the debate of Bali vs. Lombok.

Bali or Lombok overview

Set in the south of the vast Indonesian archipelago, consisting of over 17,000 islands, Bali and Lombok are two of my favorite places in the world.

Bali, often referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” is renowned for its vibrant culture, bustling tourist spots, and diverse landscapes ranging from lush rice terraces to volcanic mountains. Just off the coast of Bali, you’ll also find 3 small islands called Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan.

Lombok is celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty, mile-long paradise beaches and the imposing Mount Rinjani, one of the best trekking destinations in Southeast Asia. There are also many islets on the north, west and east coast called Gilis.

The south of Lombok feels like the good old days in Bali, you know when you could walk around Canggu without seeing another person. But changes are happening fast, so go before it’s too late.

Main differences

	Bali	Lombok
Traffic	A shit show on a good day. The narrow streets were not made for the number of people who visit.	Getting around Lombok is easier, traffic isn’t as crazy. I love to rent a scooter and just drive around.
Size	Bali is slightly bigger than Lombok at 5 780 km².	For some reason, Lombok feels bigger, but is only 4 607 km².
Number of visitors	More than 5 million in 2023, and even more domestic tourists.	Over 2 million in 2023.
Food	In Bali, the food scene is diverse, offering everything from traditional Balinese dishes like babi guling (suckling pig) and nasi campur (mixed rice) to international cuisine in trendy Instagram cafes and high-end restaurants.	Lombok is known for its simpler, spicier fare, with local specialties such as ayam taliwang (grilled chicken) and plecing kangkung (water spinach salad), no pork. You will also find trendy Western cafés.
Nightlife	Everything from beach bars to high-end cocktail bars and large clubs. Most people seem to be on the hunt for a hook-up.	More laid-back, people don’t dress up as much. I often find it easier to meet people on a night out in Lombok.

Getting there

There are few direct flights to Lombok, so you will most likely have to fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and then get a domestic flight.

Flying between the two islands, separated by the Lombok Strait, takes only 20 minutes. But the most affordable way is to take a ferry or fast boat from Bali to Lombok.

Getting around both islands is easy with private drivers and scooters.

Culture in Bali vs. Lombok

I love Balinese culture which is deeply rooted in Hinduism, it is more colorful. The island is renowned for its vibrant religious festivals, temple ceremonies and traditional dance performances.

Daily offerings, known as “canang sari,” placed at temples, shrines and even on sidewalks, are a huge part of daily life. Art and craftsmanship also play a significant role in Balinese culture, with Ubud being the epicenter for traditional arts such as painting, wood carving, and dance.

In contrast, Lombok’s culture is predominantly influenced by Islam, with the majority of its inhabitants being Sasak people who practice a unique blend of Islam and indigenous traditions. The island is dotted with mosques (I lived next to one) and you’ll hear prayer calls.

Traditional Sasak villages, such as Sade and Ende, offer a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage, where you can observe traditional weaving, pottery, and the unique architecture of Sasak houses

Is Bali or Lombok better for nature?

The island’s landscape is a harmonious blend of lush greenery, dramatic cliffs and majestic volcanos. The negative side is that all the most beautiful natural attractions are often very crowded. If you want to escape the crowds in Bali, head west.

Highlights include Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and many spectacular waterfalls. A sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur is also very popular.

Lombok is known for its untouched natural beauty, offering a more tranquil and less commercialized experience compared to Bali. The island’s landscapes include majestic mountains, pristine beaches and vast jungle.

Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. The multi-day trek to its crater lake, Segara Anak, is challenging but you are rewarded with stunning views of the crater and hot springs. Lombok is also home to some stunning waterfalls, Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile, to name a few.

Beaches

If you’re in Bali wondering where all the beautiful beaches are, go to the South of Lombok. The beaches around Kuta are some of the best I’ve seen anywhere in the world. Thinks miles of white sand lined by turquoise ocean and palm trees.

Don’t get me wrong, there are many great beaches in Bali too, especially in Uluwatu. But they don’t come close to Lombok.

Surfing in Bali vs. Lombok

Bali has attracted surfers from all over the since the 70s. Iconic spots like Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Keramas offer powerful reef breaks and challenging waves for experienced surfers, while Canggu and Seminyak provide more accessible waves for beginners.

The island’s well-developed surf infrastructure, including numerous surf schools and board rentals, makes it an ideal destination for both novice and seasoned surfers, especially during the dry season.

Surfing in Lombok is even better, as you can surf all year round. The island’s south coast boasts world-class surf spots like Mawun and Desert Point, known for its long, barreling waves. While Selong Belanak‘s beach breaks are perfect for beginners.

Even though more and more surfers are discovering Lombok, line-ups are still less crowded than in Bali, so Lombok takes the win in the surfing category.

Top things to do

Both islands offer similar things to do, like surfing, lounging on the beach and nature experiences. Here is a quick overview of the best sights and activities.

Which island has the best accommodation?

Bali has everything, from budget shacks on the beach and homestays to luxurious resorts and private villas. Check out my guide to the best places to stay in Bali for recommendations in each area.

You will find upscale resorts, particularly in areas like Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Ubud. And more unique accommodation options such as eco-lodges, surf/yoga retreats and artistic boutique hotels in Uluwatu, Ubud and East Bali.

Lombok offers more affordable accommodation options, including budget-friendly guesthouses and mid-range hotels, with some higher-end villas here and there. Sembalun is a great base for nature activities, Senggig is the old resort town, while Kuta is the cool kid on the block.

At this point, Bali has the best accommodation options in terms of variety and luxury. However, it feels like new hotels and villas are popping up in Lombok every day, so it’s just a matter of time before Lombok catches up.

Is Bali or Lombok cheaper?

Up until now, Lombok has always been cheaper than Bali. But during my last few visits, I feel like prices have risen quite a bit. Especially in Western restaurants and hotels, probably due to there being less competition than in Bali.

So I would say that prices are pretty even right now. If you go outside the most popular tourist hubs you can, of course, get better prices on both islands.

In Lombok, you will find that most bars offer happy hour prices for drinks and sometimes a few set dishes. You don’t see that in Bali too often anymore.

Conclusion: Is Bali or Lombok better?

As mentioned above, I prefer the laid-back tropical vibe of South Lombok. But I always stop in Bali for a few days first, for some shopping and fine dining. So if you can, definitely do both.

• Choose Bali if you: want to be in the thick of things and don’t mind the crowds. Bali is easier to get to and offers a more diverse range of both accommodation and activities.
• Choose Lombok if you: are looking for a more relaxed and authentic Indonesian experience with a focus on nature and the beach.

Both islands offer unique and unforgettable experiences, so the choice depends on your travel style and preferences.

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