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Bali and Lombok are two of Indonesia’s most popular islands, each offering a unique mix of landscapes, culture and experiences. While Bali has long been the go-to destination for travellers thanks to its vibrant culture and world-class surf, neighbouring Lombok has quietly built a reputation as a peaceful and authentic alternative.
In recent years, Bali has seen an explosion in popularity, especially since the Covid pandemic. What was once a quiet island filled with rice terraces and incredible surf breaks is now a digital nomad hub, with rapid construction, foreign investment and increased tourism transforming parts of the island.
Lombok, separated from Bali by just 22 miles of water across the Lombok Strait, feels remarkably different. This contrast can be explained by the Wallace Line, a transitional boundary between Asia and Australia that passes between the two islands. It not only marks a shift in landscapes and ecosystems, but also in the culture and overall atmosphere.
If you’re torn between the two, this guide breaks down Bali vs Lombok across beaches, surf, culture, crowds, costs and more to help you decide which island suits your travel style best.
How to Use This Guide
Use the contents table above to jump straight to the section you’re most interested in. This guide breaks down Lombok vs Bali across beaches, surfing, culture, crowds, costs, transport and more, helping you decide which island is the best fit for your trip.
Whether you’re looking for lively beach clubs, peaceful bays, rich cultural experiences or authentic adventures, this guide will help you choose between Bali’s buzz and Lombok’s laid-back charm.
Beaches & Scenery
Bali is famous for its variety of beaches. From the lively stretches of Seminyak and Canggu to the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, the island has something for everyone. You’ll find a mix of black sand volcanic shores in Amed to golden surf beaches, and hidden coves in the south. The south is the busiest and most developed, with plenty of beach clubs, bars, and luxury resorts.
If you want to find quieter spots then head to Amed which is located on the east coast of Bali. Amed is know for its snorkelling and is the best place in Bali to snorkel. It is also much quieter than the south and feels a lot like Uluwatu was pre covid.
Lombok’s beaches feel like a world away. Think wide bays, turquoise water, and soft white sand without the crowds. The area around Kuta Lombok is particularly stunning, with nearby Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan among the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia. Much of the coastline remains undeveloped, giving you the sense of discovering somewhere special.
When we were exploring the beaches of Lombok we were often sharing them with a handful of locals, which felt like a much more authentic experience compared to the many tourits that visit the beaches in Bali.
Surfing & Adventure
Bali has legendary surf breaks at Uluwatu, Canggu and Padang Padang, attracting surfers from all over the world. The infrastructure is excellent, with surf camps, board rentals and experienced instructors readily available.
Beaches such as Dreamland offer reliable waves for beginners, but Bali is best known for its more than 60 world-class surf breaks, many of which are reef breaks better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers.
Lombok, on the other hand, has a more laid-back surf scene with far fewer crowds. Selong Belanak is ideal for beginners thanks to its long, gentle waves and forgiving sandy bottom. Nearby Gerupuk Bay offers several breaks accessed by small boats, making it great for both beginners and intermediates. Advanced surfers can test their skills at Desert Point on the southwest coast, considered one of the best left-handers in the world when it’s firing.
Overall, Lombok is better suited to beginners, with plenty of forgiving beach breaks and a relaxed atmosphere both in and out of the water.
If you plan on spending time snorkelling in Bali, we recommend heading to Amed, which offers some of the best snorkelling we’ve ever experienced. The combination of abundant marine life, shipwrecks and underwater temples makes it a truly unforgettable place to explore.
Looking for superb snorkelling spots while visiting Lombok? Head to the Secret Gili Islands, where you’ll find incredible underwater scenery and calm, uncrowded waters. These islands offer a far more peaceful snorkelling experience compared to their busier Bali counterparts.
Culture & Atmosphere
Bali’s greatest strengths is its unique Hindu culture. Temples, ceremonies and offerings are part of daily life, and you’ll find beautiful architecture and traditions woven throughout the island. Towns like Ubud are hubs for arts, spirituality and Balinese heritage.
With the influx of young Western tourists looking to party, Bali’s unique culture can sometimes be overshadowed. It’s important to remember that Bali is home to the Balinese people, and their traditions and way of life should always be respected. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself while on the island, but it’s essential to do so mindfully and respectfully.
Lombok is home to the Sasak people, who follow a blend of Islam and local traditions. You’ll encounter mosques, quiet villages and a slower rhythm of life. Cultural experiences are less on show for tourism than in Bali, which makes interactions feel more authentic and personal.
While many of the younger generation are more westernised and love spending their days surfing, it’s still very important to be respectful of local island culture. This means covering up when you’re not on the beach and definitely avoiding riding motorbikes to and from the beach in just a string bikini or board shorts, something we’ve unfortunately seen several times.
Crowds & Vibe
Bali’s popularity means it can feel crowded, especially in Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud. Traffic can be intense, and the once-quiet surf towns now struggle to cope with new construction projects, beach clubs and digital nomads. That energy can be exciting, but it’s not for everyone.
For a more quieter Bali experience we recommend heading away from the south of the Island to areas such as Amed.
Lombok remains relatively uncrowded. Even in Kuta Lombok, the vibe is relaxed, and beaches rarely feel busy. It’s the kind of place where you can find a quiet bay and have it almost to yourself.
The secret Gilis on the south West of Lombok offer an even more local, remote feel that is hard to beat anywhere.
Accommodation & Costs
Bali has one of the best ranges of accommodation in Southeast Asia, from budget guesthouses to world-class luxury resorts. Prices have risen in popular areas, but you can still find excellent value outside the hotspots.
Luxury resorts such as the Hanging Gardens of Bali offer that wanderlust stay with incredible infinity pools that has made Bali so desirable over the past decade.
Lombok offers better value for money overall, with boutique hotels, eco lodges and beachfront stays often costing less than equivalent options in Bali. You won’t find quite the same density of luxury resorts, but the quality is improving quickly.
Use our interactive map to find your ideal place to stay for Bali or Lombok.
Getting to Bali & Lombok
Bali is Indonesia’s main international gateway, with Ngurah Rai International Airport receiving flights from around the world. Transport around the island is easy to arrange, but traffic can cause major congestion, particularly in popular southern areas such as Canggu, as the roads simply weren’t built to handle the sheer number of visitors.
When exploring the island, we recommend using Grab, a ride-hailing app similar to Uber. It’s significantly cheaper than other taxi services and allows you to request either a car or a motorbike. If you’re confident on two wheels, hiring your own motorbike is another excellent way to get around, giving you more freedom and flexibility.
Lombok has a smaller international airport with good domestic connections and direct flights from a few regional hubs. You can also reach Lombok by fast boat or local ferry from Bali, making it easy to combine both islands in one trip.
Getting around Lombok is simpler and quieter, with far less traffic but fewer transport options overall. We found that Grab is much less reliable on Lombok, so hiring your own motorbike is often the best way to explore. The roads are newer and wider than in Bali, making riding here a real pleasure.
Price Differences Between Lombok and Bali
Bali remains affordable compared to many international destinations, its popularity has driven prices up in recent years, especially in hotspots like Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud. Accommodation, food and transport are still good value, but you’ll often find higher prices in tourist heavy areas, particularly during peak season.
Lombok, on the other hand, offers significantly better value for money. Boutique hotels, eco-lodges and beachfront stays often cost 30–50% less than similar options in Bali. Meals at local warungs are inexpensive, and even higher end restaurants tend to be more reasonably priced. Transport, motorbike rentals and activities are also cheaper, meaning your budget stretches much further without compromising on experience.
Do We Recommend Bali or Lombok?
If you want buzz, culture, nightlife and ease of travel, Bali is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for first-timers to Indonesia, digital nomads, and those looking for world-class food, surf and places to stay.
If you prefer peace, nature and authentic charm, Lombok is a brilliant alternative. You’ll find empty beaches, affordable stays, friendly locals and a slower pace of life.
Many travellers choose to do both, spending a few days enjoying Bali’s cultural highlights and lively atmosphere before hopping over to Lombok to unwind by the sea. With regular flights and ferries, combining the two islands is straightforward and gives you the best of both worlds.
If you want to experience what Bali felt like pre covid then we suggest visiting Amed in the East and exploring the wonderful world under the waves.
If you want to escape the world and feel like youve been marooned on a beautiful tropical island while still having a comfortable place to stay then perhaps Lombok and the secret Gili Islands are for you.
We recommend doing both, as both islands have a lot to offer and each are wonderfully unique in their own way.
FAQs
Is Lombok better than Bali?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Bali is lively and culturally rich, while Lombok is peaceful and less crowded.
Can you visit both islands in one trip?
Yes, there are regular flights and fast boats between Bali and Lombok, making it easy to combine both.
Is Lombok cheaper than Bali?
Generally yes. Accommodation, food and activities are usually cheaper in Lombok than in Bali. Taxis can cost more on Lombok and taxi apps such as Grab are less effective.
Which island is better for surfing?
Bali has legendary waves and a huge surf culture. Lombok offers quieter breaks and is ideal for beginners.
Which island is better for a honeymoon?
Bali has more luxury resorts and romantic dining, while Lombok offers peaceful beaches and boutique stays.
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Plan your Bali & Lombok adventures with our guides
Ultimate Amed Guide | Best Snorkelling Spot in East Bali
Bali Travel Guide | Complete First-Timers Guide with Map
Lombok Travel Guide | Everything You Need to Know
The Secret Gilis in Lombok | Gili Asahan Island Guide
Surf and Stay at Boni Beach Hotel Lombok
Best Time to Visit Bali | Weather & Seasons Month by Month
Bali in December | Weather, Festive Events & Best Places to Visit