Lombok runs at slightly lower price points than Bali for landscapes that are often comparable or better — one of the island's main practical advantages. The reference budget of around €38 (USD 42) per person per day covers a comfortable mid-range stay.
Accommodation is varied but less dense than on Bali. A dorm bed at a surf camp in Kuta Lombok runs 80,000-150,000 IDR (USD 5-10). A double room in a local guesthouse sits at 150,000-350,000 IDR (USD 10-23). Boutique bungalows with ocean views around Kuta and Selong Belanak cost 400,000-900,000 IDR (USD 27-60). The handful of eco-lodges and high-end boutique hotels on the southern coast push past 1,000,000 IDR (USD 65) and can reach 3,000,000 IDR (USD 200) at the top end.
Food is more affordable than on Bali, with a delicious and accessible local Sasak cuisine. A warung serves nasi campur (rice with sides) for 20,000-40,000 IDR (USD 1.50-3). Tourist restaurants in Kuta Lombok charge 60,000-150,000 IDR (USD 4-10) per dish. A seafood barbecue dinner on the beach runs 150,000-280,000 IDR (USD 10-19) per person. The local signature dish, ayam taliwang (grilled chicken in the fiery sambal khas Lombok), is essential eating at 40,000-80,000 IDR (USD 3-5).
The Rinjani trek is the main spending category on Lombok. Mandatory guide: 400,000-700,000 IDR per day (USD 27-47). Porter: 200,000-350,000 IDR per day (USD 13-23). National park entry: 150,000 IDR (USD 10). Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag) is usually included in agency packages. A standard 2-day/1-night circuit (guide + porter + camping + meals) costs 1,500,000-2,500,000 IDR (USD 100-165) per person. Surf activities at Gerupuk (with boat included) run 200,000-400,000 IDR (USD 13-27) per session.
Three daily-budget profiles work for Lombok. The budget traveller at €20-25 per day sleeps in Kuta Lombok hostels, eats in Sasak warungs and explores the beaches by scooter. The mid-range traveller at €38-55 per day has a comfortable private room, eats well and dedicates a day to the trek. The trekker at €100-150 per day over the week invests in a full Rinjani circuit with porters and equipped camp nights.
Read also
- Gili Trawangan — 30 minutes from Lombok: diving with sea turtles and white-sand beaches with no cars.
- Lombok and the Gili Islands — Complete regional guide: Rinjani, the southern beaches and recommended itineraries.
- Canggu, Bali — Two hours by speedboat: surf and creative cafés on Bali's west coast.
- Indonesia — Complete archipelago guide: visa, budget and unmissable islands in Southeast Asia.