Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lombok or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lombok and Bocas del Toro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lombok or Bocas del Toro?
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
-
Lombok Prices
Indonesia PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $59Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $59, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lombok and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $28Bocas del Toro $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $56Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Bocas del Toro? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lombok Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Wisata Alam Semongkat to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $230
- Private Transfer from Lopok to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $165
- Private Transfer from Brang Biji to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $101
- Private Transfer from Lempeh to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $101
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lempeh: $101
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Pekat: $101
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Brang Bara: $101
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sokong: $77
- Private Transfer from Sokong to Lombok Airport (LOP): $77
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $77
- Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Serangan: $73
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Pengawisan: $73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
-
Water Taxi$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Lombok change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayLombok $20Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Lombok Cooking Class : $25
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $65
- Amazing Lombok BBQ Beach Sunset Dinner: $86
- Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
- Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $119
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
-
Lunch$15
-
Breakfast$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $9.90Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- Waterfall Tour And Sasak Traditional Tour: $77
- "Private 2D1N Adventure: Explore Pergasingan Hills": $163
- 1 Day Pink Beach Tour in East Lombok: $92
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $285
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $195
- Best Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls Tour: $70
- Best Waterfall Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Private Tour: $59
- Car Hire Lombok tradition village tour: $99
- Dirt Bike Adventure at Kuta Lombok: $135
- Dolphins Cruise: $154
- Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers : $71
- Exotic Lombok's Pink Beach Private Tour: $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Island Boat Tour$25
-
Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
-
Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $7.84Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lombok is in Asia and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro than you might in Lombok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lombok Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok or Bocas del Toro?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Lombok or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Lombok is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Lombok is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLombok 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Lombok is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lombok usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Lombok usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lombok is generally a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLombok 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Bocas del Toro. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Lombok is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Lombok
| Lombok | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.