A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Lombok or Cairns?

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 Cairns. 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.

Lombok

Lombok is a peaceful, laid back, and cultural island. Lombok is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Lombok travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cairns travel costs.

Lombok and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Cairns?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cairns. Although Lombok and Cairns are both popular with visitors, Cairns has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cairns is more popular for its nightlife and hiking, while Lombok is known for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Lombok and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Lombok is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture.

How is Lombok different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairns and Lombok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lombok or Cairns?

Lombok is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Lombok or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lombok and Cairns both to be superb destinations.

Lombok has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Dining out in Cairns is an experience not to be missed. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

People head to Cairns just to party. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Resorts?

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Lombok and Cairns.

There are plenty of resorts in Lombok to choose from. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Cairns is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find amazing places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Lombok and Cairns.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Lombok. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Lombok and Cairns both offer amazing beaches.

Lombok offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Cairns is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Lombok is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Cairns?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lombok and Cairns both offer plenty of superb spots.

Lombok is well-known for its shopping. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Lombok or Cairns More Beautiful?

Lombok is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lombok is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cairns is very family-friendly. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Lombok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Couples?

Lombok is terrific for couples. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Lombok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Lombok and Cairns are amazing places to visit.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lombok is extremely popular for backpackers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

Cairns is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Is Lombok or Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cairns is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Cairns offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Lombok or Cairns a more walkable city?

Lombok and Cairns are decent when it comes to walkability.

Lombok is generally not a very walkable island. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Lombok Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Cairns?

In either Lombok or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lombok than Cairns because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

Families should spend more time in Cairns than Lombok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cairns, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lombok than Cairns. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lombok that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns than Lombok if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cairns.

One day in Lombok or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Lombok. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cairns. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lombok or Cairns?

Lombok is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lombok or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lombok. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lombok or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Lombok. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One week is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Cairns. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Cairns, we can see that Cairns 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 Cairns is in Pacific, 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 Cairns would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairns 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 Cairns Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Cairns?

Cairns has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lombok is cooler than Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Lombok or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Cairns. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Lombok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Lombok or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lombok is a little warmer than Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lombok or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Lombok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.

In the spring, Lombok is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

Lombok usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the dry season in Lombok. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Lombok