A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Koh Phi Phi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Lombok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lombok $29
    Koh Phi Phi $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lombok $58
    Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Koh Phi Phi? 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.

Hotels in Lombok


Hotels in Koh Phi Phi


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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lombok $11
    Koh Phi Phi $6.89

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): $210
  • Private Transfer from Lopok to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $151
  • Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $151
  • Private Transfer from Brang Bara to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $92
  • Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lempeh: $92
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Dusun Setangi : $92
  • Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Pekat: $92
  • Private Transfer from Lempeh to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $92
  • Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
  • Airport Transfer: Airport To Senggigi/senggigi To Airport: $70
  • Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
  • Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $15
  • Longboat Taxi
    $2.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
  • Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $24
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 day
    Lombok $12
    Koh Phi Phi $11

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 Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
  • Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
  • Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67
  • Amazing Lombok BBQ Beach Sunset Dinner: $86
  • Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
  • Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $117

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.64
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $9.27
  • Casual Lunch
    $5.73
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.27
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $11
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lombok $10
    Koh Phi Phi $45

Tours and Activities in Lombok

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.

  • 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $168
  • 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
  • 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $220
  • 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
  • Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
  • Benang Kelambu & Stokel (Waterfall Tour) : $67
  • Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
  • Benang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfall Tour - Lombok Private Tour: $42
  • Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
  • Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $87
  • Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
  • Daily Sasak Tour Lombok: $57

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $8.18

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.

  • 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $161
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
  • Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $97
  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
  • Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
  • Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
  • Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $70
  • PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
  • Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lombok $8.15
    Koh Phi Phi $5.66

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $14
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $5.46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lombok 26°C (79°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Lombok is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Lombok usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Koh Phi Phi. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Lombok

Lombok Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)