A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Couples

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.

Lombok

Lombok is a cultural, stunning, and peaceful island. Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lombok travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning, beautiful, and rustic island. Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Lombok and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Lombok, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife and resorts, while Lombok is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Lombok and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Lombok is well known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture.

How is Lombok different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Lombok is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Lombok offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Lombok is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife scene. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Koh Phi Phi for its luxury resorts. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Lombok is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

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 Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Lombok and Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Lombok and Koh Phi Phi, and they are superb.

Many visitors go to Lombok for the hiking trails. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

Lombok is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Lombok and Koh Phi Phi are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Lombok is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lombok is very family-friendly. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Lombok and Koh Phi Phi both amazing destinations for a couple.

Lombok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

Is Lombok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Lombok and Koh Phi Phi 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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

Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

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 Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable place. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lombok and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lombok than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

One day in Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back island of Lombok. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Lombok. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural island of Lombok. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lombok or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lombok. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. With so much to do, one week is probably not enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tropical destination of Koh Phi Phi. This island 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

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.

The dry season in Lombok is May to September. 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).

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.

November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. 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).

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).

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.

Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. 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).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Lombok