A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Koyasan for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Lombok or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. 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 laid back, cultural, and stunning island. The famous beauty of Lombok is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Lombok travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Koyasan travel costs.

Lombok and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lombok than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lombok is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and small town charm. Lombok is well known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Also, Lombok is famous for Mount Rinjani. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Lombok different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan is great for its historical sights. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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.

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

Lombok is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lombok. 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Lombok is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Lombok has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Lombok is a great destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan is not a resort destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Lombok is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is great for its old town. However, Lombok does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Lombok does not have a historic old town.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Lombok is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lombok. 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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Koyasan?

Lombok is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lombok is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lombok or Koyasan More Beautiful?

Lombok is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Lombok is one of the main draws. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Families?

Lombok is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lombok is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Lombok is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Koyasan is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Lombok or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lombok. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

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

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lombok or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

Families should spend more time in Lombok than Koyasan. 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 Lombok than Koyasan. 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 Lombok than Koyasan 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 Lombok.

One day in Lombok or Koyasan?

In Lombok, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lombok or Koyasan?

In Lombok, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

Lombok is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lombok. In Lombok, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one week is probably not enough time to see everything.

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Koyasan. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Koyasan. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season.

Should I visit Lombok or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lombok is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Lombok. In October, Lombok usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koyasan. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April.

Should I visit Lombok or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Lombok during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Lombok is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Lombok often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Koyasan. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Lombok is much warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lombok usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Lombok