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

Should you visit Lombok or Nara?

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 Nara. 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 stunning, peaceful, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Lombok travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Nara travel costs.

Lombok and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Nara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lombok than Nara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lombok is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Nara is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights. Lombok is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Also, Lombok is famous for Mount Rinjani. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Lombok different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nara 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 Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lombok is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Lombok or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Nara 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 Nara for the nightlife scene. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for Resorts?

Lombok is notable for its resorts. However, Nara is not a resort destination.

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.

Nara is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Nara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Lombok a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Nara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Nara Better for Beaches?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Nara is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lombok. 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Lombok or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a good destination for its old town. However, Lombok does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nara. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Lombok does not have a historic old town.

Is Lombok or Nara Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Lombok and Nara, 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.

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Nara?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lombok and Nara 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 Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Lombok or Nara More Beautiful?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Is Lombok or Nara Better for Families?

Both Lombok and Nara are superb family-friendly destinations.

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.

Nara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Lombok or Nara Better for Couples?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Is Lombok or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

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

The public transit in Nara can get you around easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

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

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lombok or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Nara 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 Nara.

Families should spend more time in Lombok than Nara. 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 Nara. 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 Nara 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 Nara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lombok. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lombok or Nara?

Lombok is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nara 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 Nara?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Lombok. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. 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 Nara?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural island of Lombok. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, one week is probably not enough for all of it.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Nara. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Nara?

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Lombok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Nara. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the dry season in Lombok.

Should I visit Lombok or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lombok is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lombok usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Should I visit Lombok or Nara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Nara. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can be very cold during winter. In January, Lombok is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

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

Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Nara. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.

Lombok is much warmer than Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In April, Lombok usually receives less rain than Nara. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Lombok is May to September. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April.

Typical Weather for Nara and Lombok