A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Nelson for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lombok or Nelson?

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 Nelson. 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lombok travel costs.

Nelson

Nelson is a adventure-filled, natural, and beautiful city. The beauty of Nelson is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Nelson travel costs.

Lombok and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Nelson?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lombok. Although Lombok and Nelson are popular destinations, Lombok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lombok is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nelson attracts visitors for its hiking. Lombok is famous for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also well known for Mount Rinjani. Nelson is famous for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures.

How is Lombok different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lombok and Nelson.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nelson. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

Foodies will find both Lombok and Nelson both to be very good 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 Nelson is an experience not to be missed. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

Is Lombok or Nelson Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Lombok and Nelson.

If you're looking for night time activities Lombok has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nelson. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Lombok or Nelson Better for Resorts?

Lombok is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Nelson is not a resort destination.

In Lombok, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Nelson is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Nelson Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nelson is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lombok is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Nelson is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Lombok and Nelson both offer fantastic 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 Nelson. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Is Lombok or Nelson Better for Hiking?

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

Nelson is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

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 Nelson?

Lombok is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lombok is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Lombok or Nelson More Beautiful?

Lombok is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nelson 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.

The beauty of Nelson is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful outdoor environments.

Is Lombok or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson 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, Nelson is very family-friendly. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

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 Nelson Better for Couples?

Lombok and Nelson both fantastic 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.

Nelson makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

Is Lombok or Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Lombok and Nelson are fantastic 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.

Nelson is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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

Lombok and Nelson both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Lombok or Nelson a more walkable city?

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

Nelson is a very walkable city. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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 Nelson Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Nelson?

In either Lombok or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lombok than Nelson 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 Nelson.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lombok than Nelson. 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.

One day in Lombok or Nelson?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nelson. 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 Nelson?

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.

Nelson 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 Nelson?

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 Nelson. 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 Nelson?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Nelson. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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