Which place is cheaper, Penang or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lombok or Penang?
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 Penang. 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $52Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $29Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $58Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Penang? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Airport To Kuta/kuta To Airport: $27
- Airport Transfer: Airport To Senggigi/senggigi To Airport: $70
- Airport transfer from Lombok Airport to Kuta Mandalika : $23
- Airport transfer from Lombok Airport to Selong Belanak: $33
- Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $58
- Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $25
- Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
- Lombok Airport Transfer : $27
- Lombok Airport Transfer ( Private ): $26
- Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
- Lombok Private Airport Transfers To Bangsal Port Lombok and Gili Trawangan: $50
- One way Private Airport Transfer To Mataram & Senggigi Area: $48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $165
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotes to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $115
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $115
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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
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Food Meals for one dayLombok $12Penang $33
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 Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $10Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- Gili T Island: The Thrilling Sunset Snorkeling Adventure: $17
- Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver : $31
- Benang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfall Tour - Lombok Private Tour: $42
- Half-Day Mataram City Tour: $44
- Mataram Lombok Historical City tour: $49
- Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour : $49
- Private Lombok Waterfall Tour: Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel & Narmada Park: $50
- Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
- Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
- Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall Tour - Private Day Tour: $55
- Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall Trekking Tour: $55
- One Day Tour Pink Beach East Lombok Excursion: $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $60
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $150
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.35
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $50
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $8.15Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Lombok or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Penang. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLombok 26°C (79°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Lombok. In October, Lombok usually receives less rain than Penang. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Penang. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Lombok is around the same temperature as Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLombok 28°C (82°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lombok usually receives less rain than Penang. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Lombok is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Lombok
| Lombok | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.