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

Should you visit Lombok or Sado?

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 Sado. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Lombok travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a cultural, off-the-beaten-path, and traditional island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Sado travel costs.

Lombok and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Sado?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lombok. Although Lombok and Sado are popular destinations, Lombok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lombok is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sado attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Lombok is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also well known for Mount Rinjani. Sado is famous for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Lombok different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sado 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 Sado. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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 Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lombok and Sado both to be superb 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 Sado is an experience not to be missed. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Lombok is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Resorts?

Lombok is notable for its resorts. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Beaches?

Lombok is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a beach destination.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Hiking?

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

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Sado?

Lombok is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Lombok or Sado More Beautiful?

Lombok is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Families?

Lombok is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lombok is 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.

Sado is a family-friendly island. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Couples?

Lombok is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Lombok or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lombok is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Lombok is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Lombok or Sado a more walkable city?

Lombok is a moderate island for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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.

Sado is not a very walkable island. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Sado?

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

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

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 food when visiting the destination of Sado. 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 Sado?

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.

Sado 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 Sado?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural 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 Sado. 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 Sado?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful 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 food and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Sado. 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, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Sado?

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado 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 Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lombok is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 26°C (79°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Sado. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the dry season in Lombok.

Should I visit Lombok or Sado in the Autumn?

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

Lombok is much warmer than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sado receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lombok usually receives less rain than Sado. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Should I visit Lombok or Sado in the Winter?

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

Sado can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lombok is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lombok in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lombok often gets more sunshine than Sado. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Lombok usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

In April, Lombok is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In April, Lombok usually receives less rain than Sado. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 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 Sado and Lombok