A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Sendai for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Lombok or Sendai?

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 Sendai. 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 peaceful, laid back, and cultural island. Lombok is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lombok travel costs.

Sendai

Sendai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Sendai travel costs.

Lombok and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Sendai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lombok than Sendai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lombok is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sendai is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities. Lombok is well known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Also, Lombok is famous for Mount Rinjani. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Lombok different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sendai 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 Sendai. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

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 Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lombok is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Lombok or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Sendai 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 Sendai for the nightlife scene. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

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 Sendai Better for Resorts?

Lombok is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

Lombok is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Sendai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Lombok specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Lombok is renowned for the beach. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Lombok are among the best in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sendai. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Is Lombok or Sendai Better for Hiking?

Lombok is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Sendai?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lombok and Sendai both offer plenty of great 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 Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Lombok or Sendai More Beautiful?

Lombok is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lombok is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lombok or Sendai Better for Families?

Both Lombok and Sendai are great 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.

Sendai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

Is Lombok or Sendai Better for Couples?

Lombok is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Lombok has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sendai is a good island for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Lombok or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Sendai is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

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

Sendai 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 Sendai can get you around easily. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

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 Sendai a more walkable city?

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

Sendai is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

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 Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Sendai?

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

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

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 Sendai. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lombok or Sendai?

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.

Sendai 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 Sendai?

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 Sendai. 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 Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the peaceful 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 vibrant destination of Sendai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lombok is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Sendai. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. May to September in Lombok is the dry season.

Should I visit Lombok or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Sendai. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lombok is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Lombok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sendai. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season.

Should I visit Lombok or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. In January, Lombok is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Lombok usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Sendai. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lombok or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Lombok during the spring 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 travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Lombok is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Lombok usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sendai. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the dry season in Lombok. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Lombok