Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lombok or Surfers Paradise?
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 Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $52Surfers Paradise $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $104. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $29Surfers Paradise $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $58Surfers Paradise $132
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Surfers Paradise? 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 $11Surfers Paradise $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Service to Lombok Airport : $22
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
- Private Transfer from Sokong to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Senggigi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
- Private Transfer from Mataram to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
- Private Transfer from Mangsit to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
- Private Transfer from Lombok to Lombok International Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Lombok hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Lombok Island Hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok Airport (LOP): $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers: $291
- Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $229
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $149
- Gold Coast Airport Transfers Corporate Chauffeurs Gold Coast: $119
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise: $106
- Luxury Private Transfer between Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast city (1-7pax) : $89
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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 $12Surfers Paradise $26
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
- Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
- Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $10Surfers Paradise $23
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
- 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
- 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
- Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
- Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
- Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
- Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
- Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
- Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
- Daily Tour: $70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$78
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience - Small Group Tour: $79
- 1.5hr Jetski Tour with island stopover - SELF DRIVE - NO LICENCE NEEDED: $185
- 2.5hrs Jetski Tour with island stopover / Self Drive / Surfers Paradise: $259
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $151
- Body Massage Experience in Gold Coast : $98
- Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise: $59
- Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $53
- Glow Worms - Nocturnal Rainforest/Waterfall Adventure: $72
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $30
- Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $37
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise Day Pass: $30
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $8.15Surfers Paradise $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok or Surfers Paradise?
Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLombok 26°C (79°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Surfers Paradise. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Lombok is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Lombok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok usually gets more rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
Both Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise this time of year.
Lombok is much warmer than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Lombok usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLombok 28°C (82°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
Both Surfers Paradise 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. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.
In the spring, Lombok is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Lombok
| Lombok | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.