Everyone Goes to Bali — But This Island Was Way Better (and Half the Price)

Bali is beautiful. No one’s denying that. The rice terraces, the beaches, the smoothie bowls — it’s the postcard-perfect escape for millions of travelers every year. But after a week of fighting traffic in Ubud, dodging Instagram shoots at temples, and paying $12 for a coconut, I was ready for something quieter. Something real.

That’s how I ended up on the island of Lombok.

And honestly? I liked it better than Bali. A lot better.

Let me explain.



I found out about Lombok from a surf instructor in Canggu. I was complaining about crowds, and he said, “You should go to Lombok. Bali 20 years ago. Cheaper, cleaner, friendlier.” That was enough for me.

I booked a ferry ticket and a few days later, I was on a boat with chickens, motorbikes, and a handful of locals who gave me half their snacks without even asking my name. Two hours later, I stepped onto a different planet.

The air felt cleaner. The pace felt slower. There was no honking, no clamor, just rice paddies, palm trees, and the distant hum of scooters.



Kuta, Lombok (Not to Be Confused with Kuta, Bali)

My base was Kuta — a small beach town on the southern coast of Lombok, with just enough guesthouses and warungs to be comfortable, but not so many that it felt like a theme park. I stayed in a bamboo hut for $9 a night, including breakfast. The Wi-Fi worked, the shower was cold, and the hosts treated me like family.

Every morning I rented a scooter for about $3 and hit the road with no plan.

Tanjung Aan Beach became my happy place. Long stretches of white sand, turquoise water, and maybe three other people. I swam, read a book, napped under a tree, and didn’t speak to anyone unless I felt like it.



Surf’s Up — But With Elbow Room

Lombok is a surfer’s dream, but it’s not just for pros. I took a lesson at Selong Belanak beach, which is perfect for beginners. The waves were gentle, the sand was soft, and I didn’t get yelled at once for “ruining someone’s photo.”

Unlike Bali, where lineups are territorial and some instructors have more ego than patience, Lombok was chill. The guys who ran the beach shacks laughed more than they sold. They pushed me into waves, cheered when I stood up, and invited me for mie goreng after.



The Gili Islands Are Right There

You can hop a boat to the Gili Islands from Lombok in less than an hour. I visited Gili Air for a night and it felt like a cross between castaway fantasy and beach backpacker paradise. No cars, no roads, just sand paths, snorkel spots, reggae bars, and swing sets in the ocean.

I swam with turtles. Drank a $1 beer at sunset. Fell asleep to the sound of distant drums and woke up to chickens under my window. Not a bad day.



Mount Rinjani: Humbling and Epic

If you like hiking, Mount Rinjani is the beast of the island — an active volcano and the second-highest mountain in Indonesia. I didn’t have time to do the full trek, but I met several backpackers who called it the hardest and most rewarding thing they’d done in Southeast Asia.

Even just seeing it from a distance as the clouds rolled past was worth the trip.



Cost Comparison: Bali vs. Lombok

Everything in Lombok was cheaper.

My meals cost $1–3. My lodging never exceeded $12. Surf lessons were $10. Scooter rental was $3/day. And there were no “foreigner fees” or “Instagram taxes.” People weren’t jaded. They were just… kind.

I never felt like a walking wallet. I felt like a guest.



The Locals Made the Difference

From the woman who sold me fried bananas every morning and insisted I take one for free, to the mechanic who fixed my flat tire for 20 cents and refused a tip — the people of Lombok were the highlight.

It’s not that Balinese people aren’t lovely — they are. But Bali’s been through decades of mass tourism. Lombok felt fresh. Untouched. Curious about you, but not trying to capitalize on your presence.



What I Wish I Knew Before Going

- Roads can be rough — be confident on a scooter or take local taxis
- Cash is king — few places take cards
- Don’t expect nightlife like Bali — evenings are quieter
- Weather can shift fast — rainy season is intense
- Sunscreen is expensive — bring your own



So Should You Skip Bali?

Not necessarily. Bali is popular for a reason. But if you’re someone who values space, local interaction, and lower prices — or if you’re just tired of hearing the same travel stories repeated — give Lombok a shot.

It’s not perfect. Internet can be spotty. Medical care is limited. And getting around takes time.

But that’s part of what makes it special.



The Bottom Line

Lombok felt like the trip I wanted Bali to be.

Quiet mornings. Empty beaches. Real conversations. No pressure to document everything. No fear of missing out because there’s no script to follow.

If you’re willing to trade luxury for authenticity, and crowds for calm, skip the rice terrace selfies and go where the surfers and slow travelers already know:

Lombok is better.

And half the price.