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

August 3, 2025 at 3:49:07 AM

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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, Indonesia.

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

Here’s why.

Finding Lombok: How I Discovered the “Bali 20 Years Ago”

I first heard about Lombok from a surf instructor in Canggu, Bali. Complaining about crowds, I mentioned wanting a quieter place.

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 surrounded by chickens, motorbikes, and a handful of locals who shared 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. No honking, no clamor — just rice paddies, palm trees, and the distant hum of scooters.

Kuta, Lombok: A Beach Town Unlike Bali’s Kuta

My base was Kuta, Lombok — a small southern beach town with just enough guesthouses and warungs to be comfortable, but not enough to feel like a tourist trap.

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 rode without a plan. The town became my playground.

Tanjung Aan Beach: Long stretches of white sand, turquoise water, and maybe three other people. I swam, read a book, napped under a tree, and spoke to no one unless I wanted to.

Lombok offered the freedom and calm I hadn’t found in Bali.

Surfing Without Crowds: Relaxed Waves in Lombok

Lombok is a surfer’s paradise — but for beginners, it’s just as welcoming.

I took a lesson at Selong Belanak Beach:

Gentle waves
Soft sand
Friendly instructors

Unlike Bali, where lineups can be territorial and egos run high, Lombok was chill and encouraging. Beach shack owners laughed more than they sold. They pushed me into waves, cheered when I stood up, and invited me for mie goreng after the session.

It felt authentic. It felt like surfing should.

Exploring the Gili Islands

A short boat ride (under an hour) from Lombok leads to the Gili Islands. I visited Gili Air, which felt like a hybrid of castaway fantasy and backpacker paradise:

No cars, no roads, only sand paths
Snorkel spots and reggae bars
Swing sets in the ocean

I swam with turtles, drank a $1 beer at sunset, and fell asleep to distant drums. Waking up to chickens under my window felt like real island life.

The Gilis are a perfect day trip or overnight escape from Lombok, providing a glimpse into tropical simplicity without the crowds of Bali.

Mount Rinjani: A Volcanic Giant

For hikers, Mount Rinjani is Lombok’s crown jewel — an active volcano and the second-highest mountain in Indonesia.

I didn’t trek it, but backpackers described it as the hardest and most rewarding hike in Southeast Asia. Even seeing it from a distance, clouds swirling around its peak, was humbling.

Mount Rinjani offers:

Challenging multi-day treks
Stunning crater lakes
Panoramic views of Lombok and the Gilis

It’s a bucket-list experience for adventure travelers.

Cost Comparison: Lombok vs. Bali

Lombok is cheaper — way cheaper.

Meals: $1–3
Lodging: never more than $12/night
Surf lessons: $10
Scooter rental: $3/day

There are no “foreigner fees” or inflated prices for Instagram photos. People weren’t jaded — they were kind.

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

The People: Kindness Without Strings

From the woman selling fried bananas who insisted I take one for free to the mechanic who fixed my flat tire for 20 cents, the locals made the trip unforgettable.

It’s not that Balinese people aren’t lovely — they are. But Bali has been tourist-saturated for decades. Lombok felt fresh, untouched, and genuinely curious about visitors without trying to profit from them.

Practical Tips for Visiting Lombok

If you’re considering Lombok, here’s what I wish I knew before going:

Scooters & Roads: Roads can be rough; confidence on two wheels is essential
Cash-Only: Many places don’t accept cards
Quiet Nights: Lombok doesn’t have Bali-style nightlife
Weather: Rainy season is intense and sudden
Bring Essentials: Sunscreen and toiletries are cheaper if you pack them

These tips make traveling smoother and more enjoyable.

Why Lombok Feels Different

Bali is Instagram-famous for a reason. But Lombok offers:

Space: Beaches and towns aren’t overcrowded
Real Interaction: Locals share stories, food, and smiles
Authenticity: No curated experiences or inflated prices
Slow Travel: Mornings of quiet, afternoons on the beach, evenings under stars

The pace encourages genuine connection and mindful presence — a travel experience Bali can’t replicate anymore.

Should You Skip Bali?

Not necessarily. Bali has its charms and famous landmarks. But if:

You want fewer tourists
Lower costs
Authentic experiences

…then Lombok should be on your list.

It’s not perfect: the internet can be spotty, medical care is limited, and transportation takes patience. But that’s part of Lombok’s magic and charm.