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Lombok vs Nusa Penida

Choose Lombok for surfing and lower prices; choose Nusa Penida for diving.

Lombok

Bali's quieter neighbor. Best for: Adventurers, hikers & those seeking off-the-beaten-path.

Choose Lombok for surfing, lower prices.

Beach: Some of the region's finest white-sand bays (Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak), many almost empty.
Nightlife: A few bars in Kuta Lombok and Senggigi; quiet elsewhere.
Prices: $ · Budget. Cheaper than Bali for food, drivers and mid-range stays.
To the airport: 35 km · 30–90 min. From Lombok's own airport, a 40-minute flight from Bali
Climate: Hot & humid · coast
16 resorts on Balisama, from about $45 a night

Dramatic cliffs & untouched nature. Best for: Adventurers, divers & photographers.

Choose Nusa Penida for diving.

Beach: Spectacular beaches (Kelingking, Diamond, Crystal Bay), but many need steep climbs, and swimming is banned at Kelingking and Diamond Beach.
Nightlife: Very little: a few bars near the harbors.
Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: food is cheap, but drivers and boat transfers add up.
To the airport: 1½–2½ h. Drive to Sanur, then 30–45 minutes by fast boat
Climate: Hot & humid · coast
17 resorts on Balisama, from about $77 a night

Lombok and Nusa Penida are about 75 km apart, with a boat trip between them.

Beaches: Lombok Excellent (5/5), Nusa Penida Very good (4/5)
Calm-water swimming: Lombok Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Surfing: Lombok Excellent (5/5), Nusa Penida Poor (1/5)
Diving & snorkeling: Lombok Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Excellent (5/5)
Sunsets: Lombok Very good (4/5), Nusa Penida Good (3/5)
Nightlife: Lombok Fair (2/5), Nusa Penida Poor (1/5)
Restaurants & cafés: Lombok Fair (2/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Culture & temples: Lombok Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Nature & landscapes: Lombok Excellent (5/5), Nusa Penida Excellent (5/5)
Yoga & wellness: Lombok Fair (2/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Family-friendly: Lombok Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Peace & quiet: Lombok Very good (4/5), Nusa Penida Very good (4/5)
Remote work: Lombok Fair (2/5), Nusa Penida Poor (1/5)
Walkability: Lombok Poor (1/5), Nusa Penida None (0/5)

Our ratings, from 0 (none) to 5 (excellent), compare Bali's areas with each other.