Surf trips compared
Bali vs Lombok for surfing
Waves, seasons, crowds and costs side by side, from the 36 surf spots we cover in the two.
Bali has more waves, more surf schools and much more going on, and it's crowded, especially around Uluwatu and Canggu in July and August. Lombok is next door and much quieter. Most of the surf is around Kuta Lombok, where boats take you to several reef breaks in Gerupuk bay, and Desert Point on the west coast is one of the best lefts in the world on its day. Many people do both: the fast boat from Bali to Lombok takes about two hours.
Plan and price both tripsSide by side
| Bali | Lombok | |
|---|---|---|
| Surf spots we cover | 26 | 10 |
| Areas | 5 | 2 |
| Beginner-friendly spots | 2 | 2 |
| Wave types | reef 77%, beach 19%, point 4% | reef 90%, beach 10% |
| Best season | May-Sep | May-Sep |
| Average crowd | moderate (3.1/5) | quiet (2.2/5) |
| Flight from Europe | 16-20h | 16-20h |
| Daily budget (tight / comfortable) | $43 / $106 | $36 / $84 |
| A week from, with flights | $781 | $732 |
Crowd is the average of our 1 to 5 rating across all spots. Week from: seven nights on a tight budget in the cheapest area, with flights from Europe.
Month by month
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Bali vs Lombok: common questions
Is Bali or Lombok cheaper for a surf trip?
Day to day, Lombok is cheaper: from about $36 a day on a tight budget, against $43 in Bali. A cheap week with flights from Europe starts around $781 for Bali and $732 for Lombok.
When is the best time to go to Bali and Lombok?
The best months for Bali are May to August, and for Lombok, May to September. Both are in good shape in these months: May to October.
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Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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