A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Kobe for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Lombok or Kobe?

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 Kobe. 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.

Lombok

Lombok is a cultural, stunning, and peaceful island. Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lombok travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a under-rated, multicultural, and quaint city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kobe travel costs.

Lombok and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Kobe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lombok. Although Lombok and Kobe are both popular with visitors, Lombok has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lombok is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kobe is known for its big city activities. Lombok is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also home to Mount Rinjani. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Lombok different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kobe and Lombok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lombok or Kobe?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lombok and Kobe.

Lombok offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kobe. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Is the Food Better in Lombok or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lombok and Kobe both to be excellent destinations.

Lombok has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Dining out in Kobe is an experience not to be missed. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Lombok and Kobe.

If you're looking for night time activities Lombok has a few options to choose from. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Resorts?

Lombok is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Lombok to choose from. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Lombok. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Lombok is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Lombok offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Lombok is great for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lombok for the hiking trails. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Kobe?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lombok and Kobe both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Lombok is well-known for its shopping. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Lombok or Kobe More Beautiful?

Lombok is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Families?

Lombok is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lombok. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Couples?

Lombok is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Lombok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lombok, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Lombok or Kobe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kobe is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Kobe offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Lombok or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable place. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

For even more information, also check out Is Lombok Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lombok or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

Families should spend more time in Lombok than Kobe. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lombok, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lombok than Kobe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lombok that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lombok than Kobe if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lombok.

One day in Lombok or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lombok. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kobe. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lombok or Kobe?

Lombok is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kobe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lombok or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Lombok. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lombok or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the stunning island of Lombok. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, one week is probably not enough for all of it.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural destination of Kobe. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Kobe?

Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Kobe. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Lombok is May to September.

Should I visit Lombok or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Lombok during the autumn 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 Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lombok is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kobe. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Should I visit Lombok or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lombok is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Lombok usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Kobe. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lombok or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Kobe. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lombok is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Lombok