Which place is cheaper, Manila or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Lombok or Manila?
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 Manila. 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.
Where Should I go: Lombok or Manila?
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Lombok Prices
Indonesia PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $59Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $59, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lombok and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $28Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $56Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lombok Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kuta Lombok Transfer: $12
- Private Transfer International Airport Lombok (LOP) To Hotel: $17
- Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $28
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Lombok Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok island hotels: $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Island Hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Koeta : $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Payung: $30
- Private Airport Lombok Transfers to or from Gili Islands: $32
- Private Transfer from Mataram to Lombok Airport (LOP): $35
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Mangsit: $35
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Bintaro: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Lombok change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayLombok $20Manila $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Lombok Cooking Class : $25
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $65
- Amazing Lombok BBQ Beach Sunset Dinner: $86
- Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
- Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $119
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $9.90Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- Gili T Island: The Thrilling Sunset Snorkeling Adventure: $17
- Lombok Private Tour-Car Hire With Full day Customize Trip: $33
- Lombok Customize Tour with Private Driver: $35
- Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver : $36
- Half-Day Mataram City Tour: $45
- Lombok Private Customize Tour: $45
- Lombok Customize Tour: $45
- Lombok White Water Rafting and Pura Lingsar Private Full Day Tour: $48
- Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Tour to a Tropical Paradise: $49
- Mataram Lombok Historical City tour: $49
- Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour : $49
- Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, Culture, & Beach Tour: $49
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $7.84Manila $9.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Lombok or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Lombok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
May to September is the dry season in Lombok. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLombok 26°C (79°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lombok usually receives less rain than Manila. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Manila. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Lombok is a little warmer than Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLombok 28°C (82°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Lombok is May to September. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April. In April, Lombok usually receives more rain than Manila. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Lombok is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Lombok
| Lombok | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.