Is Lombok or Philippines cheaper?

Lombok is the cheaper of the two: roughly under $35–65/day in Lombok versus $35–130/day in Philippines.

When is the best time to visit Lombok vs Philippines?

Lombok is at its best in April–September; Philippines peaks in November–April.

Is Lombok or Philippines better in August?

Lombok is the better of the two in August. Lombok has the edge in May, June, July, August, September, Philippines in January, February, March, November, December, and both are at their best in April.

How long do you need in Lombok vs Philippines?

Plan 1–1 weeks for Lombok and 2–5 for Philippines.

Should I choose Lombok or Philippines?

Pick Lombok if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for adventure, more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on beach, nature, so on those either works.

Lombok vs Philippines

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

Southeast Asia

Lombok

Bali’s quieter neighbour — the same warm sea and volcano drama, with a fraction of the crowds.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: avoid
March: fine
April: peak
May: peak
June: peak
July: peak
August: peak
September: peak
October: fine
November: fine
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Southeast Asia

Philippines

Over 7,000 islands and the best beaches in Asia.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: peak
April: peak
May: fine
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: avoid
October: fine
November: peak
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Lombok and Philippines.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Lombok	Philippines
Best time	April–September	November–April
Climate	warm	warm
Budget	Backpacker – Budget · under $35–65/day	Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day
Trip length	1–1 wks	2–5 wks
Visa	Visa on arrival / e-visa for most Western passports (30 days, extendable). Verify before travel.	Visa-free for most Western passports (30 days). Verify before travel.
Currency	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).	PHP (Peso). Roughly 56 PHP ≈ 1 USD.
Language	Indonesian and Sasak; English in tourist areas.	Filipino and English (English is official and widely spoken).
Tap water	Drink bottled or filtered water.	Tap water not safe.
Safety	Generally safe; dress modestly away from the beaches, and use reputable operators for the Gili fast boats and Rinjani trek.	Generally safe in tourist areas. Avoid Mindanao without research.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Lombok or Philippines, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Lombok if:

You want somewhere cheaper across the board.
You want somewhere stronger for adventure.
You want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path.

Choose Philippines if:

You're already drawn to it — its strengths fit your trip.

Both deliver on beach, nature — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Lombok or Philippines cheaper?: Lombok is the cheaper of the two: roughly under $35–65/day in Lombok versus $35–130/day in Philippines.
When is the best time to visit Lombok vs Philippines?: Lombok is at its best in April–September; Philippines peaks in November–April.
Is Lombok or Philippines better in August?: Lombok is the better of the two in August. Lombok has the edge in May, June, July, August, September, Philippines in January, February, March, November, December, and both are at their best in April.
How long do you need in Lombok vs Philippines?: Plan 1–1 weeks for Lombok and 2–5 for Philippines.
Should I choose Lombok or Philippines?: Pick Lombok if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for adventure, more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on beach, nature, so on those either works.