Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Lombok

Accommodation

$8-20 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, simple homestays with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$6-15 per day

Local warungs, street food stalls, traditional markets, occasional simple restaurants

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public buses, shared bemos, walking, occasional motorbike taxi for short distances

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free beaches, hiking trails, temple visits, occasional snorkeling trip or cultural site entry

Eat at local warungs instead of tourist restaurants for typically 60-80% savings on meals

Use public bemos and buses instead of private taxis for 70-90% transportation cost reduction

Stay in less touristy areas like central Mataram rather than beachfront locations for 40-60% accommodation savings

Book snorkeling and diving trips directly with local operators rather than through hotels for 30-50% savings

Visit traditional markets for souvenirs instead of resort shops for typically 50-70% lower prices

Travel during shoulder season months for 20-40% discounts on accommodation and tours

Share group tours and transportation with other travelers to split costs by 50-75%

Staying only in popular beach areas like Senggigi, which typically costs 100-200% more than inland alternatives

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system, increasing daily transport costs by 300-500%

Booking all activities through hotels or resorts, which usually adds 40-80% markup compared to direct booking

Eating exclusively at tourist-oriented restaurants, typically doubling food costs compared to local establishments

Not negotiating prices for longer stays, missing out on 15-30% potential discounts for weekly bookings