Are There All-Inclusive Resorts in Lombok?
Lombok has limited all-inclusive resorts compared to destinations like the Maldives or Mexico, but several luxury and mid-range hotels offer meal-inclusive packages. Properties like The Oberoi Lombok, Novotel Lombok, and Katamaran Resort provide all-inclusive or full-board options. Most Lombok accommodation operates on a B&B or room-only basis, and given the island's affordable dining scene, all-inclusive packages are not always the best value.
All-Inclusive in Lombok: Understanding Your Options
The all-inclusive resort model that dominates destinations like the Maldives, Caribbean, and parts of Mexico has not been widely adopted in Lombok. The reasons are structural: Lombok's tourism is built on exploration, independence, and affordable local dining rather than compound-style resort stays.
That said, options exist for travelers who prefer the convenience and predictability of all-inclusive packages. This guide covers what is available, what it costs, and whether it represents good value compared to independent dining.
What "All-Inclusive" Means in Lombok
In Lombok, the term "all-inclusive" is used loosely and rarely matches the Caribbean definition (unlimited food, drinks, activities, entertainment). What you will typically find:
Full-board: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) included in the room rate. Drinks may or may not be included. Activities and excursions are separate.
Half-board: Breakfast and one other meal (usually dinner) included. This is the most common meal-inclusive arrangement.
Bed & breakfast: The default for most Lombok accommodation. Breakfast included, everything else is on you.
True all-inclusive: All meals, selected drinks (sometimes including alcohol), some activities, and possibly spa credits. Rare in Lombok and limited to a few luxury properties.
Resort Options with Inclusive Packages
### The Oberoi Lombok
Located on Medana Beach in north Lombok, The Oberoi is Lombok's most prestigious hotel. It offers customizable meal packages in an intimate setting with private beach access, infinity pool, and Balinese-style villas.
Package type: Full-board or half-board available. Dine in the main restaurant or arrange private beachside dining. Wine and cocktail packages can be added.
Price range: Starting from approximately $300-500 USD per night for villa accommodation with meal packages. This is luxury pricing for a luxury experience.
Best for: Couples celebrating special occasions, honeymoons, and travelers who specifically want a high-end resort experience removed from tourist areas. The location is remote from other attractions, making meal inclusion practical since alternatives are limited.
### Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas
Situated on the beach in Kuta's Mandalika area, the Novotel offers international-brand reliability with all-inclusive packages during certain periods and as bookable add-ons.
Package type: Typically full-board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the resort restaurants. Drinks packages available. Pool, fitness center, and beach access included as standard.
Price range: From approximately $120-250 USD per night with meal packages. Regular promotions reduce this significantly, especially during low season.
Best for: Families and couples who want a conventional resort experience in Kuta with the convenience of on-site dining while using the resort as a base for day trips to south coast beaches.
### Katamaran Hotel & Resort
A mid-range resort in Senggigi offering full-board packages at competitive prices. The property has a beachfront location, pool, and restaurant serving Indonesian and international cuisine.
Package type: Half-board and full-board options. The restaurant quality is decent for a mid-range property.
Price range: From approximately $80-150 USD per night with meal inclusion. Represents solid mid-range value.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want the convenience of included meals in a comfortable resort setting close to Gili Islands boat departures.
### Gili Islands Properties
Several boutique resorts on the Gilis offer inclusive options:
Gili Meno: Properties like Mahamaya and Seri Resort offer full-board packages. The remote, quiet nature of Gili Meno (with fewer restaurant options) makes meal inclusion more practical here than on the other islands.
Gili Trawangan: Some higher-end properties offer meal packages, but the dense concentration of restaurants on Gili T makes all-inclusive less logical from a value perspective.
The Value Calculation
This is the crucial question: does all-inclusive save or cost you money in Lombok?
### Independent Dining Costs
A typical day of independent dining in Lombok costs:
Budget traveler:
- Breakfast: 25,000-40,000 IDR ($1.65-2.65 USD) at a local warung
- Lunch: 30,000-50,000 IDR ($2-3.30 USD) at a casual restaurant
- Dinner: 40,000-80,000 IDR ($2.65-5.30 USD) at a mid-range restaurant
- Drinks: 30,000-60,000 IDR ($2-4 USD) for water, juice, and one beer
- Daily total: 125,000-230,000 IDR ($8-15 USD)
Mid-range traveler:
- Breakfast: 50,000-80,000 IDR ($3.30-5.30 USD) at a cafe
- Lunch: 60,000-120,000 IDR ($4-8 USD) at a good restaurant
- Dinner: 80,000-200,000 IDR ($5.30-13 USD) at a quality restaurant
- Drinks: 80,000-150,000 IDR ($5.30-10 USD) for cocktails and beverages
- Daily total: 270,000-550,000 IDR ($18-37 USD)
Luxury traveler:
- All meals at top restaurants with wine: 500,000-1,000,000 IDR ($33-66 USD) per day
### All-Inclusive Premiums
The meal package premium at Lombok resorts typically adds $40-100 per person per day on top of the room rate. At mid-range properties, this is $40-60; at luxury properties, $70-100+.
The math: If you eat independently at a mid-range level, you spend $18-37 per day on food. An all-inclusive premium of $50+ per day represents poor value — you pay more and lose the flexibility to explore Lombok's diverse restaurant scene.
When all-inclusive makes sense:
- You are staying at a remote property where alternatives are limited (The Oberoi, some Gili Meno resorts)
- You are on a honeymoon or celebration trip and want the luxury of not thinking about costs
- You prefer the security of knowing exactly what you will spend
- You have children and want the simplicity of on-site dining for every meal
- The resort is running a genuine promotional package where the inclusive rate is barely above the room-only rate
When it does not make sense:
- You are staying in Kuta, Senggigi, or Gili Trawangan where excellent restaurants are everywhere
- You enjoy food exploration as part of your travel experience
- You are budget-conscious (independent dining is always cheaper in Lombok)
- You want to eat local Sasak food at warungs — something no resort replicates authentically
Alternatives to All-Inclusive
### Half-Board Compromise
Many travelers find half-board (breakfast + dinner) the best compromise. Breakfast at your hotel starts the day conveniently, and dinner at the resort after a day of exploring saves the effort of finding a restaurant when tired. Lunch is eaten out during your daytime activities — at a beach warung, a café in town, or wherever your day takes you.
Half-board packages typically cost 150,000-400,000 IDR ($10-27 USD) per person per day — a reasonable premium for the convenience.
### Breakfast-Only + Explore
The most popular approach among independent travelers. Book a room with breakfast included (standard at most properties), then eat lunch and dinner at a different restaurant each day. This gives you the structure of a morning meal at home base with the freedom to discover Lombok's food scene for the rest of the day.
This approach is also the most cost-effective and delivers the richest culinary experience.
### Self-Catering
Some villas and apartments include kitchens, allowing you to self-cater fully or partially. Lombok's markets sell fresh produce, fish, and local ingredients cheaply. Self-catering works well for longer stays and families.
Recommendations by Traveler Type
Honeymoon couples: Consider The Oberoi with a meal package for the romantic, all-inclusive experience, supplemented by a few dinners out at Senggigi or Medana Bay restaurants for variety.
Families: Half-board at a Kuta or Senggigi resort provides routine for children with flexibility for daytime exploration. All-inclusive adds limited value.
Backpackers and budget travelers: Skip any meal-inclusive package. Eating at warungs and local restaurants stretches your budget much further and provides the most authentic food experience.
Digital nomads: Room-only with monthly rates. Eat at cafes where you work, warungs for cheap meals, and restaurants for social dining. Self-catering for breakfasts.
Luxury travelers: The Oberoi or a premium Gili Meno property with a full package delivers the five-star resort experience. Budget 5,000,000-10,000,000 IDR ($330-660 USD) per night for the complete luxury inclusive experience.