Lombok Travel Guide

Business Hours

Government offices (officially) open from 08.30 am until 05.00 pm from Monday to Friday. Anyway if you need to visit a government office, expect to come between 09.00 and 15:00 pm with break from 12.00 to 13.00 pm. Although government offices offically open on Friday but in fact the officers usually not working effectively after 12.00 pm. Banks and private businesses usually open from 08.00 am until 03.00 pm and mostly their staffs commit on this working hours. Banks and Government Offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Supermarkets, department stores and shops - like similar businesses around the world maintain long opening hours for their customer's convenience.

Lombok’s laid back pace of life can frustrate the avid shopper. Most shops in the major tourist areas have fairly regular hours from 10 am till 8 p.m., six days a week - sometimes a shop is closed just because it's slow that day! Restaurants start serving from 7.30 a.m. or so until 10.00 pm.

Credit  Cards

Most hotels on Lombok accept credit card for an additional 3-5 percent surcharges, Credit cards and cash advances available in most Tourist area.

Credit cards are accepted at better restaurants and retailers. But be aware most retailers add an extra 3 - 5 % on your bill for the privilege of using plastic. You do not have to accept this: You're not going to get anywhere arguing with the shopkeeper but if you want to get this back make sure the retailer or restaurant writes this surcharge down as an extra charge for using the card and then claim it from your month end billing

DO’s and DONT’s in Lombok

It is always nice to learn a few customs of the area when visiting different country. Here are some do’s and dont’s for enjoyable trip in Lombok...more

Dress Standards

Balinese are generally modest in their modes of dress and believe that the most basic sign of respect to another is correct attire. While shorts and singlets are generally acceptable while shopping or just walking, long trousers for men and dresses for women are strongly suggested when visiting friends, calling on government offices, or attending places of worship. Specific rules apply whenever visiting a Balinese Pura or temple. Our guide will make sure that guests are aware of the protocols and have a sarong available to wear whenever visiting a pura.

Electricity
Power supply is usually 220 volts/250 cycles in large cities, but 110 volts is still used in some areas. Normal outlets are plugs with two rounded pins. It is advisable to check electricity supplies before using any appliances. Electrical current in Lombok is 220 volts at 50 cycles. Most electrical plugs are set to take a two-pin plug. Purchase an international adapter or ask your hotel to lend you one.

Embassies and Consulates

Food & drink

All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Peel the fruit before eating; avoid raw vegetables except at reputable restaurants. Ice in restaurants is safe. Protect yourself from the intense equatorial sun. Use sun block and hat. Sexually transmitted diseases are increasing in Indonesia. Local sex workers have multiple partners from all over the world. Act responsibly and use condoms, available over the counter at pharmacies. Health services are not socialized in Indonesia and it is therefore recommended that visitors purchase travel insurance.

Geography
The island of Lombok is located east of Bali. to picturesque mountainside landscapes to white sand beaches of the Gili Islands. Lombok also has the third largest volcano in all of Indonesia, Mount Rinjani, which extends 3726 meters high with a crater lake called Segara Anak. Lombok is 30 mi/50 km east of Bali.

Health

Bali has a several well-equipped hospitals providing emergency and outpatient services. There are also several very modern and efficient medical service centers on the island that have been established to cater to the needs of foreign visitors. Most hotels have on call doctors. For what it is known by Australian as "Bali Belly", Iomotil and Imodium eliminate Symptoms, but not infections. A fever along with the symptoms requires doctor prescribed antibiotics. Drink as much as liquid as possible. For discomfort, diarrhea, and cramping, drink strong, hot tea; avoid fruits and spicy food. Drink only bottled water or boiled water (air putih).

History

At around the time Islam first came to these islands in the 16th century, four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace in what is now West Nusa Tenggara. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences, but has retained a unique identity. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition, as do the people of neighboring Sumbawa. Soft, white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok, where the motto is: "You can see Bali from Lombok, but not Lombok from Ball". Famous for its ikat hand-woven textiles, the island has exceptional charm and is relatively undiscovered, except for the town of Senggigi, which is becoming a major resort area.

Money Matters

You can exchange most major world currencies (cash or travelers checks) easily into the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah. All hotels offer currency exchange but at less favorable exchange rates. Or - and this our choice - go to a branch office of one of the local banks. Also, it is better to change your money first, if you plan on visiting the central or eastern Lombok for the day as it can be difficult to find a money changer in remote areas.  However that being said, there are a several "authorized" money changers available. If you choose to deal with an money changer - here are a couple of points worth remembering.  First, the rate posted on the door usually is for amounts in notes of US $100. - lesser denominated notes (i.e. $50.00) will be given a less favorable rate. Next verify the exchange calculation (ask to use the calculator or bring your own) and count your change before you leave the window. Lastly, be  prepared, if you are cashing travelers checks you will need to present your passport for identification and many money changers do not accept cash notes that have been defaced - or are in less than near mint condition. The official exchange rate posted is daily in all major newspapers. Also, rates that are too good to be true generally - watch out for. The Rupiah comes in paper and coins. Paper denominations are 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000; coin denominations are 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000.

When changing money there are many money changers in Lombok. The best rates are usually in Senggigi. Money changers prefer new, clean large bills and will accept smaller denominations at a lower rate.

If you have traveler’s checks the rate will be less than bank notes.  Be sure to count your money before you leave money changers.

You can also check local banks but the rate is slightly lower than outside. Re-count the money in front of the money changer reception is a must, as usually there's a quick tricky way how they can steal your money. A suggestion when changing money. If you plan on making small purchases be sure to carry small denominations with you because many sellers do not have change. The Rupiah come in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, and 500, 100 in coin.

 The Indonesian Rupiah offers very favorable rates of exchange and buying power against most foreign currencies. Hotels, moneychangers, and banks provide foreign exchange services. We strongly recommend the use of banks, whenever possible, when exchanging currency. Always insist on an official receipt at the time of the transaction and take your time to make sure the money received matches the total shown on the receipt. Those bringing foreign currency to Indonesia should note that many banks and moneychangers refuse to accept foreign bank notes that are soiled, torn or generally poor condition.

Public Holidays 2012

01 Jan New Year’s Day.

10 Jan Muharram (Islamic New Year).

07 Feb Chinese New Year.

07 Mar Nyepi (Hindu New Year).

20 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).

21 Mar Good Friday.

20 May Waisak Day (Buddha’s Birthday).

01 May Ascension.

17 Aug Indonesian Independence Day.

30 Jul Lailat al Miraj (Ascension of the Prophet).

02 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).

09 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

25/26 Dec Christmas Day/Boxing Day.

29 Dec Islamic New Year.

Ramadhan (Fasting) Month

Most tourist facilities in Lombok (Gili Islands & Senggigi) remain open during Ramadhan. Local Restaurants might close in residential area in Mataram or Cakranegara to respect the majority of Moslem Fasting. Tourist are suggested to eat and drinks in hotel's or resort's area.

Religion

Islam is the majority religion, but all other religions are practiced freely. Every Friday around 12.30 noon, Muslims go to the mosques just like Christians go to church on Sunday.  If you are planning on traveling around the island and visiting small villages it is more respectable to wear slacks or knee length shorts, a shirt with sleeves or a sarong. If you happened to be here during Ramadan, which is the Muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, please do not to eat, drink or smoke out in the open public during this month long fast. Even though the people don’t seem bothered in the common tourist areas like, Senggigi and the Gili islands, it is better to respect the people and not eat or smoke openly. Wetu telu is an unique religion that that blends Islam - Animism and is only found in north Lombok.  It roots stem from the village of Bayan in the north. The people who practice this still consider themselves Muslims but they have their own rituals in addition to the normal Muslim ones. One such ceremony is Nyiu, that takes place 1000 days after someone dies. The relatives of the deceased offer material things like clothing, toothbrushes, food, dishes, mattresses, etc. so the deceased will be pleased in heaven.

Shopping

Street or beach vendors are often pushing too hard on selling and most visitors feel inconvenient. Never try to look at any of their item/s even they might be interesting to you, even this could be fun for those who want to learn about bargaining tactic. For most visitors this is hassling

Scuba Diving

Bali has a number of excellent diving and snorkeling locations - many of them offering world-class explorations below sea level.  Bali Discovery Tours can design excellent dive programs in the company of experienced Dive Masters. Diving certification programs are also available for those wishing to learn how to dive. Please remember to complete your last dive 24 hours before joining any flight.

Smoking

The Indonesian people are only gradually becoming aware of the dangers of smoking. As a result, prohibitions on smoking in public areas are still very rare. Some of the international hotels in Bali do make non-smoking sections available in public dining rooms and provide non-smoking rooms. If this is your preference, please let us know when making an accommodation booking. Smoking is now banned on all domestic flights and air-conditioned vehicles, including the busses and vehicles operated by Lombok Trail.

Special Diets

Indonesian hotels serve an almost endless array of international cuisine in addition to the succulent and sometimes spicy Indonesian fare. People with specific dietary requests should advise Lombok Trail at the time of booking so we may facilitate any special requirements into your tour program.

Telecommunications

Indonesian telecommunications are of a high standard and generally available. Hotels offer international direct dialing, facsimile and, often, Internet connections. Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM. If you have brought your cellular hand phone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with those markings. The government has also established a nationwide network of small business people operating "WARTEL" or telecommunication kiosks offering international and domestic telephone communications at competitive rates. Bali has several mobile telephone servers that, depending on agreements in place with your home service supplier, should provide roaming support for your hand phone brought from home.

Time

The Indonesian archipelago is spread over three time zones. Western Indonesia Standard Time, which covers the islands of Sumatra, Java & Madura, West and Central Kalimantan is 7 hours ahead of GMT; Central Indonesia Standard Time covers East and South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, and is 8 hours ahead of GMT; finally Eastern Indonesia Standard Time, which covers Maluku, and Irian Jaya is 9 hours ahead of GMT.

Tipping

Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add Government Tax and Service charge up to 21% to the bill. Tipping is usuall in main tourist area, but you're not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your driver or local tour guide, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated. Carry small changes with you as taxi drivers often have none. Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 1000 per bag depending on the size and weights. Tipping is relatively new in Lombok. Most large hotels and restaurants will automatically add a service charge of between 5 & 10 percent to your bill which is quite sufficient. Smaller restaurants generally don't add anything extra but considering that the waiter's wage may well be less than $1.00 a day - a tip of 5 - 10 percent is very much appreciated.  Bellmen generally get Rp. 500 - Rp.1,000 for a small to medium sized luggage. Rounding up taxi bills to the nearest thousand. And with tour guides and the like tipping is up to you - just remember that chances are your driver has already received a commission from anything you purchased during the day.

Tradition and Culture

Transportation

Don't miss Lombok's beautiful scenery. If you choose to rent a car or motorcycles and drive yourself, you must have an International Driving License.

Renting a car is a good alternative to get around Lombok, either self driving or with driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. (Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or dinner). If you are pleased with service, tip (Rp. 20,000 minimum). If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all cost. Motorcycles are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the Island, but Tourists are frequently injured in motorbike accident. If you rent a bike, drive slowly and very defensively. Helmets are required by law but those provided by rental agencies offer little protection.

Travel Documents Security

Please consider making a photocopy of your airline tickets and the identifying pages of your passport. Also make a list of all travelers' checks and your credit card details. Store all of this data separately from your wallet. Having these details at hand will speed replacement in the event of loss.

Visa & Customs

All visitors traveling to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have proof of onward or return ...more

Walking Shoes

A comfortable pair of shoes for walking is highly recommended; particularly when you will be joining one of Bali Discovery's trekking programs.

Water

Tap water is generally NOT potable in Indonesia. Bottled drinks including a wide range of bottled mineral waters are readily available.

Weather

The climate on Lombok is tropical with warm weather around the year. There is a wet season on Lombok between October and March and a dry season from April to December. Weather on Lombok is generally drier than on Bali, so it is relatively nice to travel there also during the rainy season...more