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Healthy Traveling
Lombok is getting better in terms of hygiene and medical facilities
but it still has a long way to go. You do not want to have a medical
emergency here - getting off the island could take time. Play safe
and make sure you have medical insurance before you come. Best to
have insurance that will evacuate you if you get terribly sick or
have a serious injury and need airlifted to Singapore or home. Here
are a couple of other common sense points that should keep you in
good shape and enjoying your visit.
Malaria does exist on Lombok but is generally not a problem. But
IF you are sleeping in the open air, use mosquito repellent and
a mosquito net. For additional information there's a list of hospitals
and clinics in the Emergency Numbers section. Click
here.
A few other pointers. Drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices)
to avoid dehydration. Drink bottled water ONLY. Even in hotels it
is best not to drink straight from the tap. Ice in drinks, however,
is not a problem. Use common sense when choosing a place to eat.
Eat in established restaurants that are clean and well patronized.
If you are dead set on trying the hawkers in the street stick to
those not serving meats unless your system is already well adjusted.
If you are using prescription drugs bring a sufficient supply. Pharmacies
(Apotiks) often can fill a prescription but the dosage may not be
quite the same as your doctor has prescribed. Take prompt care of
any cuts or burns - do not risk infection in this heat and humidity.
If you are sleeping in the open air, use mosquito repellent and
a mosquito net.
Additional information on health matters may be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Telephone the CDC international
travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or visit the CDC home page on
the Internet at :
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/seasia.htm
Getting
Around
Traveling in Lombok is much more relaxed than Bali but the roads
tend to be narrower (2 lanes with passing in both directions) and
once you get out of the main tourist sections, not as well maintained.
Whilst we wouldn't recommend anyone rent a self drive car in Bali
- in Lombok you can, if you're a bit adventurous, get around on
your own quite nicely.
Still the byword is Caution. Traffic moves quite slowly and you
can come up on a cidomo (horse drawn cart) quite quickly
without realizing it. Also, when you put cidomos together with pedestrians,
bicycles, tour buses, trucks, livestock and assorted immovable objects
in the middle of roads that are not well marked with traffic controls
that are often ignored and little - if any - enforcement of rules
that may exist - you have one of the most creative driving experieces
imaginable. Pay attention - especially at night !
Metered taxis are now available in Lombok. Easily recognizable by
their blue color, they are surprisingly inexpensive compared to
other private transport options.
Also be advised that if you have an accident and there is an injury
to a local person you will not be able to leave until the matter
is cleared up. In the long run it is usually better to hire a car
with a driver, enjoy the scenery and arrive at your destination
relaxed. It usually costs only about US$ 10.00 more per day to hire
a driver with your rental vehicle than without - so you be the judge.
That said, the more adventurous visitor may want to explore Lombok
by motorcycle. If you do choose to do so be advised that you will
need a motorcycle driver's license - if you don't have one you may
get one at the Police station and you need to wear a helmet
(the police just love tourists who flaunt this rule).
Another interesting way to discover Lombok is by Bemo (the small
covered carry vans careening about). No better way to mix with the
locals - Very cheap but there's no airconditioning and the bemos
can get crowded. That said, make sure you understand the price before
you get in - locals seem to have one price, tourists another - you
might just find taxis cheaper.
Last but not least are cidomos (2 wheeled horse drawn buggies).
More a tourist thing in Senggigi at night but a staple of transportation
for locals in Mataram and elsewhere during the day.
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.
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.
Tipping
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 and up to Rp.2,000 for those house trailers some people
carry around. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest Rp. 500
or Rp. 1,000 depending on the length of trip is the norm. 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.
Phone
Home
All telephone numbers listed herein are local numbers. To reach
any number in Lombok dial: International access code + 62 + 370+
(local number). Wherein "62" is Indonesia country code
and "370" is the area code for Lombok. Be advised that
most Lombok telephone numbers are 6 digits.
Telecommunication capabilities have improved greatly over the last
few years but patience is the keyword when trying to dial overseas
from Indonesia - especially during office hours. Most better hotels
offer International Direct Dialing (IDD) and Home Country Direct
(HCD) services. Overseas calls can also be made at state-run telephone
offices known as a wartel (warung telekomunikasi).
Need to get online ? Lombok has many cybercafes - especially in
Senggigi. If you plan to be on Lombok for a while and need to get
online to check your Yahoo! email you can use the local telephone
company. The dialup access number is 080 989 999 (no area code).
Username: telkomnet@instan password: telkom. AOL
has a local access number on Bali. From Lombok dial 0361-289-652.
But you need Globalnet in your bag of AOL connection options (no
problem with newer versions).
Business
Hours
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. Government offices and banks operate
from 8 am till 3 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8 am till 12 p.m.
on Fridays.
Bargaining
Difficult for many first timers but once you get the hang of it
you’ll never pay retail again! Bargaining is the norm in Lombok's
art markets, trinket and T-shirt shops. But don’t get cheesy. Nothing
is more irritating nowadays than watching a well clad tourist trying
to squeeze the last 1,000 Rupiah (about 10 US cents) out of a shopkeeper.
Just remember how much it cost to get to Lombok. So what is the
value in not taking home that beautiful earthenware pot? Negotiate
a good price and take home a good story.
Street
Wise
Lombok's reputation has been sullied as of late since the economic
crises hit Indonesia (staying only in the tourist enclaves you may
not see the hardship this economic crises has caused the people)
and crime has been on the rise - especially in Southern Lombok (Kuta)
and at Mount Rinjani. Nonetheless that said Lombok is still far,
far safer than most large cities in this world.
Pickpockets, car break ins and the like seem to be the most common
complaints. To reduce your risk, use plain common sense and take
the same basic precautions you would if you were visiting any big
city. Keep a tight grip on your purse or camera, Never leave
any bags (whether valuable or not) in your car unattended in your
car, on the beach or by the pool, use the hotel safety deposit box,
don’t go down dark deserted alleys and don’t count money
in the open etc, etc....
On the other hand don't even think of committing a crime in Indonesia.
You are a long way from home with far fewer rights than you think.
Behave yourself and be a gracious guest.
Outward
Bound
On the way out of the hotel, keep a little extra money handy. All
tourists leaving Indonesia from Mataram International Airport are
required to pay an airport tax of Rp.100,000. That said be advised
that it is against the law to leave Indonesia with more than Rp.
10,000,000. Departure for domestic travel is also taxed (Rp.20,000)
though most of the time this has already been included in the ticket
price - but every once and awhile you are surprised... (and even
if you're not you can always make a donation to the local Red Cross
or charity du jour).
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