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
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.
Money
& Local Currencies
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.
Vehicle
Rentals:
Dont 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.
Business
Hours
Indonesian work in the morning to
avoid the heat of the day. If you
need to visit a government office,
arrive between 08 AM and 11:30 AM.
This also apply to banks and private
businesses. Government offices close
early on Fridays and Saturdays.
Generally offices are open 07:30AM -
3 PM Monday - Thursday, 07:00AM -
noon on Friday. Banks and Government
Offices are closed on
Saturday and Sunday.
Cell
Phone
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.
Health and Medical Info
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).
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.
The island of Lombok is located east
of Bali. Tourism is not quite as
developed yet as Bali and it is that
reason which makes Lombok the
perfect getaway. Escape to
picturesque mountainside landscapes
to white sand beaches of the Gili
Islands. A place to relax and unwind
from the daily life back home.
Lombok also has the third largest
volcano in all of Indonesia,
Lombok has three main
districts with three capital cities: Mataram in the west, Praya in
central and Selong in east Lombok.
The majority of commerce is in the
capital city of Mataram in west
Lombok.
The majority of the population on
Lombok are Muslims. Every Friday
around 12.30 noon, Muslims go to the
mosques just like Christians go to
church on Sunday. Therefore, on that
day most businesses and government
offices are closed half day and then
re-open again after praying (not
including Senggigi).