Lombok

The dominant Sasak culture in Lombok and the very restrained and quiet nature of its people may help explain why Lombok is less popular in terms of shopping, cuisine, and nightlife than Bali. Lombok is however becoming increasingly popular with tourists and honeymooners who want to relax in an inexpensive, tropical, un-crowded atmosphere, with many natural treasures and majestic scenery. Nothing happens quickly in Lombok and visitors who are stressed from their daily lives find Lombok a delightful place to unwind.

The anticipated tourism boom has been halted on several occasions. In 2000, mobs of the ethnic Sasak people, ostensibly provoked by fundamentalist Muslim agitators, diverted from a trip to Maluku, looted and burned churches as well as homes and businesses owned by Hindus and ethnic Chinese. These actions were actively resisted by many of the Sasak people and brought on a swift response from the authorities to protect the tourism precincts of the island. The bombing of nightclubs in Bali in 2002 and the further explosions in 2005 further exacerbated the fears held by foreign tourists. For many years the embassies of several countries have issued stern travel advisory warnings against travel to Indonesia. The ensuing years have remained very peaceful in Lombok. In the years 2010–2017 tourists steadily gained confidence that travel to the island is safe, and the travel economy was really starting to gain steam. Sadly, in 2018, Lombok was struck by two severe earthquakes that caused widespread destruction of property and loss of life. After a concerted recovery effort, the island was finally ready to begin welcoming tourists back again when Covid-19 hit.

Aside from minor and very isolated incidents of petty theft and the normal dangers of travelling on the roads in Indonesia, the island remains a quiet, peaceful and safe destination for visitors. Lombok is a relaxing place, the warm tropical sun can slowly melt a sense of urgency and a hurried pace off most visitors.

Lombok has a rich and enduring indigenous culture that has withstood the pressures of modernity remarkably well. The strong remnant culture and history of the Sasak people are one of the many unique attractions of the island. The island has of a total population of three million (as of 2010 Census), 85% are indigenous Sasak people whose origins are thought to have arisen from Java in the first millennium BC. Other residents include an estimated 10–15% Balinese, with the small remainder being Tionghoa-Peranakan, Javanese, Sumbawanese and Arab Indonesians. The Sasak people are culturally and linguistically closely related to the Balinese, but unlike the Hindu Balinese, the majority practice local Muslim faith and traditions.

Some have described Islam as being first brought to Lombok by traders arriving from Sumbawa in the 17th century, who then established a following in eastern Lombok. Other accounts describe the first influences arriving in the first half of the 16th century. The palm leaf manuscript Babad Lombok contains the history of Lombok and describes how Sunan Prapen was sent by his father, The Susuhunan Ratu of Giri, on a military expedition to Lombok and Sumbawa in order to convert the population and propagate the new religion. However, the new religion took on a highly syncretistic character, frequently mixing animist and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs and practices with Islam. This remained so until a more orthodox Sunni-characterised version of Islam slowly began to become popular at the beginning of the 20th century. The Indonesian government agamaization programs (acquiring of a religion) in Lombok during 1967 and 1968 led to a period of some considerable confusion in religious allegiances and practices. These agamaization programs later led to the emergence of more conformity in religious practices in Lombok.

A notable non-orthodox Islamic group found only on Lombok are the Wektu Telu ("Three Prayers"), who as the name suggests pray only 3 times daily, instead of the 5 times stipulated in the Quran. Many of the Waktu Telu beliefs are entwined with animism. Waktu Telu has influenced not only Islam but also Hinduism and pantheistic beliefs. There are also remnants of Boda (people "without a religion") who maintain Pagan Sasak beliefs.

Before the arrival of Islam, Lombok experienced a long period of Hindu and Buddhist influence that reached the island through Java. To this day, a minority Balinese Hindu culture remains strong in Lombok. Hinduism is followed by the many ethnic Balinese, as well as some people of indigenous Sasak origin.

All the main Hindu religious ceremonies are celebrated in Lombok and there are many villages throughout Lombok that have a Hindu majority population. According to local legends two of the oldest villages on the island, Bayan and Sembalun, were founded by a prince of Majapahit.

The Nagarakertagama, the 14th-century palm leaf poem that was found on Lombok, places the island as one of the vassals of the Majapahit empire. This manuscript contained detailed descriptions of the Majapahit Kingdom and also affirmed the importance of Hindu-Buddhism in the Majapahit empire by describing temple, palaces and several ceremonial observances.

Lombok experienced a period of Balinese occupation until the Dutch colonial government reinstated the Sasak rulers in the early 1890s following a direct appeal from the deposed Sasak rulers to the Dutch colonialists asking them to assist in driving out the Balinese occupiers. After a protracted, costly and destructive military campaign, the Dutch eventually overwhelmed the Balinese with a bloody battle fought around Ampernan and Mataram. The Dutch took the Nagarakretagama manuscript as part of the valuable Lombok treasure taken as war-booty from the destroyed palace of Mataram-Cakranagara in Lombok in 1894. Following the defeat of the Balinese occupiers, the people of Lombok remained under Dutch colonial control of the Netherlands East Indies until the Japanese occupied Lombok in the 1940s.

The Christian minority religion is actively practised in Lombok by some of the Chinese ethnicity and other Indonesians especially those from East Nusa Tenggara.

There is also a small Arab community in Lombok whose history dates back to early settlement by traders from Yemen. The small community is still evident mainly in Ampenan, the old port of Mataram and retains many of their own traditions.

A UNHCR refugee centre was established some years ago in Lombok. People of Iraqi origin have arrived in Lombok under the provisions of this UNHCR program. Many of the displaced have remained in a state of limbo in Lombok whilst trying to seek immigration to nearby Australia or elsewhere. Some of these refugees have intermarried with Lombok residents, adding their own subtle cultural influence to Lombok.

There are also a small number of people predominantly of European, Australian and New Zealand origins who are resident or semi-permanent residents of Lombok. Some are retirees, others have business activities in Lombok or nearby or they are employed in the mining industries of Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB). Most are living in the coastal areas of West Lombok.

Lombok has individual settlers and small communities of Indonesian people from other areas, including Bali,Jawa, Sumbawa, and Timor, as well as other areas of Indonesia, but the prevailing and dominant culture remains that of the Sasak people.

Many influences of animist belief still prevail within the Sasak community. Traditional magic is widely practised to ward off evil and illness, to seek good fortune or to assist with the resolution of disputations and personal antipathy. There is a range of outcomes sought from local Dukun (traditional healer and magician) ranging from love spells to death. Thieves will often have magic used upon them so that their bodies will become 'hot' leading to a confession, a frequent trespasser may become disoriented and become 'lost' or a boy may fall under a girl's spell of desire and fall in love with her. Magic may be practised by an individual alone but normally a person experienced in such things is sought out to render a service. Normally money or gifts are made to this person in return for their services and the most powerful practitioners are treated with considerable respect.

While tropical, hot and humid, Lombok is drier than neighbouring Bali, which makes it a particularly attractive option during the Oct-Apr rainy season (it rains on Lombok too, but rarely for more than an hour or two). The peak of the tourist season, though, is May-August.

A Passenger Service Charge (PJP2U), often referred to as an airport departure tax, is normally levied upon departing passengers by Indonesian airport operators. A small sticker or coupon is attached to your boarding pass after paying the fee at a dedicated counter following the completion of check-in and after you have been issued with a boarding pass. The Passenger Service Charge counter is situated at the bottom of the stairs and escalators leading up to the departures level.

The Passenger Service Charge at Lombok's airport is Rp 45,000 for domestic flights and Rp 150,000 for international flights, payable only in Indonesian Rupiah.

1 Lombok International Airport (LOP IATA) (Bandara Internasional Lombok). It is the only operational airport in Lombok. It is near the city of Praya on Jalan Raya, Tanak Awu, Lombok Tengah in central south Lombok and is approximately 40 km south of Mataram, and 55 km southeast of the established Senggigi tourism precinct of West Lombok. (updated Mar 2018)

The Ngurah Rai International Airport on nearby Bali is a short distance by air (flight time 25 minutes), with several daily flights by both turboprop and jet powered aircraft. Tickets normally cost about Rp 900,000 for a single journey (July 2024).

Domestic flights are provided by several airlines. There are connections from Java including Jakarta CGK (flight time 1 hr 50 minutes-2 hr) and Surabaya SUB (flight time 55-60 minutes). The direct flights from either Jakarta or Surabaya are a much faster option than the long overland and sea route via Bali. Air services between Bali and Lombok are a very good alternative to the much more drawn out sea journeys on the public slow ferries, or the fast boats that operate across the Lombok Strait.

As domestic flight options are subject to regular change, check the Lombok Praya International airport website for current airline listings and domestic arrivals instructions.

Flights from the east include services to and from Sumbawa (SWQ IATA) and Bima (BMU IATA). Eastward services are often disrupted and scheduled flights may change or be cancelled at short notice. Some of the eastward destinations may offer slightly better flight frequencies if you fly to Bali first.

Be alert that passengers bags may be offloaded without notice by the airlines operating smaller aircraft types if the aircraft is potentially over-weight. The airline may overlook advising the passengers until they have arrived at their destination without the bags on-board. Smaller turbo-prop aircraft are often operated eastward of Lombok may have lower baggage allowances, check your ticketing for details.

Wings (LionAir) and Garuda may sometimes add extra flights at peak times or if the boat services to and from Bali are temporarily suspended due to inclement weather conditions in the Lombok Strait. Always check online schedules for updates.

International flights are limited to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (LCCT).

Garuda offer one-stop (single ticket) daily connections from Kuala Lumpur KUL and Singapore SIN. The Garuda Airlines service is code shared with Malaysian Airlines and is operated via Jakarta. These flights arrive and depart at the domestic section of the terminal. Garuda also have single issue ticketing available for flights to Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, and Australian destinations including Brisbane, Melbourne Perth and Sydney. Through route and code sharing arrangements connecting with Etihad Airways flights via Jakarta and Denpasar up to 31 destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Levant, Africa, Europe and North America may be available on a single ticket issue. If the destinations do not appear in the Garuda Indonesia on-line booking system then contact Garuda direct or speak with a travel agent.

Scoot operate service between Singapore and Lombok

Lion Air offer one-stop (single ticket) daily connections from Kuala Lumpur KUL and Singapore SIN. These flights arrive and depart at the domestic section of the terminal.

Domestic flights operating to and from Lombok are sometimes delayed or re-scheduled, especially on the routes to the east of Lombok. Allow generous time in transit between flights most especially those connecting with international connections.

Immigration clearance facilities are available for incoming International passengers arriving at the airport's international terminal. If you intend to get a visa on arrival, exact change in US dollars is recommended, although a selection of other major currencies including Rupiah are accepted, and any change will usually be given in Rupiah. Both the day of arrival and the day of departure are counted towards the 30 days. Entry is processed through separate channels if the visa has been obtained prior to the time of departure arrival. There is a separate channel for Indonesian passport holders.

Arriving passengers of eligible nationalities first purchase the VoA (Visa on Arrival) voucher at a dedicated counter, they are subsequently processed through immigration clearance channels for processing their VoA and a visa stamp is placed into their passport.

The VoA may be extended later at the local Immigration office for a further (once only) period of up to 30 days, the cost for the extension is Rp 250,000.

A further processing channel is provided for Indonesian passport holders. Those who are carrying a pre-issued visa should proceed straight to the indicated immigration processing channel and present their passport.

Baggage retrieval is followed by customs and quarantine examinations including baggage X-ray checkpoints.

The DAMRI public bus provides scheduled services from Bandara Internasional Lombok to Mataram, Senggigi and Selong, East Lombok. The buses serving the route have a capacity of up to 40 passengers, depending upon the bus used. The fare from/to Mataram’s Mandalika Bus Terminal is Rp 30,000 and from/to Senggigi it is Rp 40,000 and from/to Selong Rp 35,000. A stop at Mandalika Bus Terminal on the eastern outskirts of Mataram and a transfer to a different bus may be required on a limited number of the services.

There may be some daily variation in the schedules providing services from Senggigi. The bus departs for the airport from near the Art Market at intervals of 1.5 hours. The first bus leaves at 03:30 and the last service departs from Senggigi at 20:00. It will stop at several designated stops on the route as well as a number of other informal or pre-arranged stops.

Allow a generous margin for delays if using the service toward the airport to ensure that you arrive at the airport in sufficient time to check-in for your departing flight.

Services departing from Mandalika bus terminal on the eastern outskirts of Mataram leave every hour. The first service to the airport departs at 04:00 and the last one departs at 19:00. The bus terminal is provided with an air-conditioned waiting room for the DAMRI passengers arriving from or departing to the airport.

Bluebird taxis are normally readily available in Senggigi and in Mataram to fulfil any requirements for travel onward to other destinations.

At the airport, the DAMRI bus counter may be found toward the far end of the terminal forecourt. Turn right as you leave the terminal central forecourt.

The DAMRI counter is a free-standing structure near the main terminal roadway and is normally staffed by uniformed DAMRI employees. The DAMRI staff will assist you with departure times and boarding the appropriate vehicle. If not wearing a readily identifiable DAMRI uniform then the person is not a DAMRI employee. Payment for tickets is in cash only using Indonesian Rupiah.

Ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek now operate from Lombok International Airport and are often the most straightforward and economical option for travellers. Depending on airport operating arrangements, pick-up points may be located a short walk from the terminal building.

Passengers arriving at the airport by air and wishing to depart from the airport by taxi are required to purchase an Airport Taxi Service coupon. Pay the surcharge at the Airport Taxi Service desk inside the main hall of the terminal. Take this coupon provided and proceed to the taxi rank. Journeys are charged by time and distance travelled using a standard taxi meter.

Central Lombok destinations (those within the Regency of Central Lombok) are Rp 10,000, all other areas on the island are Rp 17,500. Payment is in cash only using Indonesian Rupiah.

Some taxi drivers may well be happy to drive you around and help you to find somewhere to stay when you first arrive; sometimes they may gain a commission from the hotel you choose.

No parking fee should be payable if exiting the Lombok Airport in a taxi.

A metered taxi to or from the Bandara Internasional Lombok location to Senggigi cost will be approximately Rp 125,000–155,000, to the city of Mataram/Ampenan maybe around Rp 75,000–100,000. For journeys to or from the new airport to the principal tourism precinct of Senggigi allow 70-90 minutes depending upon traffic with a normal travel time to Senggigi of 1 hr 15 minutes.

Lombok has two principal companies providing radio dispatched taxi services, both use meters (taksi berargo).

The passenger is generally considered to be responsible for paying the airport parking fee if their taxi is entering the airport. Provide an extra Rp 4,000 to the driver to get them out of the airport after dropping you at the terminal if it appears that parking charges are being levied.

Please do not be mislead by taxi touts. Use only official taxis and ignore any advice or encouragement to use informal operators. The official taxis are clearly identifiable and marked with either Airport Taksi, Bluebird taxi, or Express taxi markings and rooftop signs. If it is a taxi it will have a yellow coloured ("public transport vehicle") number plate. Regular cars have a black plate with white alpha-numerals.

It is best to be cautious concerning any proposals to use a private transport service unless it is something you have pre-arranged. Some of the local private operators are fine, although they are generally operating without either official sanction or a tourism services permit and will most likely cost more than a taxi. If any arrangements are made with a private operator, then ensure they are clearly unambiguous and not rushed by either party. Ensure that you see the vehicle and scrutinise the driver before making a final agreement on either the driver or the vehicle.

It is also possible to pre-book private transfer services to and from Lombok Airport online, through Gili-islandtransfers.

Private vehicles including cars, shuttle buses, buses and motorbikes may access the airport's public parking area and terminal drop off zones by entering through the main terminal gate.

Some of the larger hotels offer to pick up transfers to and from the airport. You will need to book ahead for this.

Private operators often offer transport services at the airport and any such transactions should be approached with caution to ensure that their fees and vehicle are appropriate. It should also be understood that many of the private transport operators are very likely to discreetly seek a commission from the hotel they take you to. These payments are sometimes sought even if you have already made a prior booking at the destination hotel. Often these operators offer a sincere and valuable service and work hard using their local knowledge to assist in finding their guest suitable accommodation to their needs. Some, however, just tout and opportunists, accordingly discretion and common sense should be used in becoming involved with one of these guides or private transport operators.

A timed parking fee may be payable at the exit gate. This fee is payable by all vehicles including taxi, cars and motorbikes if it is being applied then a time-stamped ticket is provided at the entrance gate booth. Sometimes parking fees are not levied, the policy appears to change from time to time.

An arriving passenger should not be expecting to pay a parking fee on exit from the Lombok Airport unless a private transfer has been pre-booked and a waiting time has been accrued. Charges are displayed on an information board at the booth.

Lombok International Airport is in the centre of Lombok Island. There are no tourist sites near the airport. To exit from the airport, it is better if you wish to rent a car without a driver. An international driving license is not necessary, please show the passport and flight ticket and car rental persons will photo you and your identity in their handphone. To rent a car at the airport and back the rental car at the airport will cut the transportation cost and also time-consuming. Just phone the car rental as soon as arrive at the airport, although contact them several days before is also possible, if the flight ticket has been issued. The tariff for rent Toyota Avanza in the airport is Rp 275.000 to Rp 350.000 (depends on year car issued) per 24 hours and not much different tariff with rent a car at Mataram or Senggigi. Unlike in Bali which all car rentals can deliver the car at the airport, there are only three operators can deliver the car at the Lombok International Airport, but usually, the cars are always available, except in Idulfitri (Eid-Al-Fitr) Holiday Season.

Slow ferries are the safest and best value option and are used extensively by locals as passengers, with vehicles, and goods;

Fast boats accidents are more likely than on slow ferries especially during heavy seas when they have been swamped by waves leading to loss of life.

Slow ferries run from Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar (Lombok) approximately every hour, 24 hours a day:

Duration: approx 5.5 hours (may vary due to weather or docking delays)

Fare: Rp 46,000 (children Rp 29,000)

tickets are readily available in person from ticket sellers at the shops in Padang Bai (Bali) or Lembar (Lombok)

avoid buying slow ferry tickets on internet services as you will overpay.

These ferries are large and some are very good eg. Dharma Ferry IX, but others well-worn. It is recommended to bring food and water for the journey.

The schedule for the slow ferry crossing from Lembar (Lombok) to Padang Bai (Bali):

The schedule for the slow ferry crossing from Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar (Lombok):

There are numerous direct fast boat services from Bali and speed boat services from Lombok to the Gili Islands. Most also stop at Lombok, and some pass by Nusa Lembongan. These fast boats travel at speeds of 20–30 knots due to their powerful engines.

To compare prices and services, search online for "Bali to Lombok fast boat".

Bali Eka Jaya: Transfers among Bali, Gili, and Lombok

Wahana Gili Ocean: Transfers among Bali (via Padangbai harbor), Lombok (via Teluk Nara harbor), and Gili Trawangan

Scoot Fast Cruise: Comfortable and safe travel from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, and the Gili Islands

Marina Srikandi: Departs from Padangbai; the first fast boat service with docking rights at Senggigi

Bluewater Express: Cruises from Bali to Lombok and Gili Trawangan, departing from Serangan harbor

Be cautious of booking via internet services and unreliable booking agents

For motorbike travelers: If your rental shop allows travel outside Bali, you can take the motorbike on the slow ferry (Rp 101,000 per bike and rider). Required documents: passport, International Driving License, local license, and vehicle registration (STNK). Contact the rental owner in advance

Generally, it is better to rent vehicles locally in Bali, and travel with your vehicle on the slow ferry.

Bemos (shared minivans) were once Lombok's primary form of public transport and still operate on many local routes, particularly around Mataram and in rural areas. They remain the cheapest way to travel, although services can be slow, infrequent and difficult for first-time visitors to use. Most routes have no fixed timetable, with vehicles typically departing only when they have enough passengers.

Bemos can be hailed from the roadside or boarded at informal terminals and markets. Fares are inexpensive, although tourists may occasionally be quoted a higher price than locals. Carrying bulky luggage or bicycles may incur an additional charge, and if chartering an entire vehicle the fare should always be agreed before departure.

Services are most frequent around Mataram, Ampenan, Cakranegara and the more populated parts of West Lombok. In more rural areas, particularly along the quieter stretches of the west and north coasts, departures may be much less frequent and it can be difficult to find onward transport later in the day.

Most bemo services finish by early evening, especially outside the main urban areas. If travelling after dark or to more remote destinations, it is advisable to arrange alternative transport in advance.

Travel agents can also get you on semi-regular shuttle services, which connect Senggigi, the airport, and the harbors of Lembar for Bali and Bangsal for the Gilis.

Ride-hailing services have transformed transport on Lombok and are now the easiest way for most visitors to travel. Grab and Gojek operate extensively around Mataram, Senggigi, Lombok International Airport, Kuta (Mandalika) and many other populated areas, offering both motorcycle taxis (ojek) and private cars through their smartphone apps.

Ride-hailing is generally inexpensive, with fares displayed in advance and payment available by cash or through the app where supported. Wait times are usually only a few minutes in the main tourist areas, although vehicles may be less readily available in remote parts of the island.

Some tourist areas, ports and transport terminals have local taxi cooperatives or informal restrictions on app-based pick-ups. In these locations, passengers may need to walk a short distance outside the restricted zone to meet their driver or use the local transport services provided.

For short journeys, with limited luggage, solo travellers often find motorcycle taxis to be the quickest and cheapest option. Those carrying luggage, travelling in groups or heading to the airport will generally find GrabCar or Gojek cars more comfortable. Both services can also be used to arrange longer intercity journeys, although for full-day sightseeing or exploring remote areas a private driver or rental vehicle is usually the more practical choice.

Metered taxis are common in Mataram, Cakranegara and Ampenan and readily operate to the Bangsal, Sira and Medana area and along the west coast tourism strip including Senggigi as well as to Lembar.

Bluebird (Lombok Taksi), ☏ +62 370 627000. 24 hr radio dispatched service. Light blue coloured Toyota Vios, air conditioned.

Express Taksi, ☏ +62 370 635968. 24 hr radio dispatched service. All white Hyundai Excel with a current fleet replacement providing Chevrolet (GM Korea), air conditioned.

Both the more prolific Bluebird Taksi and also the white coloured Express Taksi have a radio dispatch system and both companies cars are equipped with meters (argo) which should be used by their drivers at all times. Taxis may be hailed down on the roadside with the exception of the dark blue Airport Taksi, the use of which is limited to arriving airport passengers only. Taxis can be booked in advance either by calling them yourself or by booking through your hotel.

Airport Taksi (Koperasi). The principal taxi available at the airport for (metered) journeys by arriving passengers to destinations across the island. They are a dark blue coloured Chevrolet Lova (GM Korea) model with a white 'Taxi' sign on the roof and an identifying rondel on the front doors.

There are also some other taxi operators. With this development there is now a small number of light blue coloured Toyota Vios taxis that look very much like a Bluebird taxi unless viewed with some scrutiny.

Lendang Express Taxi, Jl. Laksda Adi Sucipto No. 10, Rembiga, Mataram. They are a Green and gold coloured late model vehicle with an illuminated sign on the roof, they are not very common outside the city areas, air conditioned

Other minor operators are:

KSU Attic (PT. Rangga Rizki Pratama), Mataram.

Narmada Taxi, Lobar.

Flag fall for taxis on Lombok is approximately Rp 4,250 and the meter ticks up a few hundred rupiah for every 100 m past 2 km. As a rough guide figure on Rp 10,000 for hops around town and around Rp 60,000-65,000 from Senggigi to Mataram/Cakranegara.

Renting a car is also an option and there are several places in Senggigi, Mangsit and Mataram to rent from. Expect to pay Rp 150,000-175,000 (low end mid-late 1980-90s Suzuki mini jeep-Jimmy (2x4) 4 seats, Rp 250,000-300,000 for a Toyota Avanza/Daihatsu Xenia (2x4) 6-7 seats, Rp 300,000-450,000 for a Toyota Kijang or later model Kijang-Innova (2x4) 7-8 seats.

The age and condition of the car will affect its price as will high rental demand during the peak tourism period around June-August and local holidays.

Petrol (gasoline) (benzine) is set at as international price, except Premium-Octane88 Rp 6,450/litre with small subsidy from official outlets. Non-subsidy petrol is Pertalite-Octane90 Rp 7,800 and Pertamax-Octane92 Rp 9,500. Petrol is available both through official Pertamina outlets and also in roadside stalls where a 1 litre bottle of Premium will sell Rp 1,500 to Rp 2,000 higher than at the official outlets. The price at the roadside vendors varies upon both the time of day and the remoteness of the location. Suggested is to use at least petrol with Octane90 as newer vehicles need it, especially city car 1000cc for maximum 4 persons likes Toyota Agya or Daihatsu Ayla which can be hired less (or same) than Rp 200,000 per day.

Diesel fuel (Solar) is normally only available at Pertamina outlets throughout Lombok.

Driving yourself around Lombok is not for the uninitiated. The chances of having an accident are probably much higher than when driving in your home country. Street signs are infrequent and ambiguous in the more remote areas of the island. If you are not familiar with the road system you may spend more time looking for an attraction than actually spending time enjoying it.

Great care must be exercised at all times when driving a car anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair and large potholes and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury. The greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules. Road users are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic behaviour on the road.

If renting a car or motor bike always check thoroughly for previous damage and ensure that you discuss and document any such damage to the vehicle, with the renter, prior to taking delivery. Also check the working order of the brakes and tyre condition (including tyre inflation) prior to accepting the vehicle. It is best to try driving the car on the road before finalising the agreement, especially if renting an older model Suzuki Jimmy, Kijang (Toyota) car. Ensure the current STNK – (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan) (Certificate of car registration) is with the vehicle and that it is a current and original copy.

A good alternative to renting a car is to rent a car with a local driver. The price range is normally Rp 350,000-700,000/day and will vary upward with the destinations required. Rp 350,000 will normally only cover a very basic trip with a limited distance. This type of service is normally offered as an all inclusive package of rental car, driver and fuel. The driver can take you effortlessly to all the local attractions, plus some places that are never shown in the guide books. A suitable driver will take responsibility for whatever happens during the trip and will be happy to accommodate your travelling schedule. If you want to take a 2-3 day trip around the island, the driver will accompany you, eat low priced meals, and find low price places to stay at night. Normally the renter is responsible for the drivers meals and the costs of accommodation if an overnight stay is required at a location distant from their home.

It is sometimes worthwhile enquiring at the hotel where you are staying as some of them offer their own car and driver at a very good price. Often though they may just add to the cost of the rental and driver fees with high service fees or commission payments to themselves.

Driving in Lombok requires an International Driving Permit (IDP), plus your own home country of residence Drivers Licence|Both these documents must correctly match the type and class of vehicle being driven or they are invalid. Both must be carried and are often required to be presented in roadside police stops. This requirement is actively enforced by the police throughout Lombok.

If riding a motorbike then a full motor bike endorsement appropriate to that class of motorbike is required on both the IDP and the home country issued drivers licence. Do not under any circumstances ride a motorbike or drive a car without a proper licence. A car licence alone is not sufficient to ride a motorbike; the licence must clearly permit you to ride a motorbike in the country of issue and the appropriate section of the IDP must be endorsed as well.

Insurance is not provided by the motorbike renters so you are responsible for any damage. If you do hit a local person, either on foot, on motorcycle, or in a car, you can expect to pay a very large sum of money to make restitution. Street signs are infrequent and ambiguous. If you are not familiar with the road system and comfortable riding a motorbike at home then this may be ill advised and dangerous to learn.

Thoroughly check your travel insurance policy to ensure that your cover is still in place whilst operating or riding upon a motor bike or scooter or driving a car.

Renting a motorbike or scooter is also an option and there are many places in Senggigi, Mangsit, Mataram, Cakranegara and elsewhere to rent from. Expect to pay around Rp 80,000 for most models and possibly more in peak season or local holidays when demand for motorbike rentals can be very high. Late model full-automatic and semi-automatic motorbikes are available in Lombok and they normally have engine size in the range 110-125cc. Several motorbike rentals can also deliver and pick up the bike at the airport, though the service would be more expensive.

Great care must be exercised at all times when riding a motorbike anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair. Loose sand, rocks, and gravel may be found upon the road. Large potholes and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury to motorbike riders. Riding after the onset of dusk should be avoided in the southern or remote areas of Lombok and undertaken with great caution elsewhere. Always wear protective gear; at the very least, closed shoes and helmet.

Traveling at night in the rural areas is ill-advised and most local people are very wary of doing it.

It must be understood that the greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules. Road users are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic behaviour on the road and will frequently cross onto, or travel on the wrong side of the road without warning. Overtaking maneuvers and turns are also often executed in a highly dangerous manner.

Always thoroughly check the motorbike you are renting for any previous damage. Check especially for correct brake function and tyre condition (including tyre inflation). It is normally best to try the motorbike before finalising the agreement. Ensure the current STNK – (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan) (Certificate of Registration) is current and the original copy and is with the motorbike. Care should be exercised to always lock a motorbike and to secure your possessions.

An ojek is a motorbike taxi service. Prices are negotiable but a rule of thumb is Rp 5,000 if the destination is nearby, Rp 10,000 for a few kilometres, Rp 20,000 for a longer trip like a run from Senggigi to Ampenan to pick up an airline ticket or go to the market and Rp 35,000-Rp 40,000 for a full day. If considerable distances are involved the hirer should offer to buy some fuel. Traditionally an ojek rider will wait for the hirer to complete their business at their destination/s and take them back home again. If you are out for the day you should consider providing modest food and refreshments. Make sure you have your own helmet or that one is supplied. If you forget to do this you may find that a local policeman needs to reminds you of this and payment of a 'fine' to him may be required to continue on your way.

Horse-pulled carts, known as cidomo, are very common on Lombok. They are a good method of transportation for short distances e.g, from your hotel to a restaurant. Make sure to agree on the price before the journey - Rp 10,000 is the maximum price to pay for a short journey. In the Gilis there are no cars, so horse carts or a bicycle are the only way to get around besides on foot.

Traditional fishing boats known as perahu ply the waters around Lombok, and are instantly recognizable due to their outriggers, two lengths of extra large bamboo sealed at either end and attached by timber outrigger bars on both sides creating a configuration similar to a catamaran and affording greater stability in heavy swells. They can also be chartered, either directly from owners (in which case some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesian or Bahasa Sasak will come in handy) or via any travel agent, who will of course take an often generous commission. English speaking guides on the beaches will be eager to assist with this if you wish. You will most likely be expected to pay for this service if the negotiation is successful either by 'hiring' the guide or by a commission paid to him by the boat operator.

Fishing charters and speedboat trips can be arranged in Lombok and professional operators will be able to supply suitable services including on-board safety equipment.

Traffic is relatively light throughout the island so cycling is quite possible and provides a very different cultural experience to other means of transport. You may wish to bring your own touring bike, as most local bikes are of a very basic quality. There is one biking tour operator (Lombok Biking) that has decent bikes and guides.

Bicycles of reasonable quality may be purchased in Indonesia and may offer an alternative to the costs and complexities of shipping your own bike in from overseas.

Bicycle sales outlets are situated in Cakranegara with several shops on Jalan Jl. Umarmaya near the rear of the Cakranegara markets and at the Tiara Department Store in Mataram Mall.

Great care must be exercised at all times when riding a bike anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair and large potholes, loose sand, gravel and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury. The greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules, are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic road behaviour.

Riding a bicycle after dusk should be avoided throughout Lombok due to the hazardous road conditions.

Lombok has a bicycle tour operator situated in Senggigi. See the Senggigi article for further information.

Please refer to the "By car" and "By motorbike" sections above for further information on riding conditions.

One accommodation option which is becoming more popular, emulating what has happened on its sister island of Bali, is renting a private villa complete with staff. However not every place sold as a "villa" actually fits the bill. Prices vary widely: some operators claim to go as low as US$30/ night, but realistically you will be looking at upwards of US$200/night for anything with a decent location and a private pool. At the top of the price range rents can easily go to US$1,000/night or higher. Villas can be found in Senggigi, at Sire beach near Tanjung and, increasingly, the Gili Islands; see those articles for more detail.

There are no international hospitals in Lombok. The nearest one can be found in Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali. Mataram Public Hospital and Harapan Keluarga Hospital have staffs with limited to fluent English skill.

Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum), Jl. Pejanggik 6, Mataram, ☏ +62 370 638464. 24 hr UGD-Emergency room and admissions. The islands and the province's main public hospital with UGD (Unit Gawat Darurat)-Emergency treatment room, ICU and OR facilities, laboratorium, Specialist consulting rooms. Caters to the needs of the general population. Rudimentary services, rooms and care are commensurate with an underdeveloped country.

3 RS Harapan Keluarga, Jl Ahmad Yani, Selagalas (to the immediate east of the city), ☏ +62 370 673666. Newly built modern facility with a polyclinic, ICU, operating theatres, CT and MRI scans, modern x-ray equipment, hemodialysis, ultrasound (USG), endoscopy, bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy facilities. Ambulance callout, emergency room (UGD), pharmacy, on-site laboratory and radiology department is available 24/7. This is the island's most advanced and comprehensively equipped private facility. RS Risa is the second preference, in a serious emergency, the closest facility should be accessed.

Rumah Sakit Risa (Risa Centra Medika Hospital), Jl. Pejanggik No.115, Cakranegara (just east of Mataram mall on the right hand side of the road), ☏ +62 370 625560. 24 hr UGD-Emergency room and admissions. Hospital with UGD (Unit Gawat Darurat)-Emergency treatment room, private and VIP patient rooms, ICU and OR facilities, laboratorium, specialist consulting rooms including Internist, ophthalmologist, obstetrician, dentist. Professional treatment and reasonably comfortable accommodations.

Siti Fajar Moslem Hospital (Rumah Sakit Islam), Jl. Panca Warga, Mataram (Head west from Mataram mall, it is on the left hand side of the road), ☏ +62 370 623498. Specialist consulting rooms, Dentist.

Anthonius Catholic Hospital, l. Koperasi, Mataram, ☏ +62 370 621397. Known popularly as Karang Ujung Hospital

Rumah Sakit Polda (National Police Hospital NTB-Bhayangkara Polda Nusa Tenggara Barat), Jl. Lanko No 54, Ampenan/Mataram (on the left hand side of the road heading eastward toward Mataram and before RS Umun), ☏ +62 370 633701. 24 hr UGD (Emergency room and admissions). Polyclinic and general hospital open to the public for treatment and admissions, also available general medicine, midwife, medical-legal services, counselling, and psychological services. The hospital is also the site of the Police (Polda) forensic pathology unit.

Army Hospital, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto No. 11, Mataram, ☏ +62 370 621420.

Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.

Klinik Risa (Risa Centra Medika Hospital), Jl. Pejanggik No.115, Cakranegara (Mataram) (just east of Mataram mall on the right hand side of the road), ☏ +62 370 625560. 24 hr Emergency room. Full hospital facilities available on site.

Clinic Senggigi Centre, Senggigi beach (at Senggigi Beach Hotel), ☏ +62 370 693210.

Laboratorium Klinik Prodia, Jl. Pejanggik No.107, Cakranegara (Mataram) (Between Mataram mall and Rumah Sakit Risa), ☏ +62 370 635010, fax: +62 370 645010. Prodia is a national pathology services chain with shop front facilities in many of Indonesian cities, professional operation with a wide range of services. Detailed printed price list for individual services.

Ambulance, ☏ +62 370 623489, 118 (In emergency). The reality is that unless within the confines of Mataram/Ampenan/Cakranegara an ambulance is normally too far away to provide prompt transport in the case of a true emergency. Most often a taxi, police vehicle or a private car is used to get someone requiring urgent medical attention to a hospital. The ambulances in Lombok are more often used in the role of assisted patient transport rather than for first responder/paramedic supported emergency assistance and transport.

International SOS Medika (Klinik). It will be necessary to call either Jakarta or Bali to seek assistance from SOS Medika. SOS Medika provide professional medical treatment, referral and emergency management including air rescue services, they are situated in both Bali and Jakarta.

Bali:24 hr Emergencies, ☏ +62 361 710505, +62 361 720100 (Clinic).

Jakarta: 24 hr emergencies, ☏ +62 21 7506001.

There are no consular services available in Lombok. The nearest consular services are in Bali and Jakarta has embassies representing a wide range of nationalities.