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General
Information of Lombok Island Indonesia
Geography & Climate
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,
Mount Rinjani, which extends 3726 meters high with a crater lake
called Segara Anak.
The main season here are wet season which starts from November to
May and dry season start from May-October. The best time to come
is in the month of May when the weather is just perfect with
bright daylight and green scenery.
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People & Religion
The local inhabitants of Lombok are called Sasaks. They speak
Indonesian as well as their local Sasak language. The other main
ethnicity?s include Balinese, Chinese, Arabian, and Javanese.
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).
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 Ramadhan, 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 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.
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, 20.000, 10.000, 5.000, 1.000, 500, 200, and
100.
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 arround
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 are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Cell Phone
Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM. If you have brought your
cellular handphone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make
outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops
which sell thesencards 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", Lomotil 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.
VISAS, EMBASSIES & CONSULATES IN INDONESIA
Based on new regulation effective February 1st, 2004, all visitors
to Indonesia automatically get a 30 day tourist visa as long as
your passport is valid for six months from the time you enter.
You also need to show proof of onward ticket upon arrival. Many
people who want to stay longer go on "visa runs" to Singapore.
There are direct flights from Lombok to Singapore on Silk Air.
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No |
Country |
Address |
Phone |
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1. |
Australia, Canada &
New Zealand |
Jalan Hayam Wuruk
88B Denpasar Bali |
TEL +62 361 241118
FAX +62 361 221195
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2. |
United Kingdom |
Jl. Mertasari 2,
Sanur, Denpasar 80227 Bali |
TEL +62 361 270601
FAX +62 361 270570 |
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3. |
Italy |
Lotus Enterprises
Building
Bypass Ngurah Rai,
Jimbaran |
TEL +62 361 701005
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4. |
Czech Republic |
Jl. Pengembak 17,
Sanur, Denpasar Bali |
TEL +62 361 286465
FAX +62 361 286408
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5. |
France |
Smiling Tour
Bypass Ngurah Rai 88X, Sanur |
TEL +62 361 288224
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6. |
Norway & Denmark |
Mimpi Resorts
Jimbaran Bali |
TEL +62 361 701070
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7. |
Japan |
Jl.Raya Puputan 1,
Denpasar Bali |
TEL +62 361 234800
FAX +62 361 231308
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8. |
Mexico |
PT Puri Astina Putra
Jl.H.M.Yamin 1A, Denpasar |
TEL +62 361 223552
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9. |
Netherlands |
KCB Travel
Jl. Raya Kuta 127, Kuta Bali |
TEL +62 361 751517
FAX +62 361 752777
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10. |
Sweden & Finland |
Jl. Segara Ayu,
(Segara Village Hotel) Kuta Bali |
TEL +62 361 288407
FAX +62 361 287242
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11. |
Switzerland &
Austria |
Swiss Restaurant
Jl. Werkudaya Legian |
TEL +62 361 751735
FAX +62 361 754457
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12. |
United States of
America |
Jl. Hayam Wuruk 188,
Denpasar Bali |
TEL +62 361 |
THINGS TO TAKE BACK HOME
Wanting to take back something from Lombok? Lombok has great woven
textiles like songkets and ikats that can be used as a sarong,
wall hanging, table cloth and more. The design woven is special to
each weaver and it is passed down through the generations before.
There is a traditional hand weaving village in Puyung, central
Lombok. You can even try on a traditional Sasak costume.
Banyumulek (West Lombok), Penujak (Central Lombok) and Masbagik
(East Lombok) are famous villages in Lombok for making pottery.
Lombok pottery has gained popularity and is shipped throughout the
world. There is a wide range of selections and it can custom made
to your liking. We hope to develop the economy of the area by
directly meet them with serious buyer from all over the world.
There are many traditional handicrafts you could take back as a
souvenir i.e; wooden masks, baskets made out of ketak grass,
wooden boxes designed with bits of shells, or other things made
from bamboo or rattan. |
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