Lombok is an island in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east.
The regions below are presented for the convenience of travellers, but the regencies in Lombok are significantly different: West Lombok Regency, North Lombok Regency, Central Lombok Regency, East Lombok Regency and Mataram City.
- Mataram. the capital city of West Nusa Tenggara province and the island's largest city.
- Ampenan. — the capital city of the West Lombok Regency.
- Praya. — the captal city of the Central Lombok Regency, Lombok's second city and nearby to the site of the islands international airport, Bandara Internasional Lombok.
- Selong. — the capital city of the East Lombok Regency
- Tanjung. — the capital of the North Lombok Regency, small city in the northwest, lies at the foot of Mount Rinjai's slopes, the two nearby peninsulas of Medana and Sire are home to some of the best resort and luxury villa destinations on the island
Mataram. the capital city of West Nusa Tenggara province and the island's largest city.
Ampenan. — the capital city of the West Lombok Regency.
Praya. — the captal city of the Central Lombok Regency, Lombok's second city and nearby to the site of the islands international airport, Bandara Internasional Lombok.
Selong. — the capital city of the East Lombok Regency
Tanjung. — the capital of the North Lombok Regency, small city in the northwest, lies at the foot of Mount Rinjai's slopes, the two nearby peninsulas of Medana and Sire are home to some of the best resort and luxury villa destinations on the island
- Senggigi. The island's principal tourist strip with a wide range of hotel, resort and villa destinations. Includes the Senggigi township and the coastline from Senggigi beach to Mangsit beach in the immediate north and Batu Layar to the immediate south.
- Gili Islands. Three islands off the west coast, popular with backpackers, perfect for snorkeling and bathing in crystal clear water.
- Kuta. — a surfing mecca like its Bali namesake, but that's where the similarity ends
- Bangsal. — a small beach landing site serving the public ferries to the Gili Islands
- Lembar. — the islands principal commercial port, serves the larger passenger carrying vehicular ferries to Bali
- Mount Rinjani. — large, active volcano looming over the island and the 3rd highest peak in Indonesia; the Mount Rinjani National Park is a hugely dominant feature of the island
- Senaru. — gateway village area to Mount Rinjani, with some great waterfalls and other spectacular natural scenery
- Sekotong. — off the beaten path in West Lombok, this area is fast becoming a tourist destination.
- Tanjung Aan. — almost impossibly beautiful isolated bay in the southeast which is earmarked for high end resort development
- Tetebatu. — village on the southern edge of the Mount Rinjani National Park with wonderful scenery
Senggigi. The island's principal tourist strip with a wide range of hotel, resort and villa destinations. Includes the Senggigi township and the coastline from Senggigi beach to Mangsit beach in the immediate north and Batu Layar to the immediate south.
Gili Islands. Three islands off the west coast, popular with backpackers, perfect for snorkeling and bathing in crystal clear water.
Kuta. — a surfing mecca like its Bali namesake, but that's where the similarity ends
Bangsal. — a small beach landing site serving the public ferries to the Gili Islands
Lembar. — the islands principal commercial port, serves the larger passenger carrying vehicular ferries to Bali
Mount Rinjani. — large, active [[volcano]] looming over the island and the 3rd highest peak in Indonesia; the Mount Rinjani National Park is a hugely dominant feature of the island
Senaru. — gateway village area to Mount Rinjani, with some great waterfalls and other spectacular natural scenery
Sekotong. — off the beaten path in West Lombok, this area is fast becoming a tourist destination.
Tanjung Aan. — almost impossibly beautiful isolated bay in the southeast which is earmarked for high end resort development
Tetebatu. — village on the southern edge of the Mount Rinjani National Park with wonderful scenery
Just east of Bali, Lombok in many ways lives up to or exceeds the promotional term, "an unspoiled Bali". With beautiful beaches, enchanting waterfalls, the large, looming volcano of Mount Rinjani combined with relatively few tourists, Lombok is indeed the paradisiacal tropical island that many people still mistakenly imagine Bali to be now. Some people also mention that you can see Bali from Lombok, but you can't see Lombok from Bali.
Lombok and Bali are separated by the Lombok Strait. It is also part of the bio-geographical boundary between the fauna of Indo-Malaysia and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia. The boundary is known as the Wallacean Line, after Alfred Russell Wallace, who first remarked upon the striking difference between animals of Indo-Malaysia and those of Australasia, and how abrupt the boundary was between the two biomes.
Calling Lombok paradise does not mean it is all things for all people. With a few exceptions, the natural landscape and the traditional way of life have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Virtually all small to medium size businesses are run by local families. Many of these businesses sell a wide variety of merchandise, where villagers can find food, hardware, and toys all in a single small store. While it is possible to find five-star hotels run by global corporations, this is the exception, not the rule. The ubiquitous global fast-food franchises are restricted to two outlets in the precincts of Mataram Mall in the main City of Lombok and are well sign-posted.
In the indigenous language of the Sasak people of Lombok, the word Lombok "(luum-book)" literally translates into Bahasa Indonesian as lurus (en: straight ahead).
A common misunderstanding is that the name of the island Lombok is derived from the Bahasa Indonesian meaning of Lombok which is chilli or (cabai in Bahasa Indonesia), as is thought by many visitors and some Indonesians from other parts of the archipelago.
Lombok has been awarded as one of the world's Best Halal Tourism Destination in 2016 and is still expanding its tourism section to gain more visitors from all around the world. Newer hotels, resorts and an international circuit is being built.
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 2010-2011 tourists appear to have regained some confidence that travel to the island is safe. The fears and apprehension amongst many international tourists concerning travel to Lombok appear to be entirely unsupported. 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 normally 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 3,166,685 (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 praying 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.
The Hindu minority religion is still practised in Lombok alongside the majority Muslim religion. Hinduism is followed by the many ethnic Balinese who have travelled across the Lombok Strait from Bali, 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, was 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.
The main local language is Bahasa Sasak, the language of the indigenous Sasak people of Lombok. Bahasa Sasak is normally spoken throughout Lombok and has dialectal variations across the island. Indonesian is also spoken or at least understood by most local people and will normally be used in government offices, larger shops and businesses. In the more remote and undeveloped areas of Lombok however, Indonesian is not frequently used and often cannot be understood by the local people, especially the elderly and those who have missed out on formal schooling.
English is reasonably common in the resort areas and occasionally some other European languages are spoken by people involved in the tourism sector.
- Mount Rinjani. is one of the largest mountains in Indonesia. On a clear day you can see breathtaking views from the summit. There is a crater lake, Segara Anak and a natural hot spring there.
- Tanjung A'an. a beautiful area near the Kuta Beach. The sand is very unique that it looks like pepper. Beach guards are on the beach early. They prevent hawkers from hassling tourists, but normally the hawkers are mostly children and quiet villagers trying to make a living, and they are quite good natured. Often good quality sarongs and kalapa muda (young coconut) drinks are available from local people seeking business at this beach. They will open up the coconut for you of course and if you are lucky they might be able to supply a straw or glass to provide a refreshing drink whilst sitting at the beach.
- Sukarare. See the local handicraft and weaving process in Desa (village) Sukarana. The price should be cheaper than in Sengigi shops.
- Air Terjun Sindang gila. Located near Senaru on the slopes of Mount Rinjani this attraction is sadly dissimilar to the situation presented upon arriving at the Narmada water park. The sometimes sneering gate staff, annoying touts and self appointed guides frequently vigorously pester visitors for business. These individuals, along with various other opportunists and skimmers present at the locality often turn on a show of both overt racism and threatening abuse towards visiting tourists. This is most especially so if the visitor or person taking them there does not pay an exorbitant fee for a local guide. Certainly a guide is not needed to walk down the steps to the primary waterfall area and back up again. There is only the one pathway leading down from the entrance gate and the waterfall is rather obvious when you arrive at the bottom unless the visitor is likely to misunderstand the sight of water free-falling from a great height. The extra money extorted from 'foreigners' at the gate is clearly not being spent by the local community on any maintenance or improvement of the facilities such as providing rubbish receptacles. The waterfall surroundings are usually covered with litter discarded by uncaring visitors.
In early 2011 the northern regional government tourism authority instituted an upgrading program and is attempting to improve amenities at the base of the waterfall. They are also developing some other waterfall visit sites in the region to provide an improved range of alternative waterfall sites for visitors. Sindang gila is a beautiful place and many local people and visitors alike have enjoyed the splendid falls and a refreshing swim. The 20 minute trip down the long run of steps and trail to the fall and then climb back up again requires a bit of effort especially on a hot day. Sadly this naturally beautiful location has a dark side of bad attitude and neglect by the local custodians. Some may prefer to avoid it for those reasons and seek a more welcoming alternative venue. - Air Terjun Tiu Kelep. Senaru’s “2nd waterfall” Tiu Kelep is a further 1 hr walk, you might prefer to seek a reputable local guide if you don't already have a driver willing to show you the way. In order to get to the second waterfall you follow the path most of the way down the first waterfall but then follow bush track upstream. Shoes are not recommended as you will have to wade through the river for 50 m or so. There is a deep pool at the top where you can swim and jump off rocks and a dark tunnel with a concrete shoot that can be used as a water slide.
- Air Terjun Betara Lenjang. Senaru’s “3rd waterfall” Betara Lenjang requires some advance planning and is strictly for rock climbers with a suitable local guide and equipment.
Mount Rinjani. is one of the largest mountains in Indonesia. On a clear day you can see breathtaking views from the summit. There is a crater lake, Segara Anak and a natural hot spring there.
Tanjung A'an. a beautiful area near the [[Kuta (Lombok)|Kuta]] Beach. The sand is very unique that it looks like pepper. Beach guards are on the beach early. They prevent hawkers from hassling tourists, but normally the hawkers are mostly children and quiet villagers trying to make a living, and they are quite good natured. Often good quality sarongs and kalapa muda (young coconut) drinks are available from local people seeking business at this beach. They will open up the coconut for you of course and if you are lucky they might be able to supply a straw or glass to provide a refreshing drink whilst sitting at the beach.
Sukarare. See the local handicraft and weaving process in Desa (village) Sukarana. The price should be cheaper than in Sengigi shops.
Air Terjun Sindang gila. Located near [[Senaru]] on the slopes of [[Mount Rinjani]] this attraction is sadly dissimilar to the situation presented upon arriving at the Narmada water park. The sometimes sneering gate staff, annoying touts and self appointed guides frequently vigorously pester visitors for business. These individuals, along with various other opportunists and skimmers present at the locality often turn on a show of both overt racism and threatening abuse towards visiting tourists. This is most especially so if the visitor or person taking them there does not pay an exorbitant fee for a local guide. Certainly a guide is not needed to walk down the steps to the primary waterfall area and back up again. There is only the one pathway leading down from the entrance gate and the waterfall is rather obvious when you arrive at the bottom unless the visitor is likely to misunderstand the sight of water free-falling from a great height. The extra money extorted from 'foreigners' at the gate is clearly not being spent by the local community on any maintenance or improvement of the facilities such as providing rubbish receptacles. The waterfall surroundings are usually covered with litter discarded by uncaring visitors.
In early 2011 the northern regional government tourism authority instituted an upgrading program and is attempting to improve amenities at the base of the waterfall. They are also developing some other waterfall visit sites in the region to provide an improved range of alternative waterfall sites for visitors. Sindang gila is a beautiful place and many local people and visitors alike have enjoyed the splendid falls and a refreshing swim. The 20 minute trip down the long run of steps and trail to the fall and then climb back up again requires a bit of effort especially on a hot day. Sadly this naturally beautiful location has a dark side of bad attitude and neglect by the local custodians. Some may prefer to avoid it for those reasons and seek a more welcoming alternative venue.
Air Terjun Tiu Kelep. Senaru’s “2nd waterfall” Tiu Kelep is a further 1 hr walk, you might prefer to seek a reputable local guide if you don't already have a driver willing to show you the way. In order to get to the second waterfall you follow the path most of the way down the first waterfall but then follow bush track upstream. Shoes are not recommended as you will have to wade through the river for 50 m or so. There is a deep pool at the top where you can swim and jump off rocks and a dark tunnel with a concrete shoot that can be used as a water slide.
Air Terjun Betara Lenjang. Senaru’s “3rd waterfall” Betara Lenjang requires some advance planning and is strictly for rock climbers with a suitable local guide and equipment.
- Traditional massage. Local Sasak women offer massage services within the main tourism areas and especially on the beaches in Senggigi and Mangsit. These massages are strictly traditional and therapeutic in nature and are often delivered at the beachside on a primitive platform set up for the service or on a more substantial Beruga possibly inside the grounds of a Hotel. Therapeutic and remedial massage is practised across the island for a wide range of ills and traditional Sasak practitioners are in great demand by people from all walks of life in Lombok.
- Snorkelling. There are several good sites between the Gili Islands. If lucky, you can spot and swim with turtles.
- Surfing. The area around Kuta is a surfer's paradise.
- Scuba diving. There are several accredited dive centres in Lombok and they provide a wide range of services and packages.
- Trekking. There are several good treks around the island, including multi-day hikes up Mount Rinjani a 3726 m volcano. There are several short treks to see water falls and other island attractions. There are many reputable suppliers of Rinjani climbing packages and services. Adequate forward planning is essential for Rinjani climbs. Rinjani last erupted in May 2010 and the last major eruption was in 1994.
- Fishing charters. Charters either with professionally organised boats or for the intrepid more informal arrangements with local perahu operators on the beaches of Lombok are available for day trips or longer but be cautious that the boats are carrying suitable safety gear and other equipment required for the trip and your personal requirements. Local people are often lost at sea after falling into the water from their perahu whilst fishing.
- Biking tours. Guided biking tours are available to experience Lombok from a bicycle seat.
- Narmada water park. Located 10 km east of Mataram, this park was the relaxation place for the king during the time of feudalism. This park has a Hindu temple and swimming pool. It also has a fountain which is called "Youth Fountain", believed to give long life to a person that drinks its water. Entry fee for this park is Rp 4,000 and 'Foreigners' are sometimes charged a posted entrance fee of Rp 10,000. Despite this awkward entrance fee aberration the staff at Taman Narmada are pleasant and helpful and they often just overlook imposing this "Foreigner" fee just welcoming all people with equal enthusiasm and at the normal entrance fees. Despite the venue being a little run-down it has a feel of celebration about it especially on Sundays and is very popular with the people of Lombok who flock there to picnic and swim in a large swimming pool fed by fresh water forest springs. It is a great place to see Lombok people at play.
Traditional massage. Local Sasak women offer massage services within the main tourism areas and especially on the beaches in Senggigi and Mangsit. These massages are strictly traditional and therapeutic in nature and are often delivered at the beachside on a primitive platform set up for the service or on a more substantial Beruga possibly inside the grounds of a Hotel. Therapeutic and remedial massage is practised across the island for a wide range of ills and traditional Sasak practitioners are in great demand by people from all walks of life in Lombok.
Snorkelling. There are several good sites between the [[Gili Islands]]. If lucky, you can spot and swim with turtles.
Surfing. The area around [[Kuta_(Lombok)|Kuta]] is a surfer's paradise.
Scuba diving. There are several accredited dive centres in Lombok and they provide a wide range of services and packages.
Trekking. There are several good treks around the island, including multi-day hikes up [[Mount Rinjani]] a 3726 m volcano. There are several short treks to see water falls and other island attractions. There are many reputable suppliers of Rinjani climbing packages and services. Adequate forward planning is essential for Rinjani climbs. Rinjani last erupted in May 2010 and the last major eruption was in 1994.
Fishing charters. Charters either with professionally organised boats or for the intrepid more informal arrangements with local perahu operators on the beaches of Lombok are available for day trips or longer but be cautious that the boats are carrying suitable safety gear and other equipment required for the trip and your personal requirements. Local people are often lost at sea after falling into the water from their perahu whilst fishing.
Biking tours. Guided biking tours are available to experience Lombok from a bicycle seat.
Narmada water park. Located 10 km east of [[Mataram]], this park was the relaxation place for the king during the time of feudalism. This park has a Hindu temple and swimming pool. It also has a fountain which is called "Youth Fountain", believed to give long life to a person that drinks its water. Entry fee for this park is Rp 4,000 and 'Foreigners' are sometimes charged a posted entrance fee of Rp 10,000. Despite this awkward entrance fee aberration the staff at Taman Narmada are pleasant and helpful and they often just overlook imposing this "Foreigner" fee just welcoming all people with equal enthusiasm and at the normal entrance fees. Despite the venue being a little run-down it has a feel of celebration about it especially on Sundays and is very popular with the people of Lombok who flock there to picnic and swim in a large swimming pool fed by fresh water forest springs. It is a great place to see Lombok people at play.
In 2015, Lombok was voted "World's Best Honeymoon Destination Halal" and "Halal World's Best Tourism Destination" by a panel representing most Muslim countries. 90 percent of the population is Muslim, so halal food can be found almost everywhere in Lombok, except in the western part of Lombok such as in Gilis and Senggigi, where the population is more heterogeneous. Non-halal food (including alcohol drinks) can be found also at hotels with 4 or more stars.
The word lombok means "chili pepper" (cabe) in Bahasa Indonesia and although the local cuisine is quite spicy, it might not always be as hot as the island's name suggests. The local word describing chilli is sebie in Bahasa Sasak, and the name of the island of Lombok is actually derived from the word lomboq, meaning straight in the local Sasak language and not from any connection at all with the local chili as many people believe.
Probably the best known local dish is ayam taliwang, although nobody seems to be able to agree on the exact recipe: most interpretations involve chicken coated with a rich red sauce flavored with galangal, turmeric and tomato, which can be either mild or searingly hot. Pelecing is a spicy sauce used in many dishes made with chilli, shrimp paste, and tomato. A local shrimp paste called lengkare is used on the island of Lombok. Sares is made from chilli, coconut juice and banana palm pith and is sometimes mixed with meat. Non meat dishes include kelor (hot soup with vegetables), serebuk (vegetables mixed with coconut), and timun urap (cucumber with coconut, onion and garlic).
Generally the least expensive and most popular item on the menu is nasi campur or mixed rice. This dish is a complete meal served on a single plate, usually consisting of rice and vegetable ingredients often incorporating either tofu (tahu), tempeh (tempe), chicken (ayam), beef (sapi), fish (ikan), peanuts (kacang), together with a wide variation of cooked vegetables. As the name suggests, the meal can be a mixture of many different items, at times some may be a little difficult to accurately identify and the style and ingredients will vary from place to place. A dab of spicy red paste called sambal (basically stone ground red chilli peppers) is placed somewhere near the side of the plate. Sambal is the universal condiment served on Lombok and is extremely hot to the palate of most tourists, so use with care.
The price of food varies dramatically depending on the location on Lombok. The restaurants in the popular tourist destinations of Senggigi and the Gili Islands command the highest prices but also offer the largest variety of international foods including banana pancakes, pizza, beef steak and other travellers favorites. In most other areas of the island numerous small restaurants, called warung, cater primarily to the local population. The savvy traveller will discover these small restaurants serve a variety of delicious local food at a very low price.
Alcoholic drinks are generally available throughout the island including all tourist destinations. However, since Lombok is predominantly Muslim, some areas (notably Praya) prohibit the service of alcohol at bars and restaurants. Local supermarkets offer a variety of local as well as international beers. Note that alcohol is heavily taxed in all of Indonesia: a small bottle may be the most expensive item you can order when served a full meal in a "local" eatery.
The island's most touristic township, Senggigi, has numerous bars and clubs with the usual international favourites including the ubiquitous Indonesian seksi dancers often found in nightclubs. A favourite local drink, is tuak, a red or white fermented palm wine with 2-5% alc. volume. Please see the Stay safe section for caution on methyl alcohol adulteration.
Although Lombok is a safe and stable place, these tips may help you along the way:
- Because Lombok is not engulfed with tourists, is always prudent to travel in groups of two or more. This is especially true for women and visitors who cannot speak Bahasa Indonesia. Even a minor incident can be difficult to resolve when there is a language barrier especially in the rural areas of Lombok where many people are not fluent in Bahasa Indonesian and only speak Bahasa Sasak.
- Most tourist areas and many villages are busy with activity at night. Often street vendors sell food until 21:00 at night or later in some areas. Tourists and locals will often walk the streets when the bars and restaurants are open. However when traveling in rural villages or non-tourist areas after dark there may be very few people found on the streets. In these situations it is generally more prudent to stay indoors after dark. People in rural Lombok and many of the quieter Kampung areas are often in bed by 20:00, rising again at 05:00.
- Always have locks on the zips of your bags. Not only do they keep enquiring hands out they also prevent people slipping prohibited substances in. Be prepared to quickly lock and unlock when passing though customs.
- Try not to display conspicuous wealth such as large amounts of cash or expensive cameras, mobile phones and other items as it may temp thieves including children and may also encourage requests for financial assistance in some circumstances.
- Dress modestly in rural villages, religious sites and government buildings; long pants for men and a shirt, a modest skirt, full or calf length pants, dress or sarongs are suggested and a conservative blouse is recommended for women. This may save you or onlookers from embarrassment. If more revealing clothing is worn it is good to have a sarong handy as it can effect a quick and easy adaptation to prevailing circumstances. Naked or semi-naked bathing and very skimpy swimwear on the beach will most likely create considerable controversy and possibly some alarm amongst the local people even in the areas of concentrated tourism activity in front of the hotels. This may not be immediately apparent to the visitor at the time. Carry a sarong if you only have revealing swimwear available and wear it especially when you are nearby or talking with local people as it will place everyone more at ease and create considerably less controversy. Take along a sarong when travelling about as they are a good all purpose item that can come in handy to keep off the sun or wind and can be called into service to avoid any awkward moments.
- Footwear must always be removed when entering a person's home and occasionally even some business premises. This is the case in even the most primitive and basic living structures.
- In Lombok it is normally considered to be quite rude or disrespectful to offer or hand something to someone with your left hand unless they are a very close and intimate friend or family member, and even then it is best avoided if possible.
- Caution should be exercised when consuming locally made alcoholic drinks such as Arak as poisoning has occurred in parts of Indonesia including, Bali, Lombok and the nearby Gilli islands. During 2009-2013 a number of Indonesians and visiting tourists in Java, Bali and Lombok/Gilli Islands were poisoned by consuming drinks containing methyl alcohol resulting in fatalities. Methyl alcohol (Methanol) and other contaminants are highly dangerous and have been found in some locally produced alcoholic drinks. It also appears that some standard mixed drinks may often either be adulterated with Methanol, or counterfeit liquor bottles may contain Methanol in levels above the standard permissible amounts. The initial symptoms of Methyl alcohol / methanol intoxication include central nervous system depression, headache, vision problems such as 'snow' vision and 'black' areas in the visual field, dizziness, nausea, lack of co-ordination and confusion. If methyl alcohol poisoning is suspected seek medical assistance immediately.
- Dengue fever and the more serious complication of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is present in Lombok. During 2009-early 2011 there was an outbreak effecting the island including the nearby Gili islands. If symptoms of Dengue or DHF appear medical assistance should be sought without delay from one of Lombok's major hospitals. Both Dengue and DHF is readily treated by competent medical professionals in Lombok and intervention should not be delayed or postponed for any reason if symptoms are present or suspected. Dengue outbreaks are a common seasonal occurrence throughout the tropics and during the Wet Season sensible precautions should always be taken by visitors to avoid exposure to mosquito borne illnesses such as Malaria and Dengue Fever. This applies to Lombok, including the Gili Islands, and to other similar areas throughout SE Asia. Two fifths of the world's population are now at risk from dengue and it is estimated that there may be 50 million cases of dengue infection worldwide every year. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries. Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquitoe. They are typical small and usually have black and white stripe markings on their body and legs. They are typically active between dawn and dusk.
- Malaria has also been present in areas nearby to the tourism precincts of Lombok. Malaria infections were occurring in the local population in 2010 and early 2011, they have not been apparent since. The outbreaks were more common amongst those local people who live or work nearby the lushly vegetated forest areas and who are living in primitive conditions. If spending the majority of your visit in the built up tourism areas where mosquito control measures such as 'fogging' are in place and if personal awareness and sensible precautions are practised the risk of contracting malaria remains minimal. Malaria is readily treated by competent medical professionals in Lombok and as with Dengue Fever intervention should not be delayed or postponed for any reason if symptoms are present or suspected. Parts of Lombok are susceptible to at different times, some areas are seasonal and some other areas do not provide evidence of seasonal transmission peaks. Malarial transmission peaks may occur in the dryer months in some areas or Lombok. The Anopheles mosquito is responsible for transmission, it is active from dusk to dawn.
- The use of mosquito nets and repellants is advisable especially when sleeping and when spending time in lushly vegetated areas during the wet season or at any time when mosquitos are breeding. If a suitable insect repellent cannot be obtained locally supplied Minyak Sereh (Sitronela) contains citronella and is derived from the lemongrass (sereh) plant. Minyak Tawon also has some (lesser) insect repellent properties and is also not considered poisonous. Indeed it is used medicinally and for treating cuts, abrasions and insect bites. It has a Citronella type aroma. Minyak Sereh is also good for use on stings and bites. With either of these products do not expose to mucous membranes or use near the eyes and please skin test prior to use to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
- If concerned about the risks of Mosquito borne diseases please seek the advice of a suitable qualified Medical Practitioner or Travellers Health Centre prior to your departure to any destination in the tropics.
Caution should be exercised when consuming locally made alcoholic drinks such as Arak as poisoning has occurred in parts of Indonesia including, Bali, Lombok and the nearby Gilli islands. During 2009-2013 a number of Indonesians and visiting tourists in Java, Bali and Lombok/Gilli Islands were poisoned by consuming drinks containing methyl alcohol resulting in fatalities. Methyl alcohol (Methanol) and other contaminants are highly dangerous and have been found in some locally produced alcoholic drinks. It also appears that some standard mixed drinks may often either be adulterated with Methanol, or counterfeit liquor bottles may contain Methanol in levels above the standard permissible amounts. The initial symptoms of Methyl alcohol / methanol intoxication include central nervous system depression, headache, vision problems such as 'snow' vision and 'black' areas in the visual field, dizziness, nausea, lack of co-ordination and confusion. If methyl alcohol poisoning is suspected seek medical assistance immediately.
Dengue fever and the more serious complication of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is present in Lombok. During 2009-early 2011 there was an outbreak effecting the island including the nearby Gili islands. If symptoms of Dengue or DHF appear medical assistance should be sought without delay from one of Lombok's major hospitals. Both Dengue and DHF is readily treated by competent medical professionals in Lombok and intervention should not be delayed or postponed for any reason if symptoms are present or suspected. Dengue outbreaks are a common seasonal occurrence throughout the tropics and during the Wet Season sensible precautions should always be taken by visitors to avoid exposure to mosquito borne illnesses such as Malaria and Dengue Fever. This applies to Lombok, including the Gili Islands, and to other similar areas throughout SE Asia. Two fifths of the world's population are now at risk from dengue and it is estimated that there may be 50 million cases of dengue infection worldwide every year. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries. Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquitoe. They are typical small and usually have black and white stripe markings on their body and legs. They are typically active between dawn and dusk.
Malaria has also been present in areas nearby to the tourism precincts of Lombok. Malaria infections were occurring in the local population in 2010 and early 2011, they have not been apparent since. The outbreaks were more common amongst those local people who live or work nearby the lushly vegetated forest areas and who are living in primitive conditions. If spending the majority of your visit in the built up tourism areas where mosquito control measures such as 'fogging' are in place and if personal awareness and sensible precautions are practised the risk of contracting malaria remains minimal. Malaria is readily treated by competent medical professionals in Lombok and as with Dengue Fever intervention should not be delayed or postponed for any reason if symptoms are present or suspected. Parts of Lombok are susceptible to at different times, some areas are seasonal and some other areas do not provide evidence of seasonal transmission peaks. Malarial transmission peaks may occur in the dryer months in some areas or Lombok. The Anopheles mosquito is responsible for transmission, it is active from dusk to dawn.
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, 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.
- 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, 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, 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, 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, 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. 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.
Klinik Risa, 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
International SOS Medika. 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.
International SOS Medika. 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.
Mataram Public Hospital, 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.
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, 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, 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, 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.
- Lombok Regional Police (National), Jl Gajah Mada No7, Ampenan (Mataram), +62 370 693110. 24 hr emergency number 110
- Tourism Police Senggigi, Jl. Raya Senggigi km 1 Senggigi (near the Art Market, +62 370 632733.
- Pelni Shipping Lines, Jl Industri No 1, Ampenan (Mataram), +62 370 37212.
- Department of Immigration, Jl Udayana No2, Mataram, +62 370 635331.
- Post Office, JL Sriwijarya, Mataram, +62 370 632645.
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.
Lombok Regional Police (National), Jl Gajah Mada No7, Ampenan (Mataram), +62 370 693110. 24 hr emergency number 110
Tourism Police Senggigi, Jl. Raya Senggigi km 1 Senggigi (near the Art Market, +62 370 632733.
Pelni Shipping Lines, Jl Industri No 1, Ampenan (Mataram), +62 370 37212.
Department of Immigration, Jl Udayana No2, Mataram, +62 370 635331.
Post Office, JL Sriwijarya, Mataram, +62 370 632645.