Lombok, Indonesia

Destination:

Australia & New Zealand

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.

Cities

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 capital 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, a 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

Located 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 paradisaical tropical island that many people still mistakenly imagine Bali to be now.

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) which literally translates into Bahasa Indonesian as lurus (Enstraight 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 (cabe in Bahasa Indonesian) as is thought by many visitors and some Indonesians from other parts of the archipelago.

Source: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/
Lombok

Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0

Lombok, Indonesia: Port Information

Currently, large cruise liners anchor offshore, and passengers are transported ashore by tender boats. The tender dock is at Lembar. An organized tour or a taxi tour is recommended.
It is planned to open a new cruise terminal that will be able to welcome one large vessel or two small vessels simultaneously.

Get around Lombok, Indonesia

By bemo

Bemos (converted passenger-carrying minivans) are the main means of short and medium distance transport on Lombok. They can be hailed down on all larger streets and will happily take you even short hops down the road. Fares are inexpensive. Sometimes tourists get charged extra and drivers of empty bemos may try to get you to charter them for a higher price, often more than an equivalent taxi ride over the same distance. If you are chartering be careful that the price and expectations are clear if unresolved just seek a different Bemo.

Prices for set distances vary at times and if the price of fuel has risen or it is in short supply causing roadside price fluctuations then the Bemo prices will often follow. Try and watch what local customers are paying for a similar distance to your own and if really in doubt just include Rp 1,000-2,000 extra. It is prudent to have enough small notes to be able to pay the correct fare without needing change.

If you are carrying large bags of shopping or other items more than a day pack or small hand items then expect to pay a little more. For a large amount of shopping or a really large single item such as a bicycle, luggage or similar maybe double the charge for a single person or a bit more if the driver is missing out on business from other people because you have taken a lot of space in the vehicle or if the driver needs to assist with the loading and unloading.

Senggigi to Mataram will require a change at the Pasar Ampenan from the more utilitarian Suzuki Carry 'box back' style of bemo popular used in the rural areas across to a yellow and red Suzuki bemo of the enclosed van body style that runs about in the city areas, unless of course you have chartered the vehicle to your required destination.

Bemo are often used to carry produce either on charter or with passengers on board and occasionally a small cow, or some goats might be moved in one, normally not when there are people in there but nothing is out of the question with a bemo in the rural areas, even if it does not fit inside.

Bemos have normally stopped running by dusk on the west coast of Lombok and most other rural locations unless under the charter. A taxi or other means of transport may need to be called to your location to pick you up if you leave your return to a time approaching dusk.

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.

By taxi

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 colored Toyota Vios, air-conditioned. Bluebird provides a webpage that describes the distinguishing features of a Bluebird taxi.

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 colored 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 colored Chevrolet Lova (GM Korea) model with a white 'Taxi' sign on the roof and an identifying rondel on the front doors.

Lombok has recently gained some new taxi operators. With this development, there is now a small number of light blue colored Toyota Vios taxis that look very much like a Bluebird taxi unless viewed with some scrutiny.

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

The other new operators are:

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

Narmada Taxi, Lobar.

By car

Car rental

Renting a car is also an option and there are several places in Senggigi, Mangsit, and Mataram to rent from. Age and condition of the car will effect price as will high rental demand in the peak tourism period around the June-August and local holidays.

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 behavior 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 tire condition (including tire inflation) prior to accepting the vehicle. It is best to try driving the car on the road before finalizing 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.

Car with driver

A good alternative to renting a car is to rent a car with a local driver. 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 guidebooks. A suitable driver will take responsibility for whatever happens during the trip and will be happy to accommodate your traveling schedule.

arfatourindo serves daily tours, tour packages, car rental, transfer-pick-up transports to Bangsal,Lembar, Mataram, Tanjung, Senggigi, Mount Rinjani, Senaru, Praya, Labuhan Lombok, Selong, Tetebatu, Sumbawa, Kuta, Sekotong, Tanjung Aan, harbors of Gili Islands, e.g.Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan. You could message arfatourindo@gmail.com

By motorbike

Renting a motorbike is also an option and there are many places in Senggigi, Mangsit, Mataram, Cakranegara and elsewhere to rent from.

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.

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 behavior 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 tire condition (including tire inflation). It is normally best to try the motorbike before finalizing 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.

By ojek

An ojek is a motorbike taxi service. 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.

By horse cart

Horse-pulled carts, known as cidomo, are very common on Lombok. They are a good method of transportation for short distances. Make sure to agree on the price before the journey. In the Gilis there are no cars, so horse carts or a bicycle are the best way to get around.

By boat

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 onboard safety equipment.

By bicycle

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. The Polygon brand bicycle is manufactured in Indonesia and is of export quality. Lightweight alloy and carbon fiber frames are available. Stocks of more expensive models may not be readily available in Lombok without ordering ahead and resale at a reasonable price may be difficult 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.

The Lombok International Triathlon was launched in 2007 and uses this road for part of its race.

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, gravelб 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 behavior.

What to see in Lombok, Indonesia

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 (Slightly crazy waterfalls). 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.

What to do in Lombok, Indonesia

Traditional massage. Local Sasak women offer massage services within the main tourist 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 practiced 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.

Snorkeling. 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 centers 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 waterfalls 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 organized 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 (Taman Narmada). 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 a swimming pool. It also has a fountain which is called "Youth Fountain", believed to give long life to a person that drinks its water. It is a great place to see Lombok people at play.

What to eat and drink in Lombok, Indonesia

Eat

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 chili 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 chili, shrimp paste, and tomato. A local shrimp paste called lengkare is used on the island of Lombok. Sares is made from chili, 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 chili 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 travelers favorites. In most other areas of the island numerous small restaurants, called warung, cater primarily to the local population. The savvy traveler will discover these small restaurants serve a variety of delicious local food at a very low price.

Drink

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 favorites including the ubiquitous Indonesian seksi dancers often found in nightclubs. A favorite 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.

Shopping in Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok has numerous places for great shopping including several shopping malls, markets, antique stores, art galleries, and lots of lovely souvenir shops.

Safety in Lombok, Indonesia

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.
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 through 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 in 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 traveling 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 in 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 is 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 mosquitoes. They are typically 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 practiced 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 suitably qualified Medical Practitioner or Travellers Health Centre prior to your departure to any destination in the tropics.

Language spoken in Lombok, Indonesia

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.