Getting Around Lombok
Another Interesting way to discover Lombok is by Bemo (the small covered carry vans careening about). No better way to mix with the locals – very cheap but there’s no air-conditioning and the Bemos can get crowded. That said, make sure you understand the price before you get in – locals seem to have one price., tourist another – you might find taxis cheaper.
Last but not least are Cidomos (2 wheeled horse drawn buggies). More a tourist thing in Senggigi at night but a staple of transportation for locals in Mataram and elsewhere during the day.
Money Matters: You can exchange most major world curriences (cash or travelers checks) easily into the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah. All hotels offer currency exchange but at less favorable exchange rates. Or – and this choice – go to branch office of one of the local banks. Also, it is better to change your money first, if you plan on visiting the central or eastern Lombok for the day.
However that is being said, there are a several “ authorized” moneychangers available. If you choose to deal with a moneychanger – here are a couple of points worth remembering. First, the rate posted on the door usually is for amounts in notes of US$100 – lesser – denominated notes (i.e $50.00) will be given a less favorable rate. Next verify the exchange calculation (ask to use the calculator or bring your own) and count your change before you leave the window. Lastly, be prepared, if you are cashing travelers checks you will need to present your passport for identification and many money changers do not accept cash notes that have been defaced – or are in less than near mint condition. The official exchange rate posted is daily in all major newspapers. Also, rates that are too good to be true generally – watch out for.
The Rupiah comes in paper and coins. Paper denominations are 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000 and 100.000,- coin denominations are 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, and 1.000.
TIPPING
Tipping is relatively new in Lombok. Most large hotels and restaurants will automatically add a service charge of between 5 & 10 percent to your bill, which is quite sufficient. Smaller restaurants generally don’t add anything extra but considering that the waiter’s wage may well is less than $1.00 a day – a tip of 5 – 10 percent is very much appreciated.
PHONE HOME
All telephone numbers listed herein are local numbers. To reach any number in Lombok dial: International access code + 62 + 370 + local numbers). Wherein ‘62’ is Indonesian Country code and ‘370’ is the area code for Lombok. Be advised most Lombok telephone numbers are 6 digits.
Telecommunication capabilities have improved greatly over the last few years but patience is the keyword when trying to dial overseas from Indonesia-especially during office hours . Better hotels offer International Direct Dialing (IDD) and Home Country Direct (HDC) services. Overseas call can also be made at state–run telephone known as aWartel (warung telephone).
Need to get online? Lombok has many cyber cafes-especially in Senggigi. If you plan to be on Lombok for a while and need to get online to check your yahoo! Email you can use the local telephone company. Access telephone number is 080 989 999 ( no area code) . User name: telkomnet@instan, password telkom. AOL has a local access number on Bali. From Lombok dial 0361 – 289 -652 but if you need global net in your bag of AOL connection options ( no problem with newwr version).
BUSINNES HOURS
Lombok’s laid back pace of life can frustrate the avid shopper. Most shops in the major tourist area have fairly regular hours from 10 am till 8 pm, six days a week – sometimes shop is closed just because it is slow that day! Restaurants start serving from 7.30 pm or so until 10 pm.
Government offices and banks operate from 8 am till 3 pm on Monday to Thursday, Friday from 8 am to 12 pm.
BARGAINING
Difficult for many first timers but once if you get the hang of it you will never pay retail again, bargaining is normal in Lombok’s art market, trinket and T-shirt shops. But don’t get cheesy.
Nothing is more irritating nowadays than watching a well – club tourist trying to squeeze the last one thousand rupiah ( about 10 cent US). Out of shop keepers. Just remember how much it cost to get to Lombok, so what is the value in not taking home that beautiful earthenware pots? Negotiate a good price and take home a good story.
OUTWARD BOUND
On the way out of the hotel, keep a little extra money handy. All tourist leaving Indonesia from Mataram international airport are required to pay an airport tax 100.000 rupiah. That said be advised that it is against the law. Departure from Domestic travel is tax 20.000 rupiah. Though most of the time this has already been incuded in the ticket price-but everyone and awhile you are surprised.
