Useful Travel Information
Health Traveling : Lombok is getting better in terms of hygiene and medical facilities but it still has a long way to go. You do not want to have a medical emergency here – Getting off the island could take time. Play safe and make sure you have medical insurance before you come. Best to have insurance that will evacuate you if you get terribly sick or have a serious injury and need airlifted to Singapore or home. Here are a couple of other common sense points that should keep you in good shape and enjoying your visit.
Malaria does exist on Lombok but is generally not a problem. But if you are sleeping in the open air, use mosquito repellent and a mosquito net. For additional information there’s a list of hospitals and clinics in the Emergency Number section.
A few other pointers. Drink plenty of fluids ( water and fruit juices ) to avoid dehydration . Drink bottled water ONLY. Even in hotels it is best not to drink straight from he tap. Ice in drinks, however, is not a problem. Use common sense when choosing a place to eat. Eat in established restaurant that are clean and well patronized. If you are dead set on trying the hawkers in the street stick to those not serving meats unless your system is already well adjusted.
If you are using prescription drugs bring a sufficient supply. Pharmacies (Apotiks) often can fill a prescription but the dosage may not be quite the same as your doctor has prescribed. Take prompt care of any cuts or burns – do not risk infection in this heat and humidity. If you are sleeping in the open air, use mosquito repellent and a mosquito net.
Additional information on health matters may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Telephone the CDC international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or visit CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/
Getting Around: Traveling in Lombok is much more relaxed than Bali but the roads tend to be narrower (2lane with passing in both directions) and once you get out of the main tourist section, not as well maintained. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend anyone rent a self-drive car in Bali – in Lombok you can, if you’re a bit adventurous , get around on your own quite nicely.
Still the byword is Caution. Traffic moves quite slowly and you can come up on a Cidomo (horse drawn cart) quite quickly without realizing it. Also, when you put Cidomos together with pedestrians, bicycles., tour buses, trucks, livestock and assorted immovable objects in the middle of roads that are not well marked with traffic controls that are often ignored and little – if any – enforcement of rules that may exist – you have to pay attention – especially at night.
Metered taxis are now available in Lombok. Easily recognizable by their blue color they are surprisingly inexpensive compared to other private transport options.
Also be advised that if you have an accident and there is an injury to a local person you will not be able to leave until the matter is cleared up. In the long run it is usually better to hire a car with a driver , enjoy the scenery and arrive at your destination relaxed. It usually costs only about US$ 10.00 more per day to hire a driver with your rental vehicle than without – so you be the judge.
That said, the more adventurous visitor might want to explore Lombok by motorcycle. If you do choose to do so be advised that you will need a motorcycle driver’s license – if you don’t have one you may get one at the Police station and you need to wear a helmet.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Lombok is following the tremendous development of Bali. The island of god and thousand temples though as slower pace. Transportation has improved: new hotel accommodation open every month and whole range is now operate from trekking trips to five star luxury, price in US Dollar, telephone code for Lombok is 0370, while we try to ensure all the information is accurate and up to date.
MONEY CHANGING
There are plenty of money changers and the banks in Mataram or Cakranegara, in ampenan on the road to Senggigi, and the gilis.
FERRIES
There is a regular 24 hours car ferry service between Bali ( Padang Bai) and Lombok (Lembar).
The trip takes normally 4 hours.
