Friday, December 21, 2007

Lombok Travel Tips



MANNER

When traveling in any foreign country it helps to know a few of the more basic local custom, mainly to avoid offending anyone unintentionally. Handshaking is customary as a greeting in Lombok or Indonesia, but do not use your left hand. Avoid also using your left hand to give or receive anything. Using your index finger to summon someone is impolite. And climbing over places of worship or local monuments is disrespectful.



CUSTOM

Custom alloy on entry a maximum of 1 liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cameras, Video Cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. The must be declared to custom.



FOREIGN EXCHANGE

US Dollars or Euro and other major currencies in bank notes or travel cheque are easily exchangeable in bank or at authorized money changers in main tourist destination but it is advisable to carry ruphiah in sufficient amount before traveling to minor towns. Daily rates are posted in banks or star rated hotels.


LANGUAGE

Whilst in Lombok, the local language called Sasak but the national language, Bahasa Indonesia, is widely understood even at the remote are or village, so if you are traveling to the more remote areas, it will help if you know a few word Such As “ Selamat Pagi” – Good Morning “ Selamat Siang” – Good Day” Selamat Sore” – Good Afternoon and “Selamat Malam” – Good Evening.


In the more traveled areas, English is reasonably well understood, just speak slowly, be patient, and you will find the Lombokers very helpful and friendly.



COMMUNICATION

Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dial. International direct dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels to 240 countries and more.Long distance, IDD facsimile and internet services are also available at the telecommunication office or internet café in major cities and star rated hotels.



OFFICE HOURS

Government office open from 08.00 am to 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday in Jakarta and close on Saturday and Sunday. In the provinces they close at 3.00 pm and open on Saturday till 1.00 pm. Bussines office have staggered hours. Some open for 8.00 am to 5.00 pm or 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Some stay open for half day on Saturday. Money changer in hotels stay open longer hour till the evening.



SHOPPING

The big cities have shopping complexs, supermarkets and department store where prices are fixed. The stay opens from 08.00 am to 08.00 pm everyday and some evening Sunday. At small shop bargaining might be very important.



CLOTHES

Because of the climate, light and airy casual cloths are practical and acceptable in most places. In difference to local customs, scanty clothing is not advisable in public places, short are not permitted in mosques, temple or at any a holy places and women should have their head and arms covered, waist sashes should be worn when visiting temple. Because of mosquitoes, light color trousers and long sleeved shirt are advisable.



FOOD

With such a diversity of races and cultures its not surprising that Indonesia is a gourmet’s paradise. From spicy Sambal to piquant Chinese favorites, the spread is endless. There is also a wide variety of International Cuisine including Italian, American, Japanese and Thai. You can choose to dine in the comfort and elegance of a 5 stars restaurant, and some of them cultural shows as well. A variety of beverages are available everywhere including very good Indonesian Beer.

Take a few simple commonsense precaution to void any problem.Drink only bottled water (Most hotels provide this in rooms) and avoid adding ice to your drink. Purchase only unpeeled fruit from stall and be cautious about eating salad outside restaurant or hotels. If you are not used to eating spicy food, allow your body time to adjust.



Quite often your itineraries include lunch in a local restaurant, which will give you chance to try some of the more intresting local dishes Such as “Pelecing Kangkung and Ayam Taliwang” a boiled water spinach and grill local chicken, do not despair, you will find them.



RELIGION AND FESTIVAL

Lombok is predominantly Moslem, beside Christian, Catholic and Hinduism. If you find one day the street suddenly clear of people, they have all more like gone to Mosque or Temple.

During certain time of the year, festival such as Ramadhan will means some aspect of your tour may need to be adjusted, but this means you will often be fortunate enough to witness activities that occur only during these times.

SECURITY

Any traveler anywhere in the world needs to be careful of belonging; keep your cases locked, expensive items in the hotel safety deposit box, and your passport close to your body, not in your luggage.

DO……………………!

* Trust your instinct. If you are in a situation or location in which feel
uncomfortable, LEAVE IT!.

* Always take your copy passport or others ID with you all the times.

* Inform some reliable people of your where about and where you are going.

* Check the expiry date on your visa and ensure that it is either renewed or that
you leave the country before it expires.

DO NOT……………………………!!!!!

* Place yourself in situation that may be expected to attract threats, e.g.
political rallies.
* Use drug. It is illegal and can carry the death penalty.



HEALTH

The health care approach in Lombok addresses the problem of availability, accessibility, and appropriateness of services up to village level.

There are currently 4 hospital at the district level and one public hospital in Mataram, the main for delivery of health services to the community are the Community Health Center (PUSKESMA). Over 100 health center are headed by doctors, and assisted by several trained professional staff: Midwife, Nurse, Nutritionist, and others. Community basic health program organized through integrated health services delivery post (POSYANDU) are very important for health and family planning services for young children and mothers.

Efforts are undertaken to control and prevent diseases. A hepatitis laboratory is in Mataram, along with other general laboratories. The strategy for communicable disease control emphasizes prevention of mortality from diarrhoeal dehydration, acute respiratory infection and malaria. In addition, priority has been given to improving water supply and sanitation services in Lombok – West Nusa Tenggara.


EMERGENCY ASISTANCE

Immediate medical assistant is available on 4 til 5 stars accommodation with one phone call to reception or hotel’s operator. Check the tour condition section for further information regarding health, passport, visas and insurance.



TICKET RECONFIRMATION

Please be aware of missing your flight, always reconfirm your local flight, due to some delay, cancel or even change the time while you have an international connecting flight.

Please find below listed local airlines telephone in Lombok Area.

Garuda Indinesia
Phone 62-370 - 646846


Lion Air or Wings Air

Phone 62-370 - 6627444


Merpati Airlines
Phone 62-370 – 636745



IAT
Phone 62-370 – 6625565


Trans Nusa Air
Phone 62-370 – 6162433



AIRPORT TAX

An airport tax of Rp. 75.000,- till Rp. 100.000,- levied by the airport authority for travelers on International routes and Rp. 20,000,- till Rp. 30.000,- for those on domestic routes.

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