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Attitude
Good manners are very important
to Indonesia people, and since you will be
treated as an honored guest in this country,
it is only right to repay that courtesy by
showing respect for the traditions and
culture. never touch somebody,s head unless
you become a very close friend, don't touch
people with your left hand and don't stretch
out your feet to the direction of a nearby
person. when you are traveling around if
something goes wrong, you will have to
accept that there is no such thing as a
"disaster". maintain your sense of
humor.Relax and let your self roll with the
punches ratther than getting up set .The
Indonesian mentality hardly ever shows anger
so this will not be understood unless
something really heavy is happening.Also
refusals should be made by claiming to be
presently satisfied and leaving a later
option open.Always asking if an intrested
action allowed will assure you the
appreciation of the people involved and
generally permission granted.
On The Road
The traffic in LOMBOK is ruled by
common sense. give way to everything in
front of you, no matter if this is a vahicle
you intend to overtake which suddenly turns
into you lane or somebody pulling out from a
side road. also give way to anything bigger
than you-bikes especially are in a very weak
position. Expect the unexpected - animals
crossing, processions crowding the road or
invisible holes covered by water. Using the
vehicles' horn in Indonesia is a precaution
and not meant in a offensives manner. Use it
to let people know you're there, you're
about to overtake, if they look like they're
going to stray into your path, or if there
is any confusing situation developing in
front of your. Don't get angry if other road
user don't drive the way your're used to in
your own country, or if they don't appear to
use way common sense at all. It is a waste
of time getting upset, the other person will
have no idea what you're angry about.
Visa Entry
Requirements
Citizens of the following
countries receive a free 30 day visa-on
arrival: Brunei, Chili, Hong kong, Maco,
Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Citizens of the following countries pay
U$$25 (cash) for a 30 day visa-on-arrival
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt,
Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India,
Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg,
Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland,
Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland,
Taiwan, The USA, the UAE and the UK.
Nationals of countries not listed above must
get a visa from an Indonesian Embassy or
Consulate before arrival, or they will be
turned away at the airport.
please not these visas-on-arrival are
non-extendable, so if 30 days is not enough,
you should get a tourist visa from an
Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before you
arrive. these are valid for 60 days. Your
passport must be valid for at least 6 months
beyond your stay and have several empty
pages, be prepared to show a ticket out of
the country.
Communication
The Indonesian language which is
spoken nationally is very easy to learn.
Even a few words will be rewarded by much
excitement. although English is widely
spoken i the tourism industry, keep your
conversation simple, don't cause confusion
by conversing too quickly in your own local
slang or in a complicated manner, avoid
misunderstandings by speaking slowly, simply
and clearly.
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 a
Wartel (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.
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.
Custom Regulation
According to customs regulations,
one adult is allowed to bring into Indonesia
a maximum of one liter of alcoholic
beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 1000
grams of tobacco, and reasonable amount of
perfume. Photographic, video and filming
equipment radios, typewriters, and cars are
admitted provide they are recorded in your
passport on entry and taken out of the
country on departure. Narcotic, firearm and
ammunition, TV set, and Chinese medicine are
strictly prohibited. Fresh fruit, plants and
animals must be passed by Quarantine Office.
Traveling arround
Lombok
Visitor can explore the island by
using various kind of transportation such
as: Taxi, Bus, Bemo/Angkot (local’s public
transportation) and Motorcycle.
Taxis operated from all major hotels and
airport with rate varying according to
destination. Taxi companies in Lombok are
Lombok Taxi (627000), Lendang Express
(634444) and Airport Taxi. Taxis are metered
and charged accordingly to distances..
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