First trip to Lombok?
We are pleased to share some practical tips to make your Lombok trip even more magic!

#CURRENCY
The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). We advise you to bring Euro or USD and to have them exchanged in Rupiah in Lombok. You can withdraw money from ATMs in the neighbourhood of The Lodge.

#ELECTRICITY SOCKET
220V AC electricity. Power outlets are usually two-pin round plugs.

#VISA
In Indonesia, 169 countries can now obtain a visa on arrival. Regardless what country you are from and what visa you will be getting there are a few things every foreign visitor needs before travelling to Indonesia.
– A passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Indonesia.
– A passport that has at least one complete blank page.
– Proof of a return flight or onward flight out of Indonesia.

#SAFETY IN LOMBOK
Violent crime is fairly rare in Lombok, especially in North-Lombok.

#PRECAUTIONS
As Lombok is blessed with beautiful sunny days, it’s easy to drift off into relax mode and forget to put on your suncream. Severe sunburn can not only have detrimental long term effects, but it can also make you uncomfortable and ill whilst on holidays. Take some suncream with you whenever you go out and reapply. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Bangsal Harbour. This is the area where you can catch public boats to the Gili Islands. Locals here can become a bit aggressive and try and carry your bags and demand money from you. Best to avoid this area.

Injured by a coconut. Coconuts falling from their trees and striking individuals cause serious injury to the back, neck, shoulders and head. You have been warned! 😉

#LANGUAGE IN LOMBOK:
Everywhere you go in Lombok, you will easily be able to find people who speak English, although the level of English is for some areas low. The local language is called Bahasa Indonesia.

#TRIP PLANNING LOMBOK
When is the best time to go to Lombok? Generally speaking, Indonesia has a hot tropical climate all year round. April to October makes up the Dry Season while November to March is usually rainy, although Lombok is a lot drier than Bali. Especially for the North-West of the Lombok, the wet season is much more appealing. The wet-season at The Lombok Lodge means only (some days) a (heavy) shower in the late afternoon. Very rarely there is more rain, neither a full day of rain.

#TRAFFIC IN LOMBOK
Most areas of Lombok are free of the traffic jams you will find on Bali. Seeing Lombok by motorbike is very tempting as it is a great way to explore the island.

#WHAT TO PACK FOR LOMBOK
What to Pack for Lombok depends entirely on where you are going and what you are planning to do. If you are heading solely to Lombok with the intention to soak up some sun, you won’t need to bring any outdoor or trekking gear. If you’re heading to Mount Rinjani, we have a detailed packing list for your trekking adventure ready for you.

#LOMBOK HEALTH
Being properly vaccinated is very important to prevent diseases. Your doctor can advise you on exactly what you need, but make sure you go to the doctor as early as you can to leave enough time to get them done. For Lombok the vaccinations you require may include: Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Tetanus Pertussis and Diphtheria, measles mumps and rubella, chicken pox, influenza. Keep in mind that you may have already had a few of these vaccinations as a child and from earlier trips to Asia. An insect repellent spray is recommended whilst in Lombok. * The above health Information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a medical practitioner.

#WHAT TO EAT IN LOMBOK – TYPICAL LOMBOK CUISINE
Lombok island is not only famous for its beautiful nature. The island is also its famous for Food. For foodies, Lombok (and especially The Lombok Lodge) is a great place to visit!

Ayam Taliwang: made with chicken (preferably free range), which is cut and cleaned prior to grilling. Once it has been grilled halfway, it is removed from the grill and tenderized with a pestle. It is then dipped in cooking oil; after several seconds in the oil, it is put in a spicy sauce of garlic, chili, and shrimp paste. It is then fried or grilled to order.

Sate Tanjung: typical Lombok cuisine that uses fish as the main ingredient. The mixture of local spices and fish is burned to make the body feel fit, warm and sweaty. No doubt, many guests are addicted to it again and again.

Plecing Kangkung: West Lombok typical spicy water spinach dish, usually served with Chicken Taliwang. Kale used for cooking is also very typical for Lombok. Blanched kangkung leaf served cold with plecing sambal, made from ground red chili pepper, shallots, garlic, burned bird’s eye chili, candlenut, kaffir lime, burned shrimp paste, a pinch of salt and sugar.

Bebalung: Complete your vacation in Lombok by eating another special culinary specialty of the island – Sup Bebalung. In Sasak language, “Bebalung” means ‘energy’. Soup which consists of meat attached to the beef bone is fresh and suitable to increase your stamina. There are various versions, but in general the ingredients for making Bebalung Soup are galangal, turmeric, and a little ginger. It is well known that the meat on this Bebalung Soup is super soft! Guaranteed to make you addicted.

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