Lombok is easily reach by air and sea from neighboring islands, but is not as accessible from other parts of Indonesia or nearby countries. The vast majority of visitors come from Bali, less than 100km away, while those island-hopping from the east will normally come from Sumbawa.

Money Changer

You can change cash and travelers cheques in major currencies at banks and money changers in Mataram and the tourist centres Senggigi, the Gilis and Kuta. Money changers normally offer more attractive exchange rates than banks, but their rates are 10% to 15% lower than a tourist service on Bali, so it's worth stocking up on rupiah if you are arriving from Bali. In remotes area it is difficult to get change, so always make sure you will carry a lot of small notes and loose change.

Visa & Document

Visa requirements are the same as for Bali.

Suggested Itineraries

You will need at least one week to fully appreciate Lombok, plus another few days if you plan to climb Gunung Rinjani. Two weeks is about all you need, unless you plan to do a lot of trekking, sunbaking and exploring of traditional village. 

Electricity

All parts of Indonesia utilize electricity supply is 220V. There are some areas like Gili air, Gili Meno and Kuta, electricity supply is limited, erratic or nonexistent. In these three tourist areas, mid-range and up market hotels normally have small generators, but chieper places may have no electricity at all, so bring candles and a torch (flashlight).

Toilets

Lombok is relatively poor and undeveloped, so toilets in most restaurants and budget hotels are more likely to be the squat-style variety, and they won't provide toilet paper. Toilet paper is available at general stores throughout Lombok, but if there's a bin next to the toilet, use it to dispose of the paper so you do not clog up their system.

Health

Most of the health considerations are the same as for Bali, except that Malaria is a real risk on Lombok. We suggest you to consume the Malaria tablets before visiting Lombok

Medical Services

There are a few decent hospital in Mataram, as well as less salubrious public hospitals in Praya (Central Lombok) and Selong (East Lombok). There is also a medical clinic for tourists in Senggigi. For anything serious, go to Denpasar or even Singapore or Darwin.

Post & Communications

The main post office in Mataram is the only one with a poste restante service; other post offices will accept poste restante mail, but then redirect it to Mataram. You can have mail sent to your hotel, but it may take time. You can send and receive international calls and faxes from private and telkom wartels (public telephone offices) in most larger towns, for about the same cost as in Bali. There is a Home Country Direct Dial telephone inside the waiting room at the Mataram airport. The emergency telephone numbers for Lombok are the same as on Bali. All of Lombok is in the (0370) telephone area code.