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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 “ Selmat 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 ASSISTANCE
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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