Bali and Lombok Country Dossier
In Bali you’ll find pristine beaches, terraced rice paddies, extraordinary temples and the legendary hospitality of the Balinese people. In Lombok discover dramatic volcanic scenery and lush jungle, colourful local markets and the magical Gili Islands, set like jewels in a shimmering sea. Bali and Lombok each have a distinct character, but both are equally unforgettable.
Factfile
Capital: Bali: Denpasar; Lombok: Mataram
Official Language:Bahasa Indonesia
Religions: Bali: Hindu; Lombok: Muslim
Voltage: Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz, but 110 volts AC, 50Hz, in some rural areas.
Preparing to go
Visas
You will need to obtain the following visa for your tour:
- Indonesia Tourist Visa
Nationals of most countries can apply for a tourist visa on arrival, which is valid for 30 days.
You need at least one empty page in your passport for the stamp. Passports must be valid for 6 months and you should have proof of your return journey.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. The Imaginative Traveller cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. You should check this with your nearest embassy or consulate in case rules change.
Money
Local Currency
The monetary unit in Bali and Lombok is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Approximate exchange rates (as at Feb 2006) are as follows:
- 1 Pound Sterling = 16,168 IDR
- 1 US Dollar = 9,226 IDR
- 1 Euro = 11,030 IDR
Visit XE.com for the latest exchange rates.
Imtrav Travel Tip - You should try to carry at least some of your money in small denomination traveller’s cheques or cash so that you can change only the amount you will actually need.
Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATMs
Generally we recommend that you carry the majority of your funds (around 70%) as traveller’s cheques for security reasons. Do carry some cash as a small amount is often useful in more remote regions. If possible, it is often a good idea to obtain a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival as this can be very useful for any immediate expenses upon arrival. If you can’t obtain currency in advance, you will find banking services in the Arrivals Hall of the airport, port or border post though these won’t necessarily be open 24 hours. Both traveller’s cheques and cash should be a major currency: US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, German Marks, Swiss Francs, French Francs and Dutch Guilders are all widely accepted. Other currencies may not be so easily exchanged. Coins, damaged notes and Scottish notes cannot be exchanged. Some countries are also reluctant to exchange Irish Pounds and Canadian or New Zealand Dollars though Australian Dollars are becoming more widely accepted.
You should try to carry at least some of your money in small denomination traveller’s cheques or cash so that you can change only the amount you will actually need. This is particularly important near the end of your holiday as it is sometimes difficult to change back surplus local currency. We regret that regional Imaginative Traveller offices cannot accept traveller’s cheques as payment for services booked while on tour.
ATMs are available but quite sparsely located around Bali and Lombok. You can also get cash advances from your VISA and Mastercard credit cards but expect to spend a little time in doing this. Costs are in general low in Bali and Lombok. A meal in a local restaurant will cost just a few US dollars. If you go out to a nicer restaurant in the evening, expect to pay between US$5-7 for dinner.
Arrival Transfers
If you do not have an arrival/departure transfer arranged below are some approximate costs for taxis in Indonesia:
Java - Yogyakarta to Hotel 50,000 to 60,000 Rp
Sumatra - Medan to hotel 50,000 Rp
Maninjau to Padang airport (end point) 450,000 Rp (due to 4 hour drive)
Bali - Denpasar to Seminyak 85,000 Rp
What to Take
Most people think of this region as just one long beach, but in actual fact the area is full of history and diverse cultures. Your visit will most definitely involve visiting some important religious sites. Therefore you would be expected to dress appropriately for such visits, generally with shoulders and knees covered.
On the beach all you really need is good sunscreen and sunglasses. Those doing the challenging Mount Rinjani trek on Lombok should expect cold temperatures especially at night and in the morning whilst camping on the slopes of the mountain. You will definitely need comfortable hiking boots with good traction and ankle support. Most hotels provide towels for use in the hotel rooms but not always for taking to the beach so you should either bring your own or rent or buy a beach mat or sunlounger.
The Pre-Departure Booklet that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains a comprehensive list of items that you should consider bringing with you.
- Sunscreen
- Swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Conservative clothing for visiting temples and mosques,
- Warm clothing for Mt Rinjani
- Sandals
- Towel
Clothing
As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, hard-wearing and easily washed. In hot weather cotton clothing is much more comfortable than man-made materials like nylon. It can get cold at altitude, so take something warm like a fleece. Long sleeves are useful to protect from insect bites at dawn and dusk. A hat to keep off the sun is always a good idea in the tropics. Footwear should be comfortable and a pair of sandals gives your feet a chance to dry out after hiking. It can rain at any time of year, so a waterproof is essential.
Cultural & Environmental Guidelines
Culture and Landscape
We operate trips between Bali and Lombok primarily because even though they are neighbouring islands, culturally and geographically they are oceans apart. Bali is home to the only Hindu society in South East Asia. It has stunning Hindu temples, spectacular festivals, emerald green rice paddies and fine sandy beaches with pounding surf. The Balinese are noted for their peaceful demeanour and hospitality. Lombok, on the other hand, is wild and volcanic. The people are predominantly Muslims, the scenery dramatic and in some places barren. The central focal point of the island is Mt Rinjani, a volcano that was thought to be extinct until it suddenly erupted in 1994.
Imtrav Travel Tip - Often people will ask for money in return for a photo so you should carry a supply of small notes if you intend on taking lots of 'people' shots.
Haggling
Bargaining is a way of life in Indonesia, including Bali and Lombok. In the shops and markets there is often no fixed price so the shop keeper will start with a high price which you are then expected to haggle down until you reach a fair price. Never get annoyed - bargaining should always be relaxed and can be a lot of fun.
Special Dietary Requirements
Vegetarians
There are many places to eat out in both Bali and Lombok that have good vegetarian options. If you have any dietary preferences or needs please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.
Please note: Unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can always be met.
Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or preferences, please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.
General Information
Weather
When to go
Many people consider the best time to visit Indonesia to be between May and October, during the dry season. However, it is possible to visit throughout the year and the temperature is consistently hot. If you are visiting during the wet season (November – May) the best advice is to take an umbrella.
Holidays
Contact Details
Local Agent
Happy Trails!
PO Box 3087 Singgi – Sanur
Bali 80030
Indonesia
Tel: + 62 (0) 361-288194
Fax: + 62 (0) 361-288201
Mob: + 62 (0) 813 1722 7935
E-mail: happytrails@cbn.net.id
Website: www.happytrailsindonesia.com
Regional Office
The Imaginative Traveller
Apartment 202
MN Residence
Samsen Soi 5
Banglamphu 10200
Thailand
Tel / Fax: +66 (0) 2628 5212
UK Office
The Imaginative Traveller
1 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1473 667337
Fax: +44 (0)1473 614566
