Lombok Travel Guide

Lombok is an island in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east.

A Passenger Service Charge (PJP2U), often referred to as anairport departure tax, is normally levied upon departing passengers by Indonesian airport operators. A small sticker or coupon is attached to your boarding pass after paying the fee at a dedicated counter following the completion of check-in and after you have been issued with a boarding pass. The Passenger Service Charge counter is situated at the bottom of the stairs and escalators leading up to the departures level.

Bemos (converted passenger-carrying minivans) are the main means of short and medium distance transport on Lombok. They can be hailed down on all larger streets and will happily take you even short hops down the road. Fares are inexpensive. An approximate fare (mid 2009) fromAmpenantoSenggigiis Rp 4,500-5,500/person. Sometimes tourists get charged extra and drivers of empty bemos may try to get you to charter them for a higher price, often more than an equivalent taxi ride over the same distance

Although Lombok is a safe and stable place, these tips may help you along the way:

Most of Lombok's better-quality accommodation can be found within theSenggigistrip to the north of the airport. TheGili Islandshave become increasingly popular with the younger crowd and now offer a full range of accommodations.Kutais popular with surfers and eco-travelers seeking the more serene, traditional village environment. The area around Sira and Medana on the north western coast nearTanjunghas 4 resort style hotels. The main city ofMataram, on the other hand, has very little tourist o