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It is always nice to learn a few customs of
the area when visiting a different country, here are some do’s
and don’ts for an enjoyable trip:
Do:
- Use your right hand when eating, accepting
or giving anything
- If offering anything to someone do it more than once if
they refuse
- Try eating traditionally and sit on the floor
- Try wearing a sarong (both men and women)
Don’t:
- Touch someone’s head even if you are trying to be
friendly or joking
- Point your feet at things, please use your hands instead
Cell Phones
Cell phones in Indonesia operate on the GSM network. If you have
brought you cellular handset you can purchase prepaid calling cards
to make outgoing calls at a lower rate than calling on your home
SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific, the major service
providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Rite so look for signs
and banners with those markings.
Health and Medical Information
Most hotels have on call doctors. For the condition commonly known
as Bali Belly, Lomotil and Imodium eliminate symptoms but not infections,
to ensure you have a wonderful holiday we recommend that you bring
this medication with you. A fever along with the symptoms requires
doctor prescribed antibiotics, drink as much liquid as possible
and for discomfort and cramping drink strong, hot tea.
To avoid Bali Belly peel fruit before you eat it, avoid raw vegetables
and drink only bottled water. Ice in restaurants can be safe but
you should always ask first. Always protect yourself from the intense
equatorial sun, be sure to use sun-block and a hat.
Sexually transmitted diseases are increasing in Indonesia; local
sex workers have partners from all over the world. If you choose
to partake in these activities always act responsibly and use a
condom, available over the counter at pharmacies. Drugs and child
pornography or abuse are illegal and, as in other countries, you
will be subject to prosecution and punishment under the law of that
country.
Money and Local Currencies
When changing money there are many money changers in Lombok, the
best rates are usually in Senggigi. Money changers prefer new, clean,
large bills but will accept smaller denominations at a lower rate.
If you have traveler’s cheques the rate will be less than
bank notes. Be sure to count your money before you leave the money
changers, you can also check local banks but the rate is slightly
lower than outside.
Re-counting the money in front of the money changer is a must and
is not considered offensive. A suggestion when changing money: If
you plan on making small purchases be sure to carry small denominations
with you because many sellers do not have change. The Rupiah comes
in denominations of 100000, 50000, 10000, 5000, 1000, 500 and 100,
remember to carefully check the number of zeros on the notes when
making purchases.
Business Hours
Indonesians work in the morning to avoid the heat of the day so
if you need to visit a government office arrive between 0800 and
1130. This can also apply to banks and private businesses. Government
offices close early on Fridays and Saturdays but generally offices
are open 0730-1500 Monday-Thursday and 0700-1200 on Fridays. (Banks
are closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Things to take back home
Wanting to take something back from Lombok? Lombok has great woven
textiles like songkets and ikats that can be used as a sarong, wall
hanging, table cloth or beautiful gift. The design woven is special
to each weaver and it is passed down through the generations. There
is a traditional hand weaving village in Puyung, central Lombok
where you can even try on a traditional Sasak costume. Banyumulek
(West Lombok), Penujak (Central Lombok) and Masbagik (East Lombok)
are famous villages in Lombok for making pottery; Lombok pottery
has gained popularity and is shipped throughout the world.
There is a wide range of selections that can be custom made to your
liking. There are many traditional handicrafts you could take back
as a souvenir eg: wooden masks, baskets made out of ketak grass,
wooden boxes designed with shells and items made from bamboo or
rattan. Don’t forget to check the quarantine regulations in
your country.
Information courtesy of Lombok Network
www.lombok-network.com
Imaj Private Villas … Imajine everything
in life was this perfect.
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