Making the most of Lombok
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Lombok was once a tender port, but a new cruise terminal opened in 2019, removing the need to tender. It can accommodate a 4,000-capacity cruise liner or two smaller ships at the same time.
There are many scenic views and appealing landscapes around Lombok Port's docking area. The nearby town is Lembar.
Lombok's natural surroundings create a peaceful, relaxed setting. The beaches around the island appear pristine but can be dirty; a day there still offers opportunities for water-skiing, swimming, boating and other water sports.
Getting around
Street sellers can be very persistent immediately outside the gates. A van or car with a driver can cost about $75 for the day, while arranging it inside the gates is considerably more expensive. Ask to visit Senggigi beach, stopping for a coconut drink on the way, then the Lombok shopping centre; the driver will wait throughout. Kuta in Lombok is another option if time permits. Do not pay the driver until they return you to the port.
South of the port, motorised boats can be hired for a trip along Gili Nanggu Beach, with views of island life and pleasant bungalows raised on pillars.
It may also be possible to visit the resort island of Gili Nanggu, 20 minutes offshore by outrigger. It has idyllic snorkelling, with attractive coral formations and many colourful fish, plus swimming and relaxation on its white, sandy and somewhat cleaner beach.
Nearby places
The Gili Islands, made up of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, have the region's best beaches. Snorkelling and scuba diving are their principal activities.
Gunung Rinjani is a spectacular natural destination. Hiking in its volcanic mountain range provides majestic views over the island and Sapit village, while hot springs and the vast semi-lunar crater created by an eruption centuries ago are also worth seeing.
Food and shopping
Local markets sell Lombok souvenirs, including carvings, and visitors can watch artisans at work.
Money
ATMs are common in Indonesia's major cities.
Take care with credit cards, as cloning and fraud are major problems in Indonesia. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, whereas American Express can be difficult to use. Smaller businesses commonly add a surcharge of 2-5% over cash payments.
Staying connected
Indonesia's sole official language is Indonesian, known as Bahasa Indonesia.
Internet prices differ greatly, and the usual rule that you get what you pay for applies; expect around Rp 5,000 per hour. In larger cities, selected shopping malls, McDonald restaurants and Starbucks cafes have free hotspots, and some hotels provide them in the lobby.
For mobile-phone emergencies, call 112.