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Loma Linda

Loma Linda is a small city in San Bernardino County, Southern California. It has approximately 25,000 people and is adjacent to San Bernardino and Redlands.

By car
The primary access to Loma Linda is by car off the interstate 10 freeway.

By plane
The closest airport is Ontario international airport. From there, take the 10 freeway east until just after the 215 interchange. Airport shuttles are available from Prime Time Shuttles.

By bus
Omnitrans operates buses in the area.

Get around
By far the best way to get around is by car, the city is built and equipped for vehicles primarily. Be aware that the intersection of Waterman and Hospitality Lane is equipped with a photo ticket system.

Do
Loma Linda in Spanish means "Beautiful Hill" and as such Loma Linda's south hills provide a great backdrop for mountain biking or hiking. The hills are often dry with low lying brush surrounding the trails so care must be taken to avoid any fires. In the summer, the hills can be hot and less than a desirable destination. Exercise is typically important to Loma Linda residents and you will see many joggers on the streets at all times of the day and night. Hulda Crooks park, which is named after an adventurous female hiker who hiked challenging mountains into her old age, provides a respite from the rest of the city. Hulda Crooks Park, in the south of Loma Linda, has about 3 acres of grass with playground equipment.

Loma Linda South Hills Preserve includes nearly 2,000 acres of wildland, permanently protected from development. To access the extensive trail system, go south on Mt. View Ave into Hulda Crooks Park. You can park near the dog park or the tennis courts. Go further into the hills on the dirt roads that leave the park. You can pick up the Chamber of Commerce map at City Hall or other locations in town. The map shows the trails within the Preserve.

Beware of rattlesnakes on the trails, especially during warm weather! Stay on the trails to avoid meeting them unexpectedly. Almost all snakebites happen because someone is bothering the snakes. Give them lots of room and get away.

Buy
Outside of Loma Linda, shopping can be done in the cities of either Redlands or San Bernardino. In Redlands, Citrus Plaza as well as State Street provide good shopping. In San Bernardino, the Inland Center Mall is best suited for shopping. Carousel Mall is to be avoided, because of reports of frequent gang activity.

Eat
The Loma Linda area is packed with restaurants. Hospitality Lane (just outside of Loma Linda on the north) provides a lot of large chain sit-down eating establishments; Claim Jumper, El Torito, Chili's, Mimi's Cafe, and many more.

Drink
Loma Linda is an almost entirely dry city. There appear to be very few establishments in Loma Linda that can distribute alcohol, as the city council chooses not to approve most permits. Stater Bros. in Loma Linda does sell alcohol.

Sleep
There are much more options in San Bernardino and Redlands.

title: Loma Linda


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Loma Plata

Loma Plata is one of the three Mennonite colonies of the Chaco in Western Paraguay. Located 440 km northwest from Asunción it is surrounded by the desert-like environment characteristic to the central Chaco that creates a frontier-like cityscape in the town. Visitors to Loma Plata find a thriving industrial town with a rich historic heritage, some pristine nature reserves within easy reach from town, and good lodging and eating facilities. All this in an affluent Mennonite community just off the desolate Transchaco highway.

Understand
Founded by German Mennonites in the 1920s, Loma Plata is the second largest of the Mennonite colonies of the Chaco after Filadelfia with a population of about 9,000 inhabitants. Like the rest of the Mennonite colonies the town is greatly influenced by the work of a cooperative, in this case the Chortitzer Cooperative, one of the largest in the Chaco which is, in turn, responsible for running most of the city services like the hospital, the main supermarket, the savings bank, the school, and many others, which are paid for by the profits from the cooperative.

A large fraction of its population descends from German Mennonites who immigrated from Canada in the 1927.

Most businesses are closed during lunchtime from 12:00 to 14:00, as well as on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

By bus
The bus stop is on Avenida Central, the main street. Most buses then continue to Fildelfia. The main bus company serving the area is NASA, which also uses the name Golondrina.
 * to Asunción 440 km, ~10 hr, 3 buses per day (one overnight), ₲70,000
 * to Filadelfia 21 km, ~45 min, 1 bus per day, ₲10,000
 * to Mariscal Estigarribia 101 km, ~1½ hr, 2 buses per day, ₲15,000

By car
Loma Plata is 24 km off the Transchaco Highway. Asunción is 440 km to the southeast, and the Bolivia border is 328 km to the northwest; travelling time to both sides is about 7 hours.

Get around
Avenida Central is the main street and most of the things relevant for the tourist are on this avenue between the two roundabouts.

Out of town
There are some historical sites in the surroundings of Loma Plata that have been converted into open air museums related to the arrival of the Mennonites in the 1920s and succesive colonization of the area. There is also an important site (Isla Poí) from the Chaco War.

Events
The is the largest expo and rodeo event of the Chaco. It takes place annually in mid-August. There are approximately 150 exhibitors and more than 600 animals that come from the Mennonite cattle ranchs.

Buy
The main supermarket selling among others local produced - Chortitzer - products is on Avenida Central

Drink
Loma Plata is not particularly known for its nightlife scene. The Mennonites are very hardworking people and after dark it seems that everyone goes to bed. However, there are some fast food and burger spots along Avenida Central offering cold beers and picadas, also the gas stations around town have convenience stores that sell spirits.

Connect
Most hotels offer Wi-Fi for guests.

Go next
The other two Mennonite colonies are close and worth visiting:
 * Filadelfia is 24 km to the east. The largest and most cosmopolitan of the Mennonite colonies is a charming city.
 * Neuland - 53 km to the south. It's the smallest of the Mennonite colonies and a charming town close to historic sites full of relics of the Chaco War.
 * Mariscal Estigarribia - 101 km to the northwest. The site of a large military airbase and the last stop before continuing to more remote areas of the central and northern Chaco.

If you want to go to Bolivia you will have to catch the Asunción-Bolivia bus at Mariscal Estigarribia. Take the bus to Filadelfia, and then to Mariscal Estigarribia. Ask the driver to drop you off at the immigration office. You will have to wait there for the bus from Asunción to Bolivia to come. Buses normally depart from Asunción daily at 20:00 and reach Mariscal Estigarribia around 03:00. You will have to pay for the entire journey from Asuncion and the cost is US$65 to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. When the bus arrives the immigration officer will check your passport and issue your exit stamp. Don't board the bus without doing this as there is no Paraguayan immigration at the border. Once you have boarded the bus you will travel for 6-7 hours before you arrive at Bolivian immigration.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Loma Plata


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Lombard

Lombard is a suburb of Chicago in Illinois and is considered part of Chicagoland. Lombard is a small town with a tight-knit community built around it's high schools and the downtown Lombard culture. Residents of Lombard are very friendly and familial and willing to guide tourists to various locations in Chicago and Chicagoland.

By public transportation
The Metra West Line stops at the Lombard train station in downtown Lombard. If coming from the city, the West Line departs from the Ogilvie Transportation Center. If you are not in the area of The Center, take the outbound green line "L" train to the Harlem station (the end of the line). The Metra train stops on the same platform.

By car
From Chicago: Get on I-290 West and continue when it merges onto I-88. Exit at Highland Ave. (at Yorktown Mall). If you want to avoid tolls, head west on Roosevelt Rd./IL-Rt. 38. Lombard begins shortly after the I-294 junction.

From Indiana: Head west on 80/94. Merge onto I-294 N towards Chicago, then exit at Roosevelt Rd. and head west.

From the south: Head north on I-355 and exit at Roosevelt Rd., then turn east.

From the north: Head SE in I-90/I-290/IL-Rt. 53. Merge onto I-355 South. Exit at Roosevelt Road and turn east.

From the west: Head east on I-88 and exit at Highland Ave. If you want to avoid tolls, head east on IL-Rt. 38 or IL-Rt. 56.

Get around
There is a local bus service which travels throughout the suburbs and the city of Chicago known as the Pace System. Your best bet to understanding Pace is talking to someone who is familiar with it, as it is considered by most to be confusing and overpriced. The best mode of transportation is by car. Taxi services are available by phone call.

Buy

 * Downtown Lombard has a variety of boutiques and privately-owned craft stores.

title: Lombard


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Lombardy

Lombardy (Lombardia in Italian and Lombard) is a northern region of Italy, and with 10 million people is the most populous one. Producing a fifth of Italy's GDP, it is also the mightiest economically. Geographically, Lombardy encompasses both Alps and Prealps in the north, and relatively flat plains in the south along the river Po and its tributaries. Between them there are many scenic lakes, and the alpine backdrop makes even the low-lying cities picturesque and the air rather fresh.

Lombardy is heavily industrialised, although most of the industry is actually not heavy, but rather mid-sized specialised machinery-building and other assembly and engineering firms, as well as consumer industries such as foodstuffs and apparel. The regional capital, Milan, is Italy's second-largest city and the foremost centre of commerce and a global fashion capital. Smaller cities also have considerable economic might, and have had so for many centuries, hence Lombardy is the region of Italy with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites - and simply, a lot of history and scenic views to explore and enjoy.

Cities

 * (Milano, the capital of the metropolitan city of that name) – shares with Paris the title of fashion capital of the world, and is Italy's second city
 * – a fairytale pastel-coloured city perched atop a hillside, and the gate to Bergamo Alps
 * – a major industrial powerhouse since ancient Roman times, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
 * – the city that gave the name to the popular lake
 * – home of Stradivarius violins, but also a wealth of ornate Romanesque architecture
 * – a charming litle city on Lake Como
 * (Italian: Mantova) – the Ducal Palace has a cycle of frescoes by Mantegna that no art lover should miss
 * – the northernmost provincial capital situated amidst alpine mountain ranges
 * – capital of the namesake province full of lakeside resorts

Other destinations

 * The magnificent lakes of Lake Como - take boat trips in the shadow of the Alps to the picturesque villages of Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo - Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and Lake Lugano.
 * The tiny village of Erbusco, home of the award-winning wines of Franciacorta and L'Albereta, the country inn of Gualtiero Marchesi, one of Italy's premier chefs
 * The peninsula of Sirmione, on the south shore of Lake Garda
 * The Caves of Catullo, an archaeological site of a former Roman villa situated on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula
 * The Sirmione Spa, the largest privately owned thermal treatment centre in Italy
 * : UNESCO heritage site, medieval towns, castles, holy art in churches, roman sanctuary and theatre/amphitheatre, ski sports.
 * : Wine region in the utmost southern part of Lombardy, 70km from Milan, part of the Pavia province, medieval towns, castles, panoramic views.
 * : an Italian exclave in nearby Switzerland, with looser tax laws, a large casino, and great views over Lake Lugano
 * : an Italian exclave in nearby Switzerland, with looser tax laws, a large casino, and great views over Lake Lugano

Understand
The Longobardis occupied the peninsula in the 6th century, and this area has been named after them ever since.

Lombardy is a prosperous region with fertile soil and a temperate climate. As in Piedmont, the Po Valley is the site of much heavy industry. High mountains in the north, marking Italy's frontier with Switzerland, provide excellent skiing and climbing.

By plane
Three of Italy's four busiest airports are in Lombardy:
 * Milano Malpensa Airport is an intercontinental airport, and Italy's second aviation hub after Rome Fiumicino. It has multiple direct connections to Africa, Asia and North America, and across Europe, where it is served by full-service and low-fare carriers.
 * Milano Linate is Milan's city airport, served by business-oriented flights to European major commercial centres, and by a dense Italian domestic network.
 * Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is served almost exclusively by low-fare carriers, taking advantage of its proximity to both Milan and the Alps.

Despite only Linate being in the city and province of Milan, all three airports are marketed as serving the city. One can easily get to other destinations in the province from them, without necessarily changing in Milan. There is also a small airport in Brescia. As of July 2018, it had no regular passenger flights.

By train
Road and train links connect the region with Switzerland. As Switzerland is not part of the EU, there is a possibility that you will be delayed by checks at the border, although these are infrequent and usually not rigorous. Remember your passport.

Get around
There is a relatively dense railway network connecting cities and towns in Lombardy, although the layout is intricate and getting from one place to another may not be straightforward. You should be able to reach your destination within 1 or 2 hours by train. Otherwise, buses and minibuses link important destinations, especially those popular with tourists. Hubs are usually in regional centres, as well as near major railway stations and airports; you can try to change there if there are no direct connections. Regional train network is entirely managed by Trenord.

Regione Lombardia offers a good travel planner that lets you query the whole public transportation system.

If you plan to travel a lot, it might be worth buying a io viaggio ovunque in Lombardia  pass ticket. Those tickets let you travel without limit on the entire public transport system in Lombardy, including regional trains, buses and city public transportation systems, but excluding some ferry boat lines. Although expensive, they can easily be a cheaper option than regular tickets if you travel long distances. Passes are sold at railway stations (at ticket box or automatic vending machines) and at ATM automatic vending machines. You can buy 1, 2, 3 or 7 day passes (€16, €27, €32.5, €43 respectively - February 2015).

The railway company Trenord offers some good travel packages, under the Trenord Free Time name. The package usually includes a ticket to an attraction or a trip proposal and a train ticket to get to the destination. Most of them are really useful only if you depart from Milan. It's worth to take a look at the offers as they can also suggest you some new or lesser known itinerary that you may like.

As the Autostrada A4 runs across Lombardy, with the road system radiating from its junctions, you can get around by car as well. The A4 frequently gets congested though and traffic jams can be long and excruciating, especially around Milan. Be aware that Italians drive fast and make no allowances for foreigners, so be sure you are OK with keeping up with the traffic and occasional displays of impatience from other drivers.

Milan, Bergamo and Brescia have efficient and extensive public transportation systems.

Do

 * Milan Fashion Weeks draw crowds of fashionistas to Milan every year.
 * La Scala in Milan is a mecca for opera aficionados.
 * You can enjoy water sports or more relaxed boating on the lakes.
 * The Alps offer opportunities for hiking or skiing.

Eat
Lombardy's most famous culinary inventions are minestrone soup and osso buco (literally "ox knuckles"). To the west of Milan lie miles of rice fields, where the rice for risotto alla milanese is grown. Other typical dishes of the area include salumi (cold cuts) and polenta.

As in many other areas of Northern Italy, the aperitivo (pre-meal drink with appetisers, for which a small supplement might be charged) is very popular.

Drink
The wineries in Franciacorta, around Erbusco, produce many excellent wines. The region has been elevated to the status of DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). Other remarkable zones for wine are Oltrepò Pavese (which is the zone around Pavia on the south banks of Po river) and the countrysides around Garda Lake.

Valtellina also produces excellent wines, famous for their strong taste and flavour.

As every big city in the world, Milan has also many high quality restaurants, wine bars and Enoteche (wine store) where you can find high class wines from all over the world.

Sleep
Large cities, like Milan, Bergamo or Brescia, are important business centres, so they have sizeable bases of business-oriented hotels. They are local hubs with connections to destinations within their provinces, and getting between them is also reasonably quick via a variety of means of transportation (trains, express buses or cars across the A4). Do note that accommodation in Milan is generally expensive, and prices skyrocket during major events or fairs, such as the Milan Fashion Week.

Destinations along the lines of the lakes, as well as those in the Alps, are popular with tourists, so you will find a variety of accommodation options there, from luxurious resort hotels to simple B&Bs.

Stay safe
While Milan features many of the usual tourist traps and con acts, as well as sizeable number of pickpockets due to the number of tourists there, other destinations are generally safe, and you can feel secure and welcome there. Do note, however, that in case you need to contact the police they can have very limited English skills and also may not be able to help foreigners much.

Go next
To the east is Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto, to the south is Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont is to the south and west. Switzerland lies to the north.

title: Lombardy


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Lombok

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.

Regions
The regions below are presented for the convenience of travellers, but the regencies in Lombok are significantly different: West Lombok Regency, North Lombok Regency, Central Lombok Regency, East Lombok Regency and Mataram City.

Cities

 * — the capital city of the West Lombok Regency.
 * — the capital city of the Central Lombok Regency, Lombok's second city and nearby to the site of the islands international airport, Bandara Internasional Lombok.
 * — the capital city of the East Lombok Regency
 * — the capital of the North Lombok Regency, small city in the northwest, lies at the foot of Mount Rinjai's slopes, the two nearby peninsulas of Medana and Sire are home to some of the best resort and luxury villa destinations on the island
 * — the capital of the North Lombok Regency, small city in the northwest, lies at the foot of Mount Rinjai's slopes, the two nearby peninsulas of Medana and Sire are home to some of the best resort and luxury villa destinations on the island

Other destinations

 * — off the beaten path in West Lombok, this area is fast becoming a tourist destination.
 * — almost impossibly beautiful isolated bay in the southeast which is earmarked for high end resort development
 * — village on the southern edge of the Mount Rinjani National Park with wonderful scenery

Understand

Just east of Bali, Lombok in many ways lives up to or exceeds the promotional term, "an unspoiled Bali", although culturally they are quite different. With beautiful beaches, enchanting waterfalls, the large, looming volcano of Mount Rinjani combined with relatively few tourists, Lombok is indeed the paradisical tropical island that many people still mistakenly imagine Bali to be now. Some people also mention that you can see Bali from Lombok, but you can't see Lombok from Bali.

Lombok and Bali are separated by the Lombok Strait. It is also part of the bio-geographical boundary between the fauna of Indo-Malaysia and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia. The boundary is known as the Wallacean Line, after Alfred Russell Wallace, who first remarked upon the striking difference between animals of Indo-Malaysia and those of Australasia, and how abrupt the boundary was between the two biomes.

Calling Lombok paradise does not mean it is all things for all people. With a few exceptions, the natural landscape and the traditional way of life have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Virtually all small to medium size businesses are run by local families. Many of these businesses sell a wide variety of merchandise, where villagers can find food, hardware, and toys all in a single small store. While it is possible to find five-star hotels run by global corporations, this is the exception, not the rule. The ubiquitous global fast-food franchises are restricted to two outlets in the precincts of Mataram Mall in the main City of Lombok and are well sign-posted.

In the indigenous language of the Sasak people of Lombok, the word Lombok "(luum-book)" literally translates into Bahasa Indonesian as lurus (en: straight ahead).

A common misunderstanding is that the name of the island Lombok is derived from the Bahasa Indonesian meaning of Lombok which is chilli or (cabai in Bahasa Indonesia), as is thought by many visitors and some Indonesians from other parts of the archipelago.

Lombok has been awarded as one of the world's Best Halal Tourism Destination in 2016 and is still expanding its tourism section to gain more visitors from all around the world. Newer hotels, resorts and an international circuit is being built.

History of tourism
The dominant Sasak culture in Lombok and the very restrained and quiet nature of its people may help explain why Lombok is less popular in terms of shopping, cuisine, and nightlife than Bali. Lombok is however becoming increasingly popular with tourists and honeymooners who want to relax in an inexpensive, tropical, un-crowded atmosphere, with many natural treasures and majestic scenery. Nothing happens quickly in Lombok and visitors who are stressed from their daily lives find Lombok a delightful place to unwind.

The anticipated tourism boom has been halted on several occasions. In 2000, mobs of the ethnic Sasak people, ostensibly provoked by fundamentalist Muslim agitators, diverted from a trip to Maluku, looted and burned churches as well as homes and businesses owned by Hindus and ethnic Chinese. These actions were actively resisted by many of the Sasak people and brought on a swift response from the authorities to protect the tourism precincts of the island. The bombing of nightclubs in Bali in 2002 and the further explosions in 2005 further exacerbated the fears held by foreign tourists. For many years the embassies of several countries have issued stern travel advisory warnings against travel to Indonesia. The ensuing years have remained very peaceful in Lombok. In the years 2010-2017 tourists steadily gained confidence that travel to the island is safe, and the travel economy was really starting to gain steam. Sadly, in 2018, Lombok was struck by two severe earthquakes that caused widespread destruction of property and loss of life. After a concerted recovery effort, the island was finally ready to begin welcoming tourists back again when Covid-19 hit.

Aside from minor and very isolated incidents of petty theft and the normal dangers of travelling on the roads in Indonesia the island remains a quiet, peaceful and safe destination for visitors. Lombok is a relaxing place, the warm tropical sun can normally slowly melt a sense of urgency and a hurried pace off most visitors.

Culture
Lombok has a rich and enduring indigenous culture that has withstood the pressures of modernity remarkably well. The strong remnant culture and history of the Sasak people are one of the many unique attractions of the island. The island has of a total population of 3,166,685 (as of 2010 Census), 85% are indigenous Sasak people whose origins are thought to have arisen from Java in the first millennium BC. Other residents include an estimated 10–15% Balinese, with the small remainder being Tionghoa-Peranakan, Javanese, Sumbawanese and Arab Indonesians. The Sasak people are culturally and linguistically closely related to the Balinese, but unlike the Hindu Balinese, the majority practice local Muslim faith and traditions.

Some have described Islam as being first brought to Lombok by traders arriving from Sumbawa in the 17th century, who then established a following in eastern Lombok. Other accounts describe the first influences arriving in the first half of the 16th century. The palm leaf manuscript Babad Lombok contains the history of Lombok and describes how Sunan Prapen was sent by his father, The Susuhunan Ratu of Giri, on a military expedition to Lombok and Sumbawa in order to convert the population and propagate the new religion. However, the new religion took on a highly syncretistic character, frequently mixing animist and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs and practices with Islam. This remained so until a more orthodox Sunni characterised version of Islam slowly began to become popular at the beginning of the 20th century. The Indonesian government agamaization programs (acquiring of a religion) in Lombok during 1967 and 1968 led to a period of some considerable confusion in religious allegiances and practices. These agamaization programs later led to the emergence of more conformity in religious practices in Lombok.

A notable non-orthodox Islamic group found only on Lombok are the Wektu Telu ("Three Prayers"), who as the name suggests praying only 3 times daily, instead of the 5 times stipulated in the Quran. Many of the Waktu Telu beliefs are entwined with animism. Waktu Telu has influenced not only Islam but also Hinduism and pantheistic beliefs. There are also remnants of Boda (people "without a religion") who maintain Pagan Sasak beliefs.

Before the arrival of Islam, Lombok experienced a long period of Hindu and Buddhist influence that reached the island through Java. To this day, a minority Balinese Hindu culture remains strong in Lombok.

The Hindu minority religion is still practised in Lombok alongside the majority Muslim religion. Hinduism is followed by the many ethnic Balinese who have travelled across the Lombok Strait from Bali, as well as some people of indigenous Sasak origin.

All the main Hindu religious ceremonies are celebrated in Lombok and there are many villages throughout Lombok that have a Hindu majority population. According to local legends two of the oldest villages on the island, Bayan and Sembalun, was founded by a prince of Majapahit.

The Nagarakertagama, the 14th-century palm leaf poem that was found on Lombok, places the island as one of the vassals of the Majapahit empire. This manuscript contained detailed descriptions of the Majapahit Kingdom and also affirmed the importance of Hindu-Buddhism in the Majapahit empire by describing temple, palaces and several ceremonial observances.

Lombok experienced a period of Balinese occupation until the Dutch colonial government reinstated the Sasak rulers in the early 1890s following a direct appeal from the deposed Sasak rulers to the Dutch colonialists asking them to assist in driving out the Balinese occupiers. After a protracted, costly and destructive military campaign, the Dutch eventually overwhelmed the Balinese with a bloody battle fought around Ampernan and Mataram. The Dutch took the Nagarakretagama manuscript as part of the valuable Lombok treasure taken as war-booty from the destroyed palace of Mataram-Cakranagara in Lombok in 1894. Following the defeat of the Balinese occupiers, the people of Lombok remained under Dutch colonial control of the Netherlands East Indies until the Japanese occupied Lombok in the 1940s.

The Christian minority religion is actively practised in Lombok by some of the Chinese ethnicity and other Indonesians especially those from East Nusa Tenggara.

There is also a small Arab community in Lombok whose history dates back to early settlement by traders from Yemen. The small community is still evident mainly in Ampenan, the old port of Mataram and retains many of their own traditions.

A UNHCR refugee centre was established some years ago in Lombok. People of Iraqi origin have arrived in Lombok under the provisions of this UNHCR program. Many of the displaced have remained in a state of limbo in Lombok whilst trying to seek immigration to nearby Australia or elsewhere. Some of these refugees have intermarried with Lombok residents, adding their own subtle cultural influence to Lombok.

There are also a small number of people predominantly of European, Australian and New Zealand origins who are resident or semi-permanent residents of Lombok. Some are retirees, others have business activities in Lombok or nearby or they are employed in the mining industries of Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB). Most are living in the coastal areas of West Lombok.

Lombok has individual settlers and small communities of Indonesian people from other areas, including Bali,Jawa, Sumbawa, and Timor, as well as other areas of Indonesia, but the prevailing and dominant culture remains that of the Sasak people.

Many influences of animist belief still prevail within the Sasak community. Traditional magic is widely practised to ward off evil and illness, to seek good fortune or to assist with the resolution of disputations and personal antipathy. There is a range of outcomes sought from local Dukun (traditional healer and magician) ranging from love spells to death. Thieves will often have magic used upon them so that their bodies will become 'hot' leading to a confession, a frequent trespasser may become disoriented and become 'lost' or a boy may fall under a girl's spell of desire and fall in love with her. Magic may be practised by an individual alone but normally a person experienced in such things is sought out to render a service. Normally money or gifts are made to this person in return for their services and the most powerful practitioners are treated with considerable respect.

Climate
While tropical, hot and humid, Lombok is drier than neighbouring Bali, which makes it a particularly attractive option during the Oct-Apr rainy season (it rains on Lombok too, but rarely for more than an hour or two). The peak of the tourist season, though, is May-August.

Talk
The main local language is Bahasa Sasak, the language of the indigenous Sasak people of Lombok. Bahasa Sasak is normally spoken throughout Lombok and has dialectal variations across the island. Indonesian is also spoken or at least understood by most local people and will normally be used in government offices, larger shops and businesses. In the more remote and undeveloped areas of Lombok however, Indonesian is not frequently used and often cannot be understood by the local people, especially the elderly and those who have missed out on formal schooling.

English is reasonably common in the resort areas and occasionally some other European languages are spoken by people involved in the tourism sector.

By plane

 * The Ngurah Rai International Airport on nearby Bali is a short distance by air (flight time 25 minutes), with several daily flights by both turboprop and jet powered aircraft. Tickets normally cost about Rp 900,000 for a single journey (July 2024).
 * The Ngurah Rai International Airport on nearby Bali is a short distance by air (flight time 25 minutes), with several daily flights by both turboprop and jet powered aircraft. Tickets normally cost about Rp 900,000 for a single journey (July 2024).

Domestic
Domestic flights are provided by several airlines. There are connections from Java including Jakarta CGK (flight time 1 hr 50 minutes-2 hr) and Surabaya SUB (flight time 55-60 minutes). The direct flights from either Jakarta or Surabaya are a much faster option than the long overland and sea route via Bali. Air services between Bali and Lombok are a very good alternative to the much more drawn out sea journeys on the public slow ferries, or the fast boats that operate across the Lombok Strait.

As domestic flight options are subject to regular change, check the Lombok Praya International airport website for current airline listings and domestic arrivals instructions.

Flights from the east include services to and from Sumbawa and Bima. Eastward services are often disrupted and scheduled flights may change or be cancelled at short notice. Some of the eastward destinations may offer slightly better flight frequencies if you fly to Bali first.

Be alert that passengers bags may be offloaded without notice by the airlines operating smaller aircraft types if the aircraft is potentially over-weight. The airline may overlook advising the passengers until they have arrived at their destination without the bags on-board. Smaller turbo-prop aircraft are often operated eastward of Lombok may have lower baggage allowances, check your ticketing for details.

Wings (LionAir) and Garuda may sometimes add extra flights at peak times or if the boat services to and from Bali are temporarily suspended due to inclement weather conditions in the Lombok Strait. Always check online schedules for updates.

International
International flights are limited to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (LCCT).

 * Garuda offer one-stop (single ticket) daily connections from Kuala Lumpur KUL and Singapore SIN. The Garuda Airlines service is code shared with Malaysian Airlines and is operated via Jakarta. These flights arrive and depart at the domestic section of the terminal. Garuda also have single issue ticketing available for flights to Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, and Australian destinations including Brisbane, Melbourne Perth and Sydney. Through route and code sharing arrangements connecting with Etihad Airways flights via Jakarta and Denpasar up to 31 destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Levant, Africa, Europe and North America may be available on a single ticket issue. If the destinations do not appear in the Garuda Indonesia on-line booking system then contact Garuda direct or speak with a travel agent.
 * Scoot operate service between Singapore and Lombok
 * Lion Air offer one-stop (single ticket) daily connections from Kuala Lumpur KUL and Singapore SIN. These flights arrive and depart at the domestic section of the terminal.

Domestic flights operating to and from Lombok are sometimes delayed or re-scheduled, especially on the routes to the east of Lombok. Allow generous time in transit between flights most especially those connecting with international connections.

Visa and departure tax
All passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia and have at least 2 blank pages available for stamps and visas.

There are three principal ways for a traveller to formally enter Indonesia through a Lombok seaport or airport:
 * Visa waiver. Show your passport, get stamped, that's it.  Applies to 169 of eligible nationalities, includes all of ASEAN member nations.
 * Visa on arrival. Pay on arrival, get a visa in your passport, get it stamped.
 * Visa in advance. Obtain a visa at an Indonesian embassy before arrival.

For more comprehensive details on visa requirements please see the main article on Indonesia

Immigration clearance facilities are available for incoming International passengers arriving at the Lombok international terminal. Visitors arriving in Lombok from a point of origin outside Indonesia and clearing customs and immigration at Lombok's international airport may require the purchase of a Visa on Arrival (VoA). As of January 2010, the only type of visa on arrival available is the (Index B-213) visa, the cost is US$25 and it is valid for a stay of 30 days (the previous 7 day visa on arrival is no longer available). Exact change in US dollars is recommended, although a selection of other major currencies including Rupiah are accepted, and any change will usually be given in Rupiah. Both the day of arrival and the day of departure are counted towards the 30 days.

Entry is processed through separate channels if the visa has been obtained prior to the time of departure arrival. There is a separate channel for Indonesian passport holders.

VoA (Visa on Arrival)
Arriving passengers of eligible nationalities first purchase the VoA (Visa on Arrival) voucher at a dedicated counter, they are subsequently processed through immigration clearance channels for processing their VoA and a visa stamp is placed into their passport.
 * The VoA may be extended later at the local Immigration office for a further (once only) period of up to 30 days, the cost for the extension is Rp 250,000.

Pre-issued visas
If the visa has been obtained prior to the time of departure the passenger is normally processed through a separate channel. A further processing channel is provided for Indonesian passport holders.

 * Tourism, and Social visit visas for short stays (Index B-211) may be issued in advance at some Indonesian embassies and consulates (KBRI). Check well in advance of your proposed departure date at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country as several days is normally required to complete the processing and retrieve the passport. In many circumstances the Tourism, and Social visit visas for short stays (Index B-211) can be obtained in either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, subject to 1-4 days processing time. Those who are carrying a pre-issued visa should proceed straight to the indicated immigration processing channel and present their passport.

Customs and quarantine inspections
Baggage retrieval is followed by customs and quarantine examinations including baggage X-ray checkpoints. The duty free alcohol limit is 1 litre of alcoholic beverage. High levels of import duties are payable on quantities in excess of that amount. Provisions are available for importations of medications for personal use, the medications must be documented with a doctors prescription or letter (resep) describing the medications, person and dose. Indonesia has very stringent laws and penalties in regard to the illegal importation, possession and use of narcotics and psychotic drugs.

Passenger Service Charges
A Passenger Service Charge (PJP2U) is normally levied upon departing passengers by Indonesian airport operators, these charges are often referred to as an airport departure tax.

When flying out of Lombok, you are subject to that airport's PSC. 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.

 * The Passenger Service Charge (airport departure tax) at Lombok's airport is Rp 45,000 for domestic flights and Rp 150,000 for international flights, payable only in Indonesian Rupiah.

By airport bus
The DAMRI public bus provides scheduled services from Bandara Internasional Lombok to Mataram, Senggigi and Selong, East Lombok. The buses serving the route have a capacity of up to 40 passengers, depending upon the bus used. The fare from/to Mataram’s Mandalika Bus Terminal is Rp 30,000 and from/to Senggigi it is Rp 40,000 and from/to Selong Rp 35,000. A stop at Mandalika Bus Terminal on the eastern outskirts of Mataram and a transfer to a different bus may be required on a limited number of the services.

There may be some daily variation in the schedules providing services from Senggigi. The bus departs for the airport from near the Art Market at intervals of 1.5 hours. The first bus leaves at 03:30 and the last service departs from Senggigi at 20:00. It will stop at several designated stops on the route as well as a number of other informal or pre-arranged stops.

Allow a generous margin for delays if using the service toward the airport to ensure that you arrive at the airport in sufficient time to check-in for your departing flight.

Services departing from Mandalika bus terminal on the eastern outskirts of Mataram leave every hour. The first service to the airport departs at 04:00 and the last one departs at 19:00. The bus terminal is provided with an air-conditioned waiting room for the DAMRI passengers arriving from or departing to the airport.

Bluebird taxis are normally readily available in Senggigi and in Mataram to fulfil any requirements for travel onward to other destinations.

At the airport, the DAMRI bus counter may be found toward the far end of the terminal forecourt. Turn right as you leave the terminal central forecourt.

The DAMRI counter is a free-standing structure near the main terminal roadway and is normally staffed by uniformed DAMRI employees. The DAMRI staff will assist you with departure times and boarding the appropriate vehicle. If not wearing a readily identifiable DAMRI uniform then the person is not a DAMRI employee. Payment for tickets is in cash only using Indonesian Rupiah.

Airport taxis
A metered taxi to or from the Bandara Internasional Lombok location to Senggigi cost will be approximately Rp 125,000-155,000, to the city of Mataram/Ampenan maybe around Rp 75,000-100,000. For journeys to or from the new airport to the principal tourism precinct of Senggigi allow 70-90 minutes depending upon traffic with a normal travel time to Senggigi of 1 hr 15 minutes.

Taxi from the airport
Most common airport taxis are Bluebird Taxi, Express Taxi, Lendang Express, Narmada Trans, and Rangga Taxi.

 * The Airport taxi for arriving passengers at Lombok's airport all use meters.

Taxi to the airport
Lombok has two principal companies providing radio dispatched taxi services, both use meters (taksi berargo).

The passenger is generally considered to be responsible for paying the airport parking fee if their taxi is entering the airport. Provide an extra Rp 4,000 to the driver to get them out of the airport after dropping you at the terminal if it appears that parking charges are being levied.

Airport taxi service charge
Passengers arriving at the airport by air and wishing to depart from the airport by taxi are required to purchase an Airport Taxi Service coupon. Pay the surcharge at the Airport Taxi Service desk inside the main hall of the terminal. Take this coupon provided and proceed to the taxi rank. Journeys are charged by time and distance travelled using a standard taxi meter.

 * Central Lombok destinations (those within the Regency of Central Lombok) are Rp 10,000, all other areas on the island are Rp 17,500. Payment is in cash only using Indonesian Rupiah.

Some taxi drivers may well be happy to drive you around and help you to find somewhere to stay when you first arrive, sometimes they may discreetly gain a small commission from the hotel you choose.

 * No parking fee should be payable if exiting the Lombok Airport in a taxi.

Taxi touts and 'private' taxis
Please do not be mislead by taxi touts. Use only official taxis and ignore any advice or encouragement to use informal operators. The official taxis are clearly identifiable and marked with either Airport Taksi, Bluebird taxi, or Express taxi markings and rooftop signs. If it is a taxi it will have a yellow coloured (public transport vehicle) number plate. Regular cars have a black plate with white alpha-numerals.

It is best to be cautious concerning any proposals to use a private transport service unless it is something you have pre-arranged. Some of the local private operators are fine, however many are generally operating without either official sanction or a tourism services permit, they will also most likely cost more than a taxi. If any arrangements are made with a private operator then ensure they are clearly unambiguous and not rushed by either party. Ensure that you see the vehicle and scrutinise the driver before making a final agreement on either the driver or the vehicle.

It is also possible to pre-book private transfer services to and from Lombok Airport online, through Gili-islandtransfers.

Private vehicle access
Private vehicles including cars, shuttle buses, buses and motorbikes may access the airport's public parking area and terminal drop off zones by entering through the main terminal gate.

 * Some of the larger hotels offer to pick up transfers to and from the airport. You will need to book ahead for this.
 * Private operators often offer transport services at the airport and any such transactions should be approached with caution to ensure that their fees and vehicle are appropriate. It should also be understood that many of the private transport operators are very likely to discreetly seek a commission from the hotel they take you to. These payments are sometimes sought even if you have already made a prior booking at the destination hotel. Often these operators offer a sincere and valuable service and work hard using their local knowledge to assist in finding their guest suitable accommodation to their needs. Some, however, just tout and opportunists, accordingly discretion and common sense should be used in becoming involved with one of these guides or private transport operators.

A timed parking fee may be payable at the exit gate. This fee is payable by all vehicles including taxi, cars and motorbikes if it is being applied then a time-stamped ticket is provided at the entrance gate booth. Sometimes parking fees are not levied, the policy appears to change from time to time.

An arriving passenger should not be expecting to pay a parking fee on exit from the Lombok Airport unless a private transfer has been pre-booked and a waiting time has been accrued. Charges are displayed on an information board at the booth.

By rental car
Lombok International Airport is in the centre of Lombok Island. There are no tourist sites near the airport. To exit from the airport, it is better if you wish to rent a car without a driver. An international driving license is not necessary, please show the passport and flight ticket and car rental persons will photo you and your identity in their handphone. To rent a car at the airport and back the rental car at the airport will cut the transportation cost and also time-consuming. Just phone the car rental as soon as arrive at the airport, although contact them several days before is also possible, if the flight ticket has been issued. The tariff for rent Toyota Avanza in the airport is Rp 275.000 to Rp 350.000 (depends on year car issued) per 24 hours and not much different tariff with rent a car at Mataram or Senggigi. Unlike in Bali which all car rentals can deliver the car at the airport, there are only three operators can deliver the car at the Lombok International Airport, but usually, the cars are always available, except in Idulfitri (Eid-Al-Fitr) Holiday Season.

Bali
There are now numerous direct Fast boat services from Bali and Speed Boat from Lombok to the Gili Islands, all of which also service Lombok, and a few of which pass by Nusa Lembongan en route. The fast boat in these areas refers to a boat which can go very fast between 20 - 30 knots because its powerful engines.

 * Bali Eka Jaya provides fast boat transfers among Bali – Gili – Lombok island.
 * Wahana Gili Ocean boat operates sea cross transfers among Bali (via Padangbai harbor) – Lombok (via Teluk Nara harbor) – Gili Trawangan island.
 * Scoot Fast Cruise is the safest and most comfortable way to travel from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, Lombok and the Gili Islands.
 * Marina Srikandi has departure of origin in Padangbai . Marina Srikandi is the first fast boat who hold the right to docking at Senggigi.
 * Bluewater Express cruises from Bali to Lombok and from Bali to Gili Trawangan with departure point at Serangan harbor
 * Or if you want to compare the price and quality of different boat services, you can check online by simply performing a search for "Bali to Lombok fast boat"

Slow ferries from Padang Bai on Bali leave approximately every hour (24 hr) for the 4-6 hr trip to Lembar Rp 46,000 (children Rp 29,000). The voyage time variations are occasionally due to weather conditions, however most delays are associated with docking delays subsequent to arrival in port. The ferries are large, normally well worn, have minimal on-board facilities (restrooms, snack booths). Pick up some food on-route before you go to the ferry if you want to save a bit of money and have more certainty concerning what you are buying.

Operational safety standards and the condition and suitability of the craft used for the vehicular/passenger ferry services may concern some travellers - but, considering the ferry's large size and operating frequency, accidents are somewhat less likely than with tourist Fast boats. The mixed use vehicle and passenger ferries are used mostly by the local population and for transportation of goods. Generally there are few international tourists on board but these ferries remain the traditional means of inter-island transport for the majority of the local people. These ferries are subject to delays and breakdowns and are best avoided in heavy seas. Access to the passenger deck is usually from the vehicle deck via steep and narrow stairs, so manoeuvring heavy luggage can be a challenge. Would-be porters wait by the docks, and will happily carry your luggage for around Rp 5,000-10,000 per item. Sometimes they insist on doing so even when you don't ask. They can be a bit intimidating, and sometimes try to seriously overcharge. Foreigners may be particularly hassled by hawkers peddling food and drink. Lots of Kuta travel agents offer end-to-end transport, including a van ride from your Bali hotel to Padang Bai, the ferry ticket, and a ride from the dock on Lombok to your ultimate destination for Rp 130,000 and up depending on where you are going in Lombok. Once you add up all the costs of getting to and from the ferry terminals, you might just as well fly to Lombok as flights can be had for as little as Rp 200,000. However, there is no denying the romantic appeal of a slow boat plying tropical seas.

If you're going to the Gili Islands, there are many Fast boat services directly from Bali; see Gilli islands article for details. A range of connecting services continue on towards mainland Lombok. Searching on the internet can give you the latest information on which companies are providing services to Lombok. Be very wary of the many online booking agents, some of them are not reliable and many may be charging too much for the tickets, or putting people on different services than they paid for.

If you rent a motorbike on Bali for a few weeks or months, and the motorbike owner/shop permits you to travel outside of Bali with their vehicle (consult them if unclear, and ask to state this permission in your rental agreement if they're ok), it may worth taking it to Lombok on the slow ferry and drive around there. The price for transporting the motorbike and the rider is Rp 101,000. You must have your passport, valid International Driving License and home state licence (for motorcycle), plus the vehicle registration (STNK) card. To avoid any problems have the owners' contact number handy, and advise them in advance of when, where and for how many days you plan to leave Bali. Overall it is far preferable to rent a bike or car locally on Lombok after arrival rather than bringing in a motorbike from Bali, unless you have a specific reason. Both Senggigi and Kuta provide options for that, Mataram also, but the providers there are not as familiar with rentals to foreign tourists.

Flores and Sumbawa
Ferries run from Labuhan Lombok on the east coast to Poto Tano on Sumbawa. Since arranging your own transport on both sides can be fiddly and expensive, it's cheaper to arrange this through any travel agent, many of whom offer fares across Sumbawa and onward to Flores. Perama Tour is the largest operator, with offices in Senggigi and various points around Bali.

Some companies also offer direct cruises via Komodo/Rinca to Flores. The trip takes around 4 days, much of it across open water, costs around US$100, and the companies usually use boats with no navigation or safety equipment other than some lifejackets (i.e. possibly no radio, flares or life rafts).

Exercise some caution if booking package tours. Apart from the journey itself being tortuously slow, hotels and agents will happily sell you tickets without even checking whether the ferries are running (they are sometimes suspended for days at a time for bad weather, especially if one has sunk recently), and the bus companies will happily drive you to the ferry terminal knowing that there are no ferries departing for the next 20+ hr. At this point, your travel company may suggest either a very expensive private boat or a suddenly very expensive ride back to the nearest town to get a hotel.

They also often have a surprise extra charge - levied after you've paid for the original ticket and the original ticket seller is long gone - for baggage over 10 kg, with the actual amount being random within the same company depending on who is demanding it (Rp 125,000 is not unknown). This information is printed on the bus ticket you receive when you hand in the original sales receipt, so there's no way to know about it prior to purchase.

Private boat
On the north western coast of Lombok the newly established Medana Bay Marina has twenty five mooring buoys in more than 5m of water for 35 ft-45 ft vessels and anchorage space for another 20 vessels. The marina facilities were newly established in 2009 and the facility has since hosted participating yachts each year during the annual Sail Indonesia events. Medana Bay has also been used as an official stop-over on the itinerary of Sail Indonesia. Some accommodation facilities are available onsite.

See the Tanjung article for further details on the Marina facilities at Medana.

Moorings and informal anchorages are available in some bays along the coastline of Lombok. Please ensure all proper formalities concerning Customs, Immigration and transit approvals have been issued when entering Indonesian waters including the waters surrounding Lombok. If tying up at anything appearing to be a public mooring buoy please ensure you have prior permission to do so and that the arrangements are being made with a properly authorised person.

By bemo
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) from Ampenan to Senggigi is 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. If you are chartering be careful that the price and expectations are clear, if unresolved just seek a different Bemo.

Prices for set distances vary at times and if the price of fuel has risen or it is in short supply causing roadside price fluctuations then the Bemo prices will often follow. Try and watch what local customers are paying for a similar distance to your own and if really in doubt just include Rp 1,000-2,000 extra. It is prudent to have enough small notes to be able to pay the correct fare without needing change.

If you are carrying large bags of shopping or other items more than a day pack or small hand items then expect to pay a little more. For a large amount of shopping or a really large single item such as a bicycle, luggage or similar maybe double the charge for a single person or a bit more if the driver is missing out on business from other people because you have taken a lot of space in the vehicle or if the driver needs to assist with the loading and unloading.

Senggigi to Mataram will require a change at the Pasar Ampenan from the more utilitarian Suzuki Carry 'box back' style of bemo popular used in the rural areas across to a yellow and red Suzuki bemo of the enclosed van body style that runs about in the city areas, unless of course you have chartered the vehicle to your required destination.

Bemo are often used to carry produce either on charter or with passengers on board and occasionally a small cow, or some goats might be moved in one, normally not when there are people in there but nothing is out of the question with a bemo in the rural areas, even if it does not fit inside.

Bemos have normally stopped running by dusk on the west coast of Lombok and most other rural locations unless under charter. A taxi or other means of transport may need to be called to your location to pick you up if you leave your return to a time approaching dusk.

Travel agents can also get you on semi-regular shuttle services, which connect Senggigi, the airport, and the harbors of Lembar for Bali and Bangsal for the Gilis.

By taxi
Metered taxis are common in Mataram, Cakranegara and Ampenan and readily operate to the Bangsal, Sira and Medana area and along the west coast tourism strip including Senggigi as well as to Lembar.

Both the more prolific Bluebird Taksi and also the white coloured Express Taksi have a radio dispatch system and both companies cars are equipped with meters (argo) which should be used by their drivers at all times. Taxis may be hailed down on the roadside with the exception of the dark blue Airport Taksi, the use of which is limited to arriving airport passengers only. Taxis can be booked in advance either by calling them yourself or by booking through your hotel.

There are also some other taxi operators. With this development there is now a small number of light blue coloured Toyota Vios taxis that look very much like a Bluebird taxi unless viewed with some scrutiny.

Other minor operators are:

Flag fall for taxis on Lombok is approximately Rp 4,250 and the meter ticks up a few hundred rupiah for every 100 m past 2 km. As a rough guide figure on Rp 10,000 for hops around town and around Rp 60,000-65,000 from Senggigi to Mataram/Cakranegara.

Car rental
Renting a car is also an option and there are several places in Senggigi, Mangsit and Mataram to rent from. Expect to pay Rp 150,000-175,000 (low end mid-late 1980-90s Suzuki mini jeep-Jimmy (2x4) 4 seats, Rp 250,000-300,000 for a Toyota Avanza/Daihatsu Xenia (2x4) 6-7 seats, Rp 300,000-450,000 for a Toyota Kijang or later model Kijang-Innova (2x4) 7-8 seats. Age and condition of car will effect price as will high rental demand in the peak tourism period around the June-August and local holidays.

Petrol (gasoline) (benzine) is set at as international price, except Premium-Octane88 Rp 6,450/litre with small subsidy from official outlets. Non-subsidy petrol is Pertalite-Octane90 Rp 7,800 and Pertamax-Octane92 Rp 9,500. Petrol is available both through official Pertamina outlets and also in roadside stalls where a 1 litre bottle of Premium will sell Rp 1,500 to Rp 2,000 higher than at the official outlets. The price at the roadside vendors varies upon both the time of day and the remoteness of the location. Suggested is to use at least petrol with Octane90 as newer vehicles need it, especially city car 1000cc for maximum 4 persons likes Toyota Agya or Daihatsu Ayla which can be hired less (or same) than Rp 200,000 per day.

Diesel fuel (Solar) is normally only available at Pertamina outlets throughout Lombok.

Driving yourself around Lombok is not for the uninitiated. The chances of having an accident are probably much higher than when driving in your home country. Street signs are infrequent and ambiguous in the more remote areas of the island. If you are not familiar with the road system you may spend more time looking for an attraction than actually spending time enjoying it.

Great care must be exercised at all times when driving a car anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair and large potholes and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury. The greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules. Road users are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic behaviour on the road.

If renting a car or motor bike always check thoroughly for previous damage and ensure that you discuss and document any such damage to the vehicle, with the renter, prior to taking delivery. Also check the working order of the brakes and tyre condition (including tyre inflation) prior to accepting the vehicle. It is best to try driving the car on the road before finalising the agreement, especially if renting an older model Suzuki Jimmy, Kijang (Toyota) car. Ensure the current STNK – (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan) (Certificate of car registration) is with the vehicle and that it is a current and original copy.

Car with driver
A good alternative to renting a car is to rent a car with a local driver. The price range is normally Rp 350,000-700,000/day and will vary upward with the destinations required. Rp 350,000 will normally only cover a very basic trip with a limited distance. This type of service is normally offered as an all inclusive package of rental car, driver and fuel. The driver can take you effortlessly to all the local attractions, plus some places that are never shown in the guide books. A suitable driver will take responsibility for whatever happens during the trip and will be happy to accommodate your travelling schedule. If you want to take a 2-3 day trip around the island, the driver will accompany you, eat low priced meals, and find low price places to stay at night. Normally the renter is responsible for the drivers meals and the costs of accommodation if an overnight stay is required at a location distant from their home.

It is sometimes worthwhile enquiring at the hotel where you are staying as some of them offer their own car and driver at a very good price. Often though they may just add to the cost of the rental and driver fees with high service fees or commission payments to themselves.

Driving in Lombok requires an International Driving Permit (IDP), plus your own home country of residence Drivers Licence|Both these documents must correctly match the type and class of vehicle being driven or they are invalid. Both must be carried and are often required to be presented in roadside police stops. This requirement is actively enforced by the police throughout Lombok.

If riding a motorbike then a full motor bike endorsement appropriate to that class of motorbike is required on both the IDP and the home country issued drivers licence. Do not under any circumstances ride a motorbike or drive a car without a proper licence. A car licence alone is not sufficient to ride a motorbike; the licence must clearly permit you to ride a motorbike in the country of issue and the appropriate section of the IDP must be endorsed as well.

Insurance is not provided by the motorbike renters so you are responsible for any damage. If you do hit a local person, either on foot, on motorcycle, or in a car, you can expect to pay a very large sum of money to make restitution. Street signs are infrequent and ambiguous. If you are not familiar with the road system and comfortable riding a motorbike at home then this may be ill advised and dangerous to learn.

Thoroughly check your travel insurance policy to ensure that your cover is still in place whilst operating or riding upon a motor bike or scooter or driving a car.

By motorbike
Renting a motorbike or scooter is also an option and there are many places in Senggigi, Mangsit, Mataram, Cakranegara and elsewhere to rent from. Expect to pay around Rp 80,000 for most models and possibly more in peak season or local holidays when demand for motorbike rentals can be very high. Late model full-automatic and semi-automatic motorbikes are available in Lombok and they normally have engine size in the range 110-125cc. Several motorbike rentals can also deliver and pick up the bike at the airport, though the service would be more expensive.

Great care must be exercised at all times when riding a motorbike anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair. Loose sand, rocks, and gravel may be found upon the road. Large potholes and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury to motorbike riders. Riding after the onset of dusk should be avoided in the southern or remote areas of Lombok and undertaken with great caution elsewhere. Always wear protective gear; at the very least, closed shoes and helmet.

Traveling at night in the rural areas is ill-advised and most local people are very wary of doing it.

It must be understood that the greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules. Road users are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic behaviour on the road and will frequently cross onto, or travel on the wrong side of the road without warning. Overtaking maneuvers and turns are also often executed in a highly dangerous manner.

Always thoroughly check the motorbike you are renting for any previous damage. Check especially for correct brake function and tyre condition (including tyre inflation). It is normally best to try the motorbike before finalising the agreement. Ensure the current STNK – (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan) (Certificate of Registration) is current and the original copy and is with the motorbike. Care should be exercised to always lock a motorbike and to secure your possessions.

By ojek
An ojek is a motorbike taxi service. Prices are negotiable but a rule of thumb is Rp 5,000 if the destination is nearby, Rp 10,000 for a few kilometres, Rp 20,000 for a longer trip like a run from Senggigi to Ampenan to pick up an airline ticket or go to the market and Rp 35,000-Rp 40,000 for a full day. If considerable distances are involved the hirer should offer to buy some fuel. Traditionally an ojek rider will wait for the hirer to complete their business at their destination/s and take them back home again. If you are out for the day you should consider providing modest food and refreshments. Make sure you have your own helmet or that one is supplied. If you forget to do this you may find that a local policeman needs to reminds you of this and payment of a 'fine' to him may be required to continue on your way.

By horse cart
Horse-pulled carts, known as cidomo, are very common on Lombok. They are a good method of transportation for short distances e.g, from your hotel to a restaurant. Make sure to agree on the price before the journey - Rp 10,000 is the maximum price to pay for a short journey. In the Gilis there are no cars, so horse carts or a bicycle are the only way to get around besides on foot.

By boat
Traditional fishing boats known as perahu ply the waters around Lombok, and are instantly recognizable due to their outriggers, two lengths of extra large bamboo sealed at either end and attached by timber outrigger bars on both sides creating a configuration similar to a catamaran and affording greater stability in heavy swells. They can also be chartered, either directly from owners (in which case some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesian or Bahasa Sasak will come in handy) or via any travel agent, who will of course take an often generous commission. English speaking guides on the beaches will be eager to assist with this if you wish. You will most likely be expected to pay for this service if the negotiation is successful either by 'hiring' the guide or by a commission paid to him by the boat operator.

Fishing charters and speedboat trips can be arranged in Lombok and professional operators will be able to supply suitable services including on-board safety equipment.

By bicycle
Traffic is relatively light throughout the island so cycling is quite possible and provides a very different cultural experience to other means of transport. You may wish to bring your own touring bike, as most local bikes are of a very basic quality. There is one biking tour operator (Lombok Biking) that has decent bikes and guides. Bicycles of reasonable quality may be purchased in Indonesia and may offer an alternative to the costs and complexities of shipping your own bike in from overseas. Bicycle sales outlets are situated in Cakranegara with several shops on Jalan Jl. Umarmaya near the rear of the Cakranegara markets and at the Tiara Department Store in Mataram Mall.

Great care must be exercised at all times when riding a bike anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair and large potholes, loose sand, gravel and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury. The greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules, are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic road behaviour.

Riding a bicycle after dusk should be avoided throughout Lombok due to the hazardous road conditions.

Lombok has a bicycle tour operator situated in Senggigi. See the Senggigi article for further information.

Please refer to the "By car" and "By motorbike" sections above for further information on riding conditions.

Do

Eat
In 2015, Lombok was voted "World's Best Honeymoon Destination Halal" and "Halal World's Best Tourism Destination" by a panel representing most Muslim countries. 90 percent of the population is Muslim, so halal food can be found almost everywhere in Lombok, except in the western part of Lombok such as in Gilis and Senggigi, where the population is more heterogeneous. Non-halal food (including alcohol drinks) can be found also at hotels with 4 or more stars.

The word lombok means "chili pepper" (cabe) in Bahasa Indonesia and although the local cuisine is quite spicy, it might not always be as hot as the island's name suggests. The local word describing chilli is sebie in Bahasa Sasak, and the name of the island of Lombok is actually derived from the word lomboq, meaning straight in the local Sasak language and not from any connection at all with the local chili as many people believe.

Probably the best known local dish is ayam taliwang, although nobody seems to be able to agree on the exact recipe: most interpretations involve chicken coated with a rich red sauce flavored with galangal, turmeric and tomato, which can be either mild or searingly hot. Pelecing is a spicy sauce used in many dishes made with chilli, shrimp paste, and tomato. A local shrimp paste called lengkare is used on the island of Lombok. Sares is made from chilli, coconut juice and banana palm pith and is sometimes mixed with meat. Non meat dishes include kelor (hot soup with vegetables), serebuk (vegetables mixed with coconut), and timun urap (cucumber with coconut, onion and garlic).

Generally the least expensive and most popular item on the menu is nasi campur or mixed rice. This dish is a complete meal served on a single plate, usually consisting of rice and vegetable ingredients often incorporating either tofu (tahu), tempeh (tempe), chicken (ayam), beef (sapi), fish (ikan), peanuts (kacang), together with a wide variation of cooked vegetables. As the name suggests, the meal can be a mixture of many different items, at times some may be a little difficult to accurately identify and the style and ingredients will vary from place to place. A dab of spicy red paste called sambal (basically stone ground red chilli peppers) is placed somewhere near the side of the plate. Sambal is the universal condiment served on Lombok and is extremely hot to the palate of most tourists, so use with care.

The price of food varies dramatically depending on the location on Lombok. The restaurants in the popular tourist destinations of Senggigi and the Gili Islands command the highest prices but also offer the largest variety of international foods including banana pancakes, pizza, beef steak and other travellers favorites. In most other areas of the island numerous small restaurants, called warung, cater primarily to the local population. The savvy traveller will discover these small restaurants serve a variety of delicious local food at a very low price.

Drink
Alcoholic drinks are generally available throughout the island including all tourist destinations. However, since Lombok is predominantly Muslim, some areas (notably Praya) prohibit the service of alcohol at bars and restaurants. Local supermarkets offer a variety of local as well as international beers. Note that alcohol is heavily taxed in all of Indonesia: a small bottle may be the most expensive item you can order when served a full meal in a "local" eatery.

The island's most touristic township, Senggigi, has numerous bars and clubs with the usual international favourites including the ubiquitous Indonesian seksi dancers often found in nightclubs. A favourite local drink, is tuak, a red or white fermented palm wine with 2-5% alc. volume. Please see the Stay safe section for caution on methyl alcohol adulteration.

Sleep
Most of Lombok's better-quality accommodation can be found within the Senggigi strip to the north of the airport. The Gili Islands have become increasingly popular with the younger crowd and now offer a full range of accommodations. Kuta is popular with surfers and eco-travelers seeking the more serene, traditional village environment. The area around Sira and Medana on the north western coast near Tanjung has 4 resort style hotels. The main city of Mataram, on the other hand, has very little tourist oriented accommodation with a couple of larger full service hotels on offer. There are many smaller and lower priced hotels situated in the Cakranegara/Sweta area and others throughout the city.

Detailed information about accommodations in each of these respective areas can be found by following the destination links listed at the top of this page.

Be aware that if your hotel room is near a mosque your sleep may be interrupted by calls to worship for morning prayers.

Villas
One accommodation option which is becoming more popular, emulating what has happened on its sister island of Bali, is renting a private villa complete with staff. However not every place sold as a "villa" actually fits the bill. Prices vary widely: some operators claim to go as low as US$30/ night, but realistically you will be looking at upwards of US$200/night for anything with a decent location and a private pool. At the top of the price range rents can easily go to US$1,000/night or higher. Villas can be found in Senggigi, at Sire beach near Tanjung and, increasingly, the Gili Islands; see those articles for more detail.

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

 * Because Lombok is not engulfed with tourists, is always prudent to travel in groups of two or more. This is especially true for women and visitors who cannot speak Bahasa Indonesia. Even a minor incident can be difficult to resolve when there is a language barrier especially in the rural areas of Lombok where many people are not fluent in Bahasa Indonesian and only speak Bahasa Sasak.
 * Most tourist areas and many villages are busy with activity at night. Often street vendors sell food until 21:00 at night or later in some areas. Tourists and locals will often walk the streets when the bars and restaurants are open. However when traveling in rural villages or non-tourist areas after dark there may be very few people found on the streets. In these situations it is generally more prudent to stay indoors after dark. People in rural Lombok and many of the quieter Kampung areas are often in bed by 20:00, rising again at 05:00.
 * Always have locks on the zips of your bags. Not only do they keep enquiring hands out they also prevent people slipping prohibited substances in. Be prepared to quickly lock and unlock when passing though customs.
 * Try not to display conspicuous wealth such as large amounts of cash or expensive cameras, mobile phones and other items as it may temp thieves including children and may also encourage requests for financial assistance in some circumstances.
 * Dress modestly in rural villages, religious sites and government buildings; long pants for men and a shirt, a modest skirt, full or calf length pants, dress or sarongs are suggested and a conservative blouse is recommended for women. This may save you or onlookers from embarrassment. If more revealing clothing is worn it is good to have a sarong handy as it can effect a quick and easy adaptation to prevailing circumstances. Naked or semi-naked bathing and very skimpy swimwear on the beach will most likely create considerable controversy and possibly some alarm amongst the local people even in the areas of concentrated tourism activity in front of the hotels. This may not be immediately apparent to the visitor at the time. Carry a sarong if you only have revealing swimwear available and wear it especially when you are nearby or talking with local people as it will place everyone more at ease and create considerably less controversy. Take along a sarong when travelling about as they are a good all purpose item that can come in handy to keep off the sun or wind and can be called into service to avoid any awkward moments.
 * Footwear must always be removed when entering a person's home and occasionally even some business premises. This is the case in even the most primitive and basic living structures.
 * In Lombok it is normally considered to be quite rude or disrespectful to offer or hand something to someone with your left hand unless they are a very close and intimate friend or family member, and even then it is best avoided if possible.
 * Caution should be exercised when consuming locally made alcoholic drinks such as Arak as poisoning has occurred in parts of Indonesia including, Bali, Lombok and the nearby Gilli islands. During 2009-2013 a number of Indonesians and visiting tourists in Java, Bali and Lombok/Gilli Islands were poisoned by consuming drinks containing methyl alcohol resulting in fatalities. Methyl alcohol (Methanol) and other contaminants are highly dangerous and have been found in some locally produced alcoholic drinks. It also appears that some standard mixed drinks may often either be adulterated with Methanol, or counterfeit liquor bottles may contain Methanol in levels above the standard permissible amounts. The initial symptoms of Methyl alcohol / methanol intoxication include central nervous system depression, headache, vision problems such as 'snow' vision and 'black' areas in the visual field, dizziness, nausea, lack of co-ordination and confusion. If methyl alcohol poisoning is suspected seek medical assistance immediately.
 * Dengue fever and the more serious complication of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is present in Lombok. During 2009-early 2011 there was an outbreak effecting the island including the nearby Gili islands. If symptoms of dengue or DHF appear medical assistance should be sought without delay from one of Lombok's major hospitals. Both dengue and DHF is readily treated by competent medical professionals in Lombok and intervention should not be delayed or postponed for any reason if symptoms are present or suspected. Dengue outbreaks are a common seasonal occurrence throughout the tropics and during the wet season sensible precautions should always be taken by visitors to avoid exposure to mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. This applies to Lombok, including the Gili Islands, and to other similar areas throughout Southeast Asia. Two fifths of the world's population are now at risk from dengue and it is estimated that there may be 50 million cases of dengue infection worldwide every year. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries. Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquito. They are typical small and usually have black and white stripe markings on their body and legs. They are typically active between dawn and dusk.
 * Malaria has also been present in areas nearby to the tourism precincts of Lombok. Malaria infections were occurring in the local population in 2010 and early 2011, they have not been apparent since. The outbreaks were more common amongst those local people who live or work nearby the lushly vegetated forest areas and who are living in primitive conditions. If spending the majority of your visit in the built up tourism areas where mosquito control measures such as 'fogging' are in place and if personal awareness and sensible precautions are practised the risk of contracting malaria remains minimal. Malaria is readily treated by competent medical professionals in Lombok and as with dengue fever intervention should not be delayed or postponed for any reason if symptoms are present or suspected. Parts of Lombok are susceptible to at different times, some areas are seasonal and some other areas do not provide evidence of seasonal transmission peaks. Malarial transmission peaks may occur in the dryer months in some areas or Lombok. The Anopheles mosquito is responsible for transmission, it is active from dusk to dawn.
 * The use of mosquito nets and repellants is advisable especially when sleeping and when spending time in lushly vegetated areas during the wet season or at any time when mosquitos are breeding. If a suitable insect repellent cannot be obtained locally supplied minyak sereh (sitronela) contains citronella and is derived from the lemongrass (sereh) plant. Minyak Tawon also has some (lesser) insect repellent properties and is also not considered poisonous. Indeed it is used medicinally and for treating cuts, abrasions and insect bites. It has a Citronella type aroma. Minyak Sereh is also good for use on stings and bites. With either of these products do not expose to mucous membranes or use near the eyes and please skin test prior to use to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
 * If concerned about the risks of mosquito borne diseases please seek the advice of a suitable qualified medical practitioner or Travellers Health Centre prior to your departure to any destination in the tropics.

Hospitals
There are no international hospitals in Lombok. The nearest one can be found in Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali. Mataram Public Hospital and Harapan Keluarga Hospital have staffs with limited to fluent English skill.

 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.
 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.
 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.
 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.
 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.
 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.
 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.
 * Payment guarantee, Please note many hospital service providers may demand a guarantee of payment before rendering treatment even in an obvious and clear emergency. Incremental payments may also be demanded for individual services including the supply of professional services such as laboratory services, pharmacuticals and medical consumables. Travel insurance providers are sometimes very slow to provide these payment guarantees and may demand extensive documentation of costs and full receipts or they may later decline payment or reimbursement or delay these payments for an extended time. Diagnosis may also be disputed by travel insurers and treatment or admission authorisations delayed for extended times whilst they deliberate over authorising treatment and payment guarantees.

Embassies and consulates
There are no consular services available in Lombok. The nearest consular services are in Bali and Jakarta has embassies representing a wide range of nationalities.

Go next

 * Bali — a very popular Indonesian island
 * Sumbawa — an island off the beaten track. World-class surfing.
 * Komodo — fierce dragons and great diving
 * Flores
 * Java — including Surabaya and Jakarta
 * Makassar in Sulawesi
 * Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia
 * Singapore

title: Lombok


text:
Lomé

Lomé is the capital and largest city of Togo. With a population of 837,000 (2011), the city is the economic and cultural center of the country. Around a quarter of the country's population lives here.

Understand
In 1897 Lomé became capital of the German colony Togo.

In 1975 the Lomé Convention was signed between the European Economic Community and 46 African, Caribbean and Pacific states.

Get in
The main border crossing from Ghana is Aflao, less than 2 km from the city centre. Visa on arrival is available at both airport and land border from Ghana for CFA 10,000 - 15,000 depending on your nationality and is good for one week. It can be extended for a month for no extra charge. As of January 2019, you can get a 3-month visa at the border for Ghana for 705 Ghana sedis (US$145).

Get around
Motos are plentiful throughout the capital, and a good distance on a moto will cost you CFA 300. Taxis can be rented from around CFA 500, with CFA 2000 getting you basically anywhere in town. There are route taxis, costing normally CFA 200-400, but if you are visiting they are difficult to figure out and only ever really used by local folks.

There are rental car agencies downtown, but if you are just coming for a few days motos are your best option.

The beach road runs directly beside the ocean from Ghana to Benin. The Boulevard Circulaire (le 13 Janvier) acts as a main artery through downtown Lomé, a hemisphere that encloses the Marche and Government buildings. It starts at the beach in Kodjoviakope and wraps around to the beach in Bea.

Do
Enjoy beaches (but do take care for your safety), there are so many, such as:

Closer to the center of town are Lake East and Lake West which might be somewhat interesting for walking along.

Buy
Lomé's biggest attractions are its markets.

The has a large 3-storey hall. It sells everything: red peppers, green lemons, dried fish, combs, travel bags, traditional medicinal remedies, and more. On the first floor is the Nana Benz, which is noted for its clothing.

The smaller and more specialized (CFA 3000 entrance fee; CFA 2000 if taking photos) sells voodoo fetishes, gongons, and gris-gris.

There is also a souvenir market. It sells wooden carvings, clay pots, authentic fabrics, local paintings, and African clothing. Most of them are made on spot and of great value. As always make sure to bargain.

Eat
Local street food is plentiful, and a large plate of rice or pate costs 200CFA.

Lebanese restaurants are peppered throughout Lomé, with the best being in Kodjoviakope and wrapping around with the Boulevard. Recommended are Al Mohatas by the Route de Kpalime and Al Sultan's in Kodjoviakope. Most plates cost CFA 1,000-2,000.

There are two Chinese restaurants, one in Kodjoviakope, the other in Asigame, down the street from the Togocel main offices.

For a classy experience, you could try the Akwaba Pool Bar and Grill at the Hotel 2 Fevrier.

Drink
Lomé really comes alive at night, the local Loméians dressing to the nines and going out to the numerous bars and discothèques. There are many western style dance clubs downtown. Two of the best (and most expensive) are Privilege, attached to the hotel Palm Beach and 7Clash, in Dekon on the Boulevard.

For a more relaxed time, check out the beach close to the border with Ghana - seating is plentiful and, if you're lucky, the Castle Milk Stouts are pretty cold. Be sure to get off of the beach soon after nightfall, as it is easily the most dangerous part of the city.

Local drinks can be found if you dig a little deeper. The local brew of choice is Tchouk, locally brewed millet beer. A calabash full at a tchouk-stand costs CFA 100 in the city. Other drinks are Deha - palm wine, and Sodabe - Togolese bathtub hooch - grain liquor that burns going down and coming back up. Be wary, it is only for the truly initiated.

Sleep
Decent hotels (as in there is a bed, sink, and shower) are in northern Lomé and cost about CFA 15,000 - 16,000. Hotels are common the closer you get to the beach, the most expensive being the 2 Fevrier and Hotel Sarakawa, on the beach road. Amenities are very accommodating, but they are incredibly expensive for Lomé starting at CFA 100,000 per night.

There are a few nice hotels with fan/air-com in Kodjoviakope and surrounding areas that will run you CFA 7,000-15,000. Check out My Diana's, and for the budget traveller, ask for Mammy's, down the road from the Angolan Embassy (CFA 3,500 per room, rooms fit 2-3).

Stay safe
The beaches and surrounding areas are known for frequent muggings, especially at night. Don’t wander around on your own at night on the beach unless there are plenty of people around.

Connect
Lomé has Internet cafés, and they are cheap. You buy access by the hour (around a couple US dollars an hour), but most of the cafés feature very slow computers and Internet connection speeds.

If you are staying in Kodjoviakope you can use your Ghana cell card, it will work perfectly.

Embassies

 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States
 * 🇪🇬 Egypt

title: Lomé


text:
Lompoc

Lompoc (pronounced "Lom-poke") is in Santa Barbara County, California, USA. It is called the "City of Arts and Flowers". More than half the world's flower seeds are grown in the fields around Lompoc. In 2021, it was home to 44,000 people.

Get in
Lompoc is located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway (California Hwy 1) and Highway 246, 55 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, 155 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 270 miles southeast of San Francisco. There is bus service as well from San Luis Obispo.

Get around
Lompoc has a taxi service called Lompoc Taxi. There are bus routes provided by City of Lompoc Transit (COLT) service with routes from Vandenberg Village to Mission Hills to Lompoc. There are various car rental businesses.

Go next

 * Go north to Santa Maria, the largest city in Santa Barbara County.
 * Guadalupe - This small town is located 30 miles north of Lompoc and is primarily focused on agriculture and oil production. Travelers will enjoy visiting the neighboring Guadaulpe-Nipomo Dunes, an 18-mile stretch of beach that is one of the largest remaining natural dune areas in California.  The Ten Commandments was filmed in the dunes and the sets were buried after production, but today blowing winds repeatedly reveal and then re-cover these reproductions of ancient Egypt.
 * Buellton - Located 18 miles to the east, Buellton is home to several Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Visitors will also find the ostrich & emu farm interesting, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the giant birds.

title: Lompoc


text:
Lom Sak

Lom Sak (หล่มสัก) is in Phetchabun Province in Lower Northern Thailand. Being close to scenic hills and national parks makes it a good place to stop on a trip through the region.

Understand
Lom Sak lies near a crossroads on the main road east from Phitsanulok to Khon Kaen. This road, Rte 12, offers over 100 km of greenery, waterfalls and scenery and is known as the Green Route.

Another road heads north from the provincial capital, Phetchabun, some 40 km distant. The town itself is about 8 km north of the road junction.

Get in

The nearest trains stations are in Phitsanulok, on the northern line (Bangkok-Chiang Mai), and Khon Kaen, on the northeastern line (Bangkok-Nong Khai).

Get around
Tuk-tuks are plentiful and reasonably priced both in the town and at the bus station. The 8 km trip to or from the bus station will cost around 80 baht.

Eat
Close to the "in town" bus stop, near the school, is a street where there are heaps of cheap (50 baht) food stalls, although little English is spoken. The two 7-Elevens across the road will sell (and open) beer (40-50 baht) that you can have with your meal.

In the centre of town is a hectic extravaganza of cheap street stalls that runs wall-to-wall for about 300 m. If you want beer, you'll have to go and buy it while you wait for your food. Great for leisurely people watching.

Go next

 * Khao Kho (30–55 km southwest) – mountainous area with unusual Buddhist temples (Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaeo)
 * Phetchabun (55 km south)
 * Phetchabun (55 km south)
 * Phetchabun (55 km south)

 * Phitsanulok (130 km west) – a couple of hours away by bus
 * Loei (145 km northeast)
 * Phu Kradueng National Park (150 km east)
 * Khon Kaen (200 km east)
 * Khon Kaen (200 km east)

title: Lom Sak


text:
Lonar

Lonar is a small town in Buldhana district of Maharashtra close to Aurangabad. Its claim to fame is a lake in a crater that formed when a meteorite hit some 50,000 years ago.

Get in
Aurangabad is the closest city, approximately away. The only way to come to Lonar is by road via Jalna.

On foot
Lonar is a small town so most of the places are within walkable distances.

By car
A hired car is arguably the best option to move around the city, and there are many car hire companies in Lonar.

By bus
There is also a Lonar Darshan bus every day which shows you around the important tourist attractions in Lonar; otherwise, regional public transport service is also quite nice. Get the ticket for Lonar Darshan bus a day in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Do

 * Hang out by the lake and explore the flora and fauna of this beautiful place.

Eat
There is a restaurant called gulmohar 10 minutes walking distance from the MTDC resort where you can get hygienic and delicious food for all the 3 times.

title: Lonar