Lombok Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Lombok.
Healthcare System
Lombok's healthcare system is developing, with facilities concentrated in the capital Mataram and tourist areas like Senggigi. Medical infrastructure is less advanced than in Bali or major Indonesian cities, with limited specialist services and advanced medical equipment outside main hospitals.
Hospitals
Main hospitals include Rumah Sakit Umum Provinsi NTB and Biomedika Hospital in Mataram, and Senggigi Medical Clinic in the main tourist area. The Gili Islands have basic medical clinics (Gili Medic on Gili Trawangan, Blue Water Medical Clinic on Gili Air) suitable for minor issues only. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Bali is standard practice.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apotek) are widely available in Mataram, Senggigi, and larger towns. Many common medications are available over the counter without prescription. International brands may be limited; bring specific medications you require. Pharmacies in tourist areas often have English-speaking staff.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and may be required by some tour operators, especially for activities like diving and trekking Mount Rinjani.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit as supplies in remote areas are limited
- Carry copies of prescriptions and generic names of medications
- Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation to Bali or Singapore
- For diving, confirm your insurance covers hyperbaric chamber treatment
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- The nearest hyperbaric chamber for diving emergencies is in Bali
- Keep contact details of your embassy and insurance provider accessible
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from hotel rooms or beaches occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Motorbike-based snatch theft is reported occasionally.
Road safety is a significant concern with poorly maintained roads, erratic driving, lack of safety equipment on rental scooters, and minimal enforcement of traffic laws. Many tourists are injured in motorbike accidents.
Lombok sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences regular seismic activity. A major earthquake in 2018 caused significant damage. Mount Rinjani is an active volcano with occasional increased activity.
Strong currents, riptides, jellyfish, and coral cuts pose risks to swimmers and snorkelers. Diving accidents occur, sometimes due to inexperienced or unlicensed operators.
Traveler's diarrhea, food poisoning, and waterborne diseases are common due to different hygiene standards and unfamiliar bacteria. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Intense tropical sun, high humidity, and heat can cause sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, especially during outdoor activities like trekking or beach days.
Mount Rinjani trekking involves steep terrain, altitude sickness risks, sudden weather changes, and inadequate safety equipment from some operators. Injuries and occasional fatalities occur.
Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and the death penalty for trafficking. Drugs are sometimes offered to tourists, particularly on the Gili Islands.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers and transport operators quote excessive prices to tourists, especially at airports, ferry terminals, and tourist areas. Meters may be 'broken' or drivers may refuse to use them.
Unlicensed individuals pose as legitimate tour guides or trekking operators, offering cheaper prices but providing poor service, inadequate safety equipment, or disappearing with deposits.
Hotels or guesthouses show beautiful photos online but provide inferior rooms, or claim your booking doesn't exist and offer a more expensive alternative.
Unofficial individuals at harbors and jetties claim mandatory fees for various services (porters, boat access, environmental fees) that are either inflated or non-existent.
Rental agencies claim pre-existing damage was caused by the renter, demanding excessive compensation or holding passports as collateral then claiming additional damage.
Vendors or friendly locals offer 'free' friendship bracelets, henna, or small gifts, then aggressively demand payment once accepted, sometimes becoming confrontational.
Currency exchangers use sleight of hand, miscounting, or calculator tricks to provide less money than agreed, or advertise good rates with hidden fees.
Unscrupulous dive operators provide poorly maintained equipment, then blame divers for damage or loss, demanding compensation for expensive equipment.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, visas) separately from originals and store digitally
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency alerts and assistance
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic Indonesian phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and written down
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Be aware that emergency response times can be slow, especially in remote areas
Transportation Safety
- Always wear a helmet when riding scooters - police conduct checks and fine violators
- Ensure rental vehicles have proper insurance coverage
- Avoid traveling on roads at night due to poor lighting and increased accident risk
- Use reputable ferry companies for island transfers and check weather conditions
- When using ride-hailing apps, verify the driver and vehicle match the app details
- Avoid overloaded boats - accidents have occurred on overcrowded vessels
- Keep valuables secured and out of sight when using public transportation
Beach and Water Safety
- Never dive or snorkel alone; always use the buddy system
- Check dive operator credentials and equipment condition before booking
- Be aware that lifeguard presence is limited on many beaches
- Avoid touching coral - it damages the reef and can cause painful cuts
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems
- Don't swim immediately after eating or when under the influence of alcohol
- Keep valuables locked at accommodation rather than bringing them to the beach
- Be cautious of beach vendors who may use distraction techniques while accomplices steal belongings
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Bring anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
- Avoid ice cubes unless you're certain they're made from purified water
- Peel fruits yourself rather than buying pre-cut fruit
- Be cautious with seafood in areas without reliable refrigeration
- Apply insect repellent regularly to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Stay hydrated in the tropical heat - drink more water than you think you need
- Seek medical attention early for symptoms rather than waiting for them to worsen
Valuables and Money
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Carry only the cash you need for the day
- Keep money in multiple locations (front pocket, money belt, hidden pocket)
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Use ATMs located inside banks or hotels rather than on streets
- Take photos of credit cards (both sides) in case they're lost or stolen
- Consider using a dummy wallet with small amounts of cash if confronted by thieves
- Be discreet when accessing money - don't count large amounts in public
Cultural Respect and Local Laws
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or religious sites - cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and some shops
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in traditional villages
- Use your right hand for giving, receiving, and eating (left hand is considered unclean)
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are frowned upon
- Never touch someone's head, which is considered sacred
- Be respectful during Ramadan - avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
- Understand that alcohol is less widely available than in Bali due to Islamic culture
Accommodation Safety
- Check that windows and doors lock securely upon check-in
- Locate emergency exits and fire extinguishers when you arrive
- Keep ground floor and easily accessible windows locked at night
- Don't advertise your room number publicly or on social media
- Use door chains or portable door locks for additional security
- Report any suspicious people or activity to hotel staff immediately
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Keep your room key secure and don't leave it at reception desks if concerned about security
Outdoor Activities and Trekking
- Hire licensed guides for Mount Rinjani - solo trekking is prohibited and dangerous
- Start treks early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat and storms
- Bring more water than you think you'll need for hikes and treks
- Wear appropriate footwear - trails can be steep and slippery
- Inform your accommodation of trekking plans and expected return time
- Turn back if weather conditions deteriorate - summits aren't worth risking your life
- Bring a basic first aid kit, headlamp, and emergency whistle
- Be realistic about your fitness level - Rinjani is a challenging trek requiring good physical condition
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Lombok is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, though some additional precautions are advisable. The local Sasak culture is predominantly Muslim and more conservative than Bali, which means women should be particularly mindful of cultural norms. Harassment is less common than in some destinations but can occur, particularly in tourist areas. Most local women are covered and modest, and foreign women who dress similarly tend to receive more respect and less unwanted attention.
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders, chest, and knees, especially outside beach areas and in villages
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use reputable transportation
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels if traveling solo
- Be firm but polite in refusing unwanted attention - saying you're married or meeting your husband can be effective
- Avoid isolated beaches when alone
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering to show you around or invite you places
- Keep your drink in sight at bars and clubs to prevent tampering
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) to deter some unwanted attention
- Avoid riding on scooter taxis late at night; use car-based ride services
- Connect with other travelers, particularly other women, for activities and socializing
- Be aware that some men may misinterpret friendly behavior as romantic interest
- When swimming, consider wearing a rash guard or modest swimwear to reduce attention
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other solo female travelers
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia (except in Aceh province, which does not include Lombok), but there are no legal protections against discrimination. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. However, public displays of affection between any couples, regardless of orientation, are culturally inappropriate.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection - this applies to all couples but especially same-sex couples
- Be cautious about discussing your sexual orientation or relationship status with locals
- Book accommodations that are known to be LGBTQ+ friendly; international hotel chains are generally safer bets
- Research venues and areas before visiting - some establishments in tourist areas are more accepting than others
- Be aware that some locals may ask intrusive questions about marital status or relationships - polite deflection is acceptable
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel communities online for current advice and recommendations
- Consider booking double beds as 'friends traveling together' to avoid questions
- The Gili Islands, particularly Gili Trawangan, tend to be more liberal and accepting than mainland Lombok
- Avoid LGBTQ+-specific apps in public places or on public WiFi for privacy and security
- Be prepared for same-sex couples to be assigned separate rooms or beds at some traditional accommodations
- Don't assume that Western attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights are shared or understood
- Focus on enjoying the destination while being respectful of local cultural norms
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Lombok due to limited medical facilities, the need for potential medical evacuation to Bali or beyond for serious conditions, risks associated with adventure activities (diving, trekking Mount Rinjani), natural disaster risks (earthquakes, volcanic activity), and the high cost of emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Medical evacuation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Many tour operators and diving centers require proof of insurance before allowing participation in activities.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries