Lombok Travel Checklist: Everything to Do Before You Go

### Health Preparations

• [ ] Visit a travel clinic for vaccination consultation. See our vaccinations guide for recommended immunizations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus booster, consider Rabies).
• [ ] Start multi-dose vaccinations — Rabies requires 3 doses over 21-28 days. Hepatitis B requires 3 doses (accelerated schedule available).
• [ ] Get prescription medications — enough supply for your trip plus one extra week. Keep in original packaging with prescription labels.
• [ ] Assess fitness for activities — if planning Rinjani trek, start physical preparation now. The trek involves 8-10 hours of hiking per day on steep terrain.

### Documentation

• [ ] Check passport validity — must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date to Indonesia. Passport renewal takes 4-8 weeks in most countries.
• [ ] Check passport pages — need at least 2 blank pages for visa sticker and stamps.
• [ ] Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP) — if you plan to ride a scooter. Available from your national automobile association (AAA, AA, etc.). Ensure it includes motorcycle/Category A endorsement.

### Insurance

• [ ] Research travel insurance — compare World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Allianz for Indonesia coverage.
• [ ] Check motorcycle coverage — ensure your policy covers scooter/motorcycle accidents if you plan to ride.
• [ ] Check medical evacuation coverage — must include air ambulance from Lombok to Bali/Singapore.
• [ ] Check natural disaster coverage — Lombok is seismically active; earthquake disruption coverage is important.

### Bookings (Peak Season Only)

• [ ] Book flights — Bali to Lombok domestic flights, and international flights to Bali.
• [ ] Book accommodation — for peak season (Jul-Aug, Christmas), book popular properties now.
• [ ] Book Rinjani trek — with a registered RTMB operator if trekking during peak season.

### Bookings

• [ ] Book accommodation (if not already done) — Booking.com, Agoda, or direct via WhatsApp for better rates.
• [ ] Book fast boats (if relevant) — Bali to Lombok/Gili boats during peak season.
• [ ] Reserve dive courses — if doing PADI Open Water or similar certification, book with preferred Gili Islands operator.
• [ ] Arrange airport transfer — ask your first accommodation to arrange pickup at Lombok Airport.

### Financial Preparation

• [ ] Notify your bank of travel dates and destinations to prevent card blocks.
• [ ] Check card fees — international transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees. Consider a travel-friendly card if your current bank charges high fees.
• [ ] Order Indonesian Rupiah — small amount (500,000-1,000,000 IDR) from your bank for arrival expenses. Or plan to use airport ATM.
• [ ] Set up transaction alerts on your banking app for immediate notification of charges.

### Technology

• [ ] Purchase eSIM (if using) — Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad. Install the eSIM profile now but do not activate until you arrive.
• [ ] Download offline maps — Google Maps: search "Lombok," tap download, save the entire island for offline use.
• [ ] Download Google Translate Indonesian language pack for offline use.
• [ ] Install apps: Grab, WhatsApp (if not already), Traveloka, your insurance provider's app.

### Vaccinations

• [ ] Complete any remaining vaccine doses — check your travel clinic schedule.
• [ ] Get anti-malaria medication (if recommended) — for travelers heading to rural/forested areas.

### Final Bookings

• [ ] Confirm all bookings — flights, accommodation, boats, treks. Save confirmations offline (screenshots or downloaded PDFs).
• [ ] Research restaurants — identify a few options at your destinations so you are not searching on arrival.
• [ ] Check weather forecast — 2-week forecasts give a general picture. Adjust packing if significant weather changes are predicted.

### Packing Preparation

• [ ] Review packing list — see our complete Lombok packing list for detailed guidance.
• [ ] Buy any missing gear — reef shoes, dry bag, universal adapter (Type C), headlamp, portable charger.
• [ ] Stock up on toiletries — reef-safe sunscreen, DEET insect repellent (your preferred brand may not be available in Lombok).
• [ ] Print documents — passport photocopy, insurance policy summary, emergency contacts, booking confirmations.

### Communication

• [ ] Share itinerary with family/friends at home. Include accommodation addresses, phone numbers, and your travel insurance emergency number.
• [ ] Register with your embassy — US, UK, Australian, and many other embassies offer travel registration services for emergency alerts.
• [ ] Save emergency contacts in your phone — see our emergency contacts guide for all Lombok numbers.

### Health

• [ ] Visit dentist — resolve any pending dental issues before traveling. Dental care in Lombok is limited.
• [ ] Get any final prescriptions filled — extra supply of regular medications.
• [ ] Prepare first aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, paracetamol (not aspirin — aspirin worsens dengue), anti-diarrhea tablets, oral rehydration salts.

### Final Preparations

• [ ] Check-in online for flights (when check-in opens, typically 24-48 hours before).
• [ ] Confirm airport transfer with your accommodation.
• [ ] Exchange currency or confirm ATM plan for arrival.
• [ ] Charge all devices — phone, portable charger, camera, laptop, headlamp, e-reader.

### Packing

• [ ] Pack bag according to your packing list.
• [ ] Separate valuables — passport, cash, and cards in carry-on, not checked luggage.
• [ ] Prepare daypack — items you need immediately on arrival (water bottle, sunscreen, adapter, change of clothes).
• [ ] Weigh luggage — check airline baggage allowances to avoid surprise fees.

### Digital Preparation

• [ ] Save offline content — music, podcasts, e-books for flights and connectivity gaps.
• [ ] Set up phone — eSIM installed (but not activated), offline maps downloaded, apps updated.
• [ ] Cloud backup — back up phone photos and data before trip in case of loss/theft.
• [ ] Out-of-office — set email and professional auto-replies if needed.

### Knowledge

• [ ] Review key phrases — learn 10-20 Indonesian phrases (see our Bahasa phrases guide).
• [ ] Read cultural guides — understand dress code, mosque etiquette, local customs.
• [ ] Study basic scooter safety (if riding) — left-hand traffic, road conditions, defensive riding.

### Final Checks

• [ ] Passport in carry-on bag — double-check validity and blank pages.
• [ ] Insurance documents accessible — policy number and emergency phone number.
• [ ] Flight details confirmed — departure time, terminal, gate.
• [ ] Cash organized — home currency for airport expenses, Indonesian Rupiah if pre-exchanged.
• [ ] Credit/debit cards — at least 2 different cards as backup.
• [ ] Phone charged to 100%.
• [ ] Portable charger charged to 100%.
• [ ] All bookings saved offline on phone.
• [ ] Alarm set for departure time with buffer for transport to airport.

### Home Preparation

• [ ] Secure home — lock windows, set lights/timers, arrange mail collection.
• [ ] Inform neighbors of your absence.
• [ ] Stop deliveries if needed.
• [ ] Pet care arranged if applicable.

### Before Leaving Home

• [ ] Final sweep: passport, phone, charger, wallet, keys, medications.
• [ ] Turn off unnecessary home appliances.
• [ ] Lock up.
• [ ] Take deep breath — the adventure begins.

### At the Airport

• [ ] Check in (if not done online).
• [ ] Go through security — liquids in clear bag, electronics out.
• [ ] For Indonesian domestic leg (Bali to Lombok): allow 1.5-2 hours at Bali domestic terminal.
• [ ] Do NOT pack prohibited items: large liquid containers, sharp objects, power banks over 100Wh in checked bags.

### During Transit

• [ ] Stay hydrated — flights dehydrate you before arriving in a hot, humid destination.
• [ ] Fill out Indonesia customs/immigration forms if distributed on the plane.
• [ ] Review your first-day plan: airport to accommodation logistics.

### At Lombok Airport

• [ ] VOA counter — pay 500,000 IDR for Visa on Arrival (skip if you have e-VOA).
• [ ] Immigration — present passport with VOA sticker. Note your visa expiry date.
• [ ] Baggage claim — collect luggage.
• [ ] Customs — green channel if nothing to declare.
• [ ] SIM card — buy a Telkomsel SIM at the arrivals counter (if not using eSIM).
• [ ] Activate eSIM (if using) — turn on data, wait for network connection.
• [ ] ATM withdrawal — BCA or BNI ATM in the terminal. Withdraw 1,000,000-2,000,000 IDR.
• [ ] Transport — find your pre-arranged driver, use the official taxi counter, or activate Grab.

### First Hour

• [ ] Connect — test phone data connection. Send arrival message to family/friends.
• [ ] Navigate — open Google Maps (offline mode works without data) and confirm route to accommodation.
• [ ] Hydrate — buy water at the airport. You are now in tropical heat and need to start hydrating immediately.

### First Day

• [ ] Check in to accommodation. Photograph the room (for rental scam prevention if applicable).
• [ ] Explore immediate area — locate nearest ATM, minimarket, restaurant, and pharmacy.
• [ ] Apply sunscreen — the equatorial sun works fast. Even a short walk to dinner can burn.
• [ ] Apply insect repellent — mosquitoes do not wait for you to acclimatize.
• [ ] Adjust — do not plan too much for day one. Acclimatize to the heat, rest from travel, and explore your immediate neighborhood.

You are in Lombok. The checklist is done. The adventure is beginning.