LOMBOK ISLAND - INDONESIA

GETTING THERE  and AWAY

Lombok and Sumbawa, the two main island of West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara refers to the islands east of Bali) offer a charming variety of landscapes, place of interest and activities for the tourist.

At least five tropical islands (The Gillis; Trawangan, Meno, and Air, Gilli Nanggu, Moyo Island) and coastlines lined with pristine beaches and fabulous waters for swimming, sun baking, sailing, surfing, fishing and underwater activities await.

BY PLANE

There are regular daily flights from Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Sumbawa, Bima and from Singapore.

Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Trigana Air and Indonesia Air Transport serves daily flights from Bali to Lombok (roundtrip).

Effective April 1st - onward, Garuda Indonesia operates its Boeing 737-300 to serve Bali - Lombok - Bali daily, and 2 daily flights from Jakarta (CGK) to Mataram (AMI) roundtrip twice a day. 

Lion Air serves 1 daily flights direct (nonstop) for Jakarta (CGK) - Mataram (AMI).

Batavia Air, serve 1 flight for Jakarta (CGK) - Mataram (AMI) via Surabaya (SUB)

Wings Air serves 2 daily flights for Surabaya (SUB) - Mataram (AMI) direct and Merpati Airlines serve 1 daily flight direct from Mataram Surabaya connect to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Silk Air serves 3 flights a week direct from Singapore (SIN) to Mataram (AMI) on MPNDAY, THURSDAY, and SATURDAY. In addition, Trigana Air just open new routes from Mataram to Sumbawa (3 times a week): SUNDAY, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY and Mataram to Bima (3 times a week): MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.

BY PUBLIC FERRY FROM BALI

Alternative way to reach Lombok from Bali is by sea. The cheapest mode of transportation from Bali to Lombok (vice versa) is by Public Ferry. Public Ferry service departs from Padang Bai (East Bali) to Lembar (West Lombok) every 2 hours, operating 24 hours carrying passengers goods and vehicles. These ferries are quite basic and slow, taking between 4-5 hours for the crossing. While they are cheap, it can cost quite a bit extra to get to Padangbai so its worth comparing all alternatives.

BY FAST BOAT

There are new private fast boats operates serving Bali - Lombok - Gili Islands; Blue Water Express (Benoa - Teluk Nare & Gili Islands) or Gili Cat Fastboat and Eka Jaya (Padangbay - Teluk Nare & Gili islands). This fast boat service only carry passengers with limited seats available. Pregnant women and child under 2 years old are not recommended to go with these fast boats.

The Fast Boats using standard safety for passengers, making the sea transfer more efficient, comfortable and safe.

The fast boat's fare is quite expensive (almost doubled compare to flying), but if your destination is Gili Trawangan, then it's quite reasonable.

BY SHUTTLE BUS

Most travelers tend to take the tourist shuttle service from Bali which includes transfers to and from the harbors to the destination of their choice.

These shuttles charge an all inclusive price and vary depending on your start point in Bali & destination in Lombok. Unfortunately the vehicle/s used are often very old. If you travel with kids, we do not recommend to use this shuttle service as you'll be crammed into hot and stuffy minibus with no air-con or curtain to shade you from the noon sun.

TRANSFER SERVICE WITH DELUXE AC COACH

A little bit of extra spending to get a smooth and comfortable air-con transfer service can be enjoyable during your vacation in Bali and Lombok. 

Visa To Philippines

Who requires a visa?
The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days:

1. Holders of Brazil passports; 
2. Holders of Israel passports 

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days:

1. Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports 
2. Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports 
3. Holders of Portuguese Passports issued in Macao 
4. Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports

Nationals from countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports are valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the period of stay. 

Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil*, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel*, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland  , Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

All nationals from other countries do require a visa to enter Philippines.

Note: All tourists wishing to stay longer than 21 days need a visa.

What documents will be required?

Passports: Passports valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond intended length of stay required by all except holders of a Hong Kong (SAR) or Taiwan Certificate of Identity.

Note: (a) Holders of Certificates of Identity, Travel Documents, Documents of Identity, Taiwanese Passports and all stateless persons do require visas. (b) All children of Filipino nationality must hold individual passports. (c) Children of other nationalities up to the age of 15 and not accompanied by a parent are only permitted entry if they secure a visa based on an approved Waiver Exclusion Ground (WEG) granted by the Bureau of Immigration. Applicants should apply at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) at least two weeks in advance. 

Time required to issue visa:
2 days in average. Visas can be collected between 16.00 and 17.00 hrs.

How do I apply?
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.
Application requirements: (a) One application form. (b) One passport-size photo signed on the back. (c) Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. (d) Proof of means of support during stay, either by bank statement or letter of employment. (e) Fee in cash or postal order only. (f) If applying by post a registered, stamped, self-addressed envelope is required and the application should be signed by a notary or commissioner of oaths. (g) Onward or return tickets. (h) Business travellers also require a letter from the sponsoring Filipino company or from their employer, stating the purpose of the visit.
Application for a non-immigrant visa should be made in person.

Application for a temporary visitor’s visa must be made in person. In the case of a minor under eighteen (18) years of age, the application may be made for him by a person who, in the opinion of the consular officer, is responsible for his/her welfare. The minor, not an infant in arms, shall be required to appear at the Consulate for interview, together with the person making the application for him/her.

Applicants for temporary visitor’s visa should normally apply at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over their place of residence. While some visa applicants may apply at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad, others are only allowed to apply his/her visa at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in his country of origin or legal residence. 

The following are the minimum requirements for applying a temporary visitor’s visa:

Passport/Travel Document Valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines; 
Duly Accomplished Visa application forms; 
Passport Photos (2 pieces); 
Proof of bona fide status as tourist or businessman; 
Confirmed tickets for return or onward journey to the next port of destination; and 
Payment of Visa Fees 

Foreign Nationals who wish to take up a short-term non-degree course 
Foreign students who wish to take up a short-term non-degree course like language and computer courses must apply for a temporary visitor’s visa. Upon arrival in the Philippines and acceptance by the school/institution authorized by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students, he/she should apply for a Special Study Permit at the Bureau’s Student Desk, together with the following documents: 

Letter request; 
Certificate of Acceptance from the school accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students; 
Photocopy of passport reflecting the applicant’s authorized period of stay; 
Affidavit of Support and Proof of Financial Capacity; and 
Birth Certificate.

What is the cost of a visa?
Temporary Visitor: £22 (3 month single-entry); £43 (6 month multiple-entry); £65 (1 year multiple-entry).Pre-arranged Employment: £286. Payable by cash or postal order only.

How long is the visa valid for?

Single-entry (59 days from date of issue); Multiple-entry (between 6 months and 1 year from date of issue). Visas normally allow stays of up to 59 days. Extensions are possible at the discretion of the Bureau of Immigration. 

Other information:

.1: A yellow fever or typhus vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving within 6 days from infected areas. A certificate is also required by those arriving from small pox or plague infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Philippines, unless travellers arrive from infected areas. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. 

3: Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year in areas below 600m, except in the Provinces of Bohol, Catanduanes, Cebu and Manila. No risk is considered to exist in urban areas or in the plains. The malignant falciparum strain is present and is reported to be resistant to chloroquine.

Food & drink: Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic in the south. Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant fresh water. Swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Dengue andfilariasis occur and plague is carried by insects. Hepatitis B is highly endemic. Hepatitis A may occur.Japanese Encephalitis occurs rarely in western Luzon, Mindoro and Palawan from April to November and throughout the year in other areas, with the highest risk from April to January. Chikungunya fever is particularly common in urban areas of the central islands, such as Manila. Gonorrhoea resistant to penicilin is common in the Philippines, particularly in Manila and Cebu City.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. 

Health care: Approximately three-quarters of the hospitals are private.

Extension of Authorized Period of Stay in the Philippines 
In case of a temporary visitor’s visa holder whose stay in the Philippines will exceed the authorized period of stay, he/she will have to report to the Bureau of Immigration, secure an extension of stay and pay the corresponding immigration fees. 

Travel Visa Pro helps to get a visa to Philippines. Click here for more information.


Embassy contact information:

Please contact the nearest Philippines Embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Philippines.

Visa to Vietnam

No matter which way of access you choose, a Vietnamese entry visa is required for all foreigners, except for citizens of countries having bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Vietnam.

Types of visa to Vietnam

• Diplomatic and official visa:
  No fees unless otherwise agreed upon between Vietnam and applicant’s country. On applying this visa, you must submit an official letter from the concerned agencies of local government, foreign embassies or consulates accredited to the country, international organizations, or other accredited organizations based in that country.
• Business visa:
  On applying this visa, you should obtain an approval through your sponsor in Vietnam. It’s generally much easier to apply once in Vietnam. Multiple entry and stay of three-month or six-month is possible.
• Tourist visa: (short staying time)  It's what you need to enter Vietnam!
  Available one-month single-entry visa (maximum stay in Vietnam of one month). Tourist visa may be extended one time for 30 days after your arrival in Vietnam.
  If you plan to spend more than a month in Vietnam, or if you plan to exit Vietnam and re-enter from Cambodia, Laos or China, you will need a three-month multiple-entry visa with the approval from local agents.

How to apply visa to Vietnam

You can either apply yourself at Vietnamese embassies or consulates in your country or have a local travel agent (your sponsor) to do a part or full its procedure.

By yourself:

• Required documentations:
  you have to submit:  passport of six months’ validity,  visa application forms, and  probably some others required by Vietnamese embassy or consulates in your country. Visa forms are available by getting directly or by mail with a stamped, self-addressed envelope addressed to their Visa section. Request by email is perhaps acceptable (in some cases).
  See  Visa application form  and list of  Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates abroad (also available  Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Vietnam).
• Time:
  processing tourist visa application typically takes four or five working days.
• Cost:
  fees vary from embassy to embassy; about $50 in Bangkok and $85 in Washington, for example.

By local agent:

Provide two types of visa services: Visa Application letter and Full-packaged service(on-arrival visa). Please refer to the  Detailed visa procedure and services for more information

Vietnam custom regulations

Arriving in Vietnam, all visitors must fill in  declaration forms and show their luggage to Customs Officials upon request. There are no limited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold but visitors must declare these in detail on the customs forms.

Luggage of Prohibited and Restricted carriage

• Following materials are prohibited accompanying baggage: corrosive, gas, explosive, toxic, oxygen, radioactive, flammable...
• Following materials are not permitted accompanying baggage: knife, scissors, gun, cartridge, wheelchair with battery;
• Passenger should not put money, jewel, document, important samples... in your baggage. Baggage should be covered and locked carefully;
• Passenger should not put breakable materials such as china, electronic, bottle, jar... inside your baggage;
• Following goods are prohibited carrying in flight: fish sauce, durian...

Entry Vietnam

• Tourists are authorized to bring in the following items duty-free: Cigarettes: 400 pieces; Cigars: 50-100; Tobacco: 100 gram; Liquor: 1.5l.
• Personal effects of a reasonable quantity
• Small gift items valued at not more than US$500.

You are expected to declare:

• Cameras, camcorders and other electric equipments not for personal use
  Jewelry not for personal use;
• Currency over US$7,000 (There is no limit to the amounts of cash, precious metals and gems people can bring in, but amounts of over US$7,000 must be declared);
• Video tapes (they may be kept few days and screened).

Exit Vietnam

• Goods of commercial nature and articles of high value require export permits issued by the Customs Office.
• Antiques, some precious stones and animals listed in Vietnam's red-book may not be brought out of the country.
• Money: below US$3,000 of cash.