General Information
Lombok is about three-quarters the size of Bali and is estimated to have, surprisingly, approximately 2.5 million inhabitants making it slightly more densely populated than Bali. As mentioned Lombok is only 70 kilometres from Bali and is separated by the ecologically significant Wallace Line (the Wallace Line is the demarcation line separating Equatorial Asia from Marsupial Australia that marks vast and immediately noticeable changes in the flora and fauna from Bali).

As well, Lombok lies only 8° (375km) south of the equator. As such the weather is tropical. Days are almost universally 12 hours long with sunrise is approximately 6:20 a.m.; sunset at 6:30 p.m. depending on the time of year. The daytime temperature averages between 27° C to 32° C ( 80° F to 90° F) along the western coastal area (the main tourist venue). Average temperature inland is 29° C to 34° C. And if you plan to trek Mt. Rinjani bring a sweater - at 3,726 metres it is Indonesia's second tallest mountain and gets surprisingly cold up there.

Lombok's tropical monsoon climate has two distinct seasons; dry (May to September) and wet (October to March). Monsoon refers to the wind, not the rain. However even in the wet monsoon the rain tends to be short lived and localized. Weather wise May, June are July are generally considered the best months.

A Short History
The majority of Lombok's population is Sasak. No one really seems to know for sure from where the Sasak people originate from - some believe India due to their darker complexions and curlier hair. However many believe that there was a influx of immigrants to Lombok from Java sometime in the 14 century following the collapse of the Hindu Majapahit as Islam spread eastward from Sumatra through Java. Most Sasaks today practice their own local interpretation of Islam that has elements of Hinduism and indigenous Wetu Telu beliefs mixed in. Almost ironically Islam was introduced to Lombok through the spice trade from the Bugis traders from Makassar when the Hindu Majapahit was controlling most of Indonesia.

The Dutch arrived and colonized the eastern part of Lombok in the 17th century leaving the western part of the island to the Balinese until 1894 - when the Dutch took over the entire island. However while the Balinese ruled they put in a lot of effort to create another "Bali" building any number of temples, water palaces and introducing their particular brand of Hinduism. Even today the most interesting tourist sites were built (dare we say developed?) by the Balinese. Visitors to Mataram, Cakanegera, Ampenan and Senggigi in the western most portion of Lombok may be forgiven if they think that the Lombok and Bali are similar. However just into the interior the similarities end.

The People of Lombok
Approximately 90% of the population is Sasak with the majority of the remaining 10% claiming Balinese lineage. The Sasaks are for the most part Moslem however there is still evidence of Hindu and Wetu Telu (an animistic faith) that has incorporated some aspects of Islam into its practice. The Sasak people are much more conservative by culture and not as open as their more famous Balinese neighbors and fare poorly in comparison. This may be due in part to the lack of interaction with visitors but for whatever reason pay no mind the more you learn about Lombok, the more you'll appreciate the people and the friendlier they seem to become.

Simple Etiquette
Cultural etiquette has been described as the unspoken but assumed behavior that conveys politeness. Therefore it is important that you take the time to learn about and follow “local etiquette”. Also, for whatever reason, people on Lombok do not seem to be as inclusive by nature (often taken as not as friendly) as Balinese and it takes more time to get to know them.

That said, in Indonesia there are a few specific rules that visitors should be sure to know about and follow. Never hand anything to an Indonesian with your left hand. As in most Islamic countries the left hand is considered “unclean” and thus insulting. If this makes the action somewhat cumbersome by having to change hands, take the time to do it anyway.

Handshaking is customary for both men and women on introduction and greeting. Indonesians will frequently touch one or both hands to their chest after shaking hands as a sign of sincerity.

There are a few differences in the use of hands and feet for indicating actions or getting attention. The proper way to summon someone is to use one of the Indonesian words Pak, Mas, (for men) and Bu, Mbak (for women) and make a scooping motion toward you with your hand, fingers facing down. Crooking the index finger as is common in the West is not polite here. Also, be aware of where & how you position your feet. Exposing the sole of your shoe is considered impolite as is pointing with your foot to indicate an object. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques or, usually, when entering someone’s home. If you are unsure, ask.

Be aware that emotional displays of any emotion are considered rude.

Women should avoid wearing halter tops or shorts as well as tight fitting or revealing clothes in public - especially outside the tourist enclaves.

Lastly, visitors should keep in mind the importance of status in Indonesian society. In Indonesia everyone has status, but that status is situational. A street vendor or cab driver may have very high status in his home community either through leadership ability or religious training. Try to understand the different situations that arise in day to day activity and modify your personal behavior to meet those situations appropriately.