Other than the Babad Lombok document which records the 1257 Samalus eruption, little is known about Lombok before the seventeenth century. Prior to this it was comprised of numerous competing and feuding petty states, each of which was presided over by a Sasak 'prince'. This disunity was taken advantage of by the neighboring Balinese, who took control of western Lombok in the early seventeenth century.
The entire island was annexed to the Netherlands in 1895. The Dutch ruled over Lombok's 500,000 people with a force of no more than 250 by cultivating the support of the Balinese and Sasak aristocracy.
During WW2 a Japanese invasion force invaded and occupied the Lesser Sunda Islands, including the island of Lombok. At the conclusion of the war, the Japanese forces occupying Indonesia were withdrawn and Lombok returned temporarily to Dutch control. Following the subsequent Indonesian independence from the Dutch, the Balinese and Sasak aristocracy continued to dominate Lombok. In 1958, the island was incorporated into the province of West Nusa Tenggara, with Mataram becoming the provincial capital.
Flying is a convenient way to reach the island. Lombok International Airport offers both domestic and international flights, set in south-central Lombok. When you arrive at Lombok airport from another country, depending on your citizenship, you will be required to organize a visa on arrival.
The ideal time to visit Lombok is from May to June when the days are sunny, and temperatures are moderate. At this time, the weather is still beautiful, with fewer crowds.
Lombok's high season falls over July and August. Followed by a surge of travellers returning over Christmas and New Year for the holidays.
When arriving in Lombok, depending on your citizenship, you will be eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay. For those who are considering staying longer, the free visa cannot be extended. So if you are planning a 60-day trip, you will need to pay for a visa on arrival, which will give you 30 days initially. From there, arrange a visa extension through a visa agent for an extra fee.
ATMs are throughout Lombok, and credit cards are accepted at higher-end venues.
Should you fall into trouble and need a hospital, the Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga is the top private hospital on the island with doctors that speak English too. For divers, it is the only one with a recompression chamber. The hospital is to the east of Mataram. The Blue Island Medical Clinic is specifically for foreigners and can be found in Gili Trawangan and Kuta.
Throughout Indonesia, electrical sockets take the European-style, two-pin round plug. The C-type is the most popular with a voltage at 220 V 50 Hz.
Lombok is more conservative than Bali, and generally, it is suggested to refrain from too much public affection. Beachwear should only be worn at the beach, and wearing less revealing clothing is recommended as a sign of respect. Away from the beach or pool, avoid showing a lot of skin and in places of worship, always dress modestly and take your shoes off before entering.