MileHacker Logo
Communication

Communication

Bali, Indonesia

Mobile Connectivity

Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo, and XL Axiata are major mobile providers. Telkomsel generally has the best coverage on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, a reliable choice.

Getting Connected

  • Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
  • Available at convenience stores and mobile phone shops on Nusa Lembongan.
  • Present your passport for SIM card registration, an Indonesian law.

Consider an ESIM from Airalo for convenience.

Internet Access

Most hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants on Nusa Lembongan offer free Wi-Fi for guests. Connection quality varies from place to place.

Staying Online

  • Wi-Fi generally suffices for browsing, social media, and basic communication.
  • Might not always be strong enough for heavy streaming or video calls.
  • A local SIM card for more reliable internet access is an option.

Or try a portable Solis Wi-Fi device for connectivity.

Bridging Languages

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the official language. Balinese is spoken locally among the islanders. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Language Tools

  • You can generally communicate your needs in English.
  • A translation app like Google Translate (offline pack downloaded) is useful.
  • It helps bridge language barriers and shows respect for the local language.

Consider a language app like Rosetta Stone for deeper learning.

Phrases

Learning a few basic phrases goes a long way in showing respect and fostering positive interactions.

Common Expressions

  • Hello: Halo (HAH-loh)
  • Thank you: Terima kasih (te-REE-mah KAH-seeh)
  • Please: Tolong (TOH-long)

Everyday Phrases

Basic Responses & Questions

  • Yes: Ya (yah)
  • No: Tidak (TEE-dak)
  • How much?: Berapa? (be-RAH-pah?)
  • Delicious: Enak (EH-nak)

Helpful Social Phrases

  • Sorry/Excuse me: Maaf (mah-AHF)
  • Good morning: Selamat pagi (se-LA-mat PAH-gee)
  • Good evening: Selamat malam (se-LA-mat MAH-lam)
  • Postal services are limited on Nusa Lembongan.

Digital Communication

Most travelers rely on digital communication methods rather than traditional mail for sending postcards or packages.

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating times and holidays that may impact your visit.

General Hours

Restaurants and cafes generally open from 7 AM for breakfast until 10 PM for dinner. Shops typically operate from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Financial Access

ATMs are available in Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay. No full-service banks on Nusa Lembongan, banking services mean a trip to Bali.

Currency Exchange

Money changers usually open from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is wise to exchange currency during these hours.

Public Holidays

Indonesia observes various national and religious holidays that can affect business hours and transportation.

Important Dates

  • Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence): Occurs annually (March/April).
  • Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): Major Muslim holiday, leading to internal travel surges.
  • Christmas and New Year: Peak season periods, high demand for services.

Seasonal Closures

During the deep low season (February-March), some smaller businesses or guesthouses might close temporarily due to reduced tourist numbers.

Travel Advisory

  • Confirm opening hours if visiting during this period.
  • Expect fewer tourists and a quieter experience.
  • Temporary closures for renovation or staff breaks are common.

Airport Information

Lounge Access

Flight Compensation

Cash and ATMs

ATMs may occasionally run out of cash, especially during peak season or public holidays. Carry sufficient cash, specifically if visiting more remote parts of the island or during weekends.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Local customs to enrich your experience.

Warm Welcomes

A slight nod, a warm smile, and a verbal "Halo" or "Selamat pagi/sore/malam" are common and appreciated greetings.

Greeting Etiquette

  • Verbal greetings are common and show respect.
  • Handshakes are common, especially for men.
  • A slight bow with hands pressed together is common for women.

Dress Code

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or local villages.

Clothing Guide

  • Beaches: Relaxed beachwear (swimwear, shorts, tank tops) is acceptable.
  • General: Casual clothing is generally acceptable elsewhere.
  • Temples/Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees. Sarong and sash are required.

Culinary Manners

Eat with a spoon and fork, or with your right hand for local dishes. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (refer to Section 2.3).

Mealtime Tips

  • Use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items.
  • Avoid using your left hand for eating, giving, or receiving items.
  • Tipping guidelines are found in the money and banking section.

Photo Etiquette

Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially children or during religious ceremonies. Be discreet and respectful.

Picture Perfect

  • Avoid using flash inside temples or during ceremonies.
  • Do not photograph people in bathing suits if they are not on the beach.
  • Respect privacy, especially of children, and do not interrupt rituals.

Cultural Sensitivities

Things To Avoid

  • Do not touch people's heads, it is considered sacred.
  • Point with your thumb, not your index finger, or gesture with an open hand.
  • Do not step on offerings (canang sari) found on the ground; walk around them.

General Conduct

  • Show respect when entering temples (dress appropriately, remove shoes if required).
  • Avoid overt public displays of affection, as culture is generally conservative.
  • Drugs are illegal in Indonesia with severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Social Norms

Gender Considerations

  • Indonesia is largely conservative.
  • Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for all couples.
  • Discretion helps ensure a comfortable trip.

LGBTQ+ Information

  • LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
  • Social acceptance varies outside of tourist-heavy areas.
  • Homosexuality is not illegal in most parts of Indonesia.

Mobility Challenges

Nusa Lembongan's infrastructure presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs, with uneven roads and limited accessible transport.

Accessibility Information

Nusa Lembongan presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Challenges

Nusa Lembongan's infrastructure is generally not wheelchair-friendly.

Navigating the Island

  • Roads are uneven, narrow, and often lack sidewalks.
  • Many restaurants and accommodations have steps.
  • Ramps are rare across the island.

Limited Accessibility

Accessible attractions and transportation are very limited.

Travel Considerations

  • Fast boat transfers involve disembarking directly onto the beach.
  • Scooter travel is unsuitable for mobility impairments.
  • Golf buggies offer more stability, but rough roads remain a challenge.

Specialized Support

Visual Impairment

No specialized services are readily available for travelers with visual impairments. English speakers are common in the tourism sector, which may assist with communication.

Hearing Impairment

No specialized services are readily available for travelers with hearing impairments. English speakers are common in the tourism sector, which may assist with communication.

Planning Advice

Specific resources for Nusa Lembongan concerning accessibility are limited. Travelers with mobility needs plan extensively, researching individual accommodations.

Plan Your Trip Carefully

Travelers with mobility needs research individual accommodations and confirm the destination meets specific accessibility requirements before booking.
← Previous
Nearby Destinations
← Back to Nusa Lembongan
Next →
Environmental Considerations

Next Up: Environmental Considerations

Continue to Environmental Considerations