Sumbawa Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Chronological Planning Timeline

+ Months Before Departure

Passport:
Check your passport's validity (6+ months from entry, two blank pages). Renew as needed.
Visa Research:
Research Indonesia's visa rules for your passport. Apply for e-Visa (B211A) allowing several weeks.
International Flights:
Secure international travel to Denpasar, Lombok, or Jakarta. Early booking often yields favorable prices.
Health Consultation:
Consult a travel doctor for recommended vaccinations (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus) and preventative medications.
Travel Insurance:
Acquire comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, evacuation, trip changes, and planned activities. World Nomads provides options.

Month Before Departure

Domestic Flights:
Book domestic flights to Sumbawa airports (SWQ or BMU) from your arrival hub.
Accommodation:
Reserve accommodations, especially surf camps or high-end options during peak season.
International Driving Permit (IDP):
Obtain an IDP if you plan to drive a scooter or car. Ensure it covers motorcycles.
Travel Money:
Check IDR exchange rates. Let your bank know when you're traveling to avoid card issues.
Prescription Medications:
Have enough medications for your trip, plus extra days. Carry a doctor's letter for controlled substances.

Pre-Departure Week

Confirm Bookings

Reconfirm all flight, accommodation, and tour reservations.

Document Copies

Print physical copies of important documents. Save digital copies on your phone, cloud, and email.

Packing & Electronics

Finish your packing list. Make sure all electronics are charged and power banks.

Additional Preparations

Required Advance Bookings

International & domestic flights, especially for peak seasons.
Popular camps for surfing or limited high-end resorts.
Specific tours like whale shark encounters.

Pre-Trip Research

Read about Sumbawan culture, local etiquette, and current events.
Familiarize yourself with basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases.
Review health and safety information for Indonesia.
Plan your route logically to reduce travel time.

Home Preparation

Secure Your Home

Secure all doors and windows.
Stop mail/newspaper delivery.
Arrange for pet sitters or boarding.
Ensure plants are cared for.

Financial Matters

Pay upcoming bills.
Set up automatic payments to avoid issues.
Notify your bank and card issuer companies of travel dates.
Look for any recurring subscriptions.

Communication & Itinerary

Set up an out-of-office email reply.
Share your detailed itinerary with family or friends.
Provide emergency contact information.
Confirm communication methods for your return.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Landing

Immigration & Customs

Passport, visa (when suitable), plus go back/onward ticket ready.
Complete Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) online before you get there.
Collect your luggage.
Proceed through clearance points.

Initial Necessities

Locate an ATM at the airport or nearest town for IDR cash.
Reliability of ATMs varies in remote areas.
Purchase bottled water and immediate snacks.
Acquire any other pressing necessities.

Local SIM Card

Purchase a local SIM card (e.g., Telkomsel) at the airport or a phone shop.
Register it with your passport.
Ensure phone is unlocked for international SIMs.
This will facilitate local calls and data access.

Orientation Strategies

Getting Your Bearings

Become acquainted with your immediate surroundings at your accommodation.
Ask hotel staff for directions to nearby amenities and local tips.
Use offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) to orient yourself.

Initial Spending

Exchange currency at reputable money changers in major towns.
Withdraw from Cashpoints if easier.
Avoid airport foreign exchange services as rates are often less favorable.

Transport to Accommodation

Arranging Transfers

Pre-arrange transfers with your accommodation when feasible.
Use licensed airport taxis.
Negotiate fares clearly with Ojeks or personal drivers.

Navigating Options

Understand local transport types.
Have your accommodation address readily available.
Confirm the approximate cost before starting your journey.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs well before your departure date.
Check baggage allowance for your flights.
Excess baggage fees can be significant, especially for bulky items.
Shipping items from Sumbawa can be multifaceted and expensive.
Consider shipping from bigger hubs like Bali for many items.

Pre-Departure Timing

Confirm flight or ferry departure times the day before.
Allow ample journey time to the airport or ferry terminal.
Factor in Sumbawa's road conditions and potential "rubber time" delays.
Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight departure.
Check in online if your airline offers this offering.

Final Steps

VAT Refunds

Indonesia does not operate a comprehensive VAT refund scheme for tourists. Do not expect to claim refunds on your purchases.

Return Journey

Recheck any onward flights or ferry schedules. Pack strategically for your journey.

Document Access

Keep all documents for your subsequent destination or travel back home easily accessible.

Critical Reminder

Proper preparation alleviates stress during your travel experience. A well-planned trip allows for a more laid-back departure.

Required Advance Bookings

Booking Essentials

Flights & Transfers

International & Domestic Flights:
Book well in advance, especially for peak travel seasons.
Airport Transfers:
Ferry Tickets:
For inter-island travel, especially during busy periods, booking ahead is wise.

Accommodations & Tours

Famous Accommodations:
Surf camps in Lakey Peak or Maluk, and Moyo Island resorts, have limited rooms and book out quickly.
Specific Tours:
Tough treks like Mount Tambora (often require a guide) and whale shark encounters benefit from early booking.
Peak Season Travel:
Travel during high season means securing all bookings well ahead of time.