West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat) is an Indonesian province spanning two main islands—Lombok and Sumbawa—offering a diverse blend of volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and rich Sasak and Sumbawan cultures. From the towering Mount Rinjani and the turquoise Gili Islands to the legendary surf breaks of Lakey Beach and the remote wilderness of Moyo Island, the province delivers world-class adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
West Nusa Tenggara is generally a safe destination for travellers; crime against tourists is uncommon but petty theft and transport scams do occur, particularly in Mataram and tourist-heavy areas of Senggigi. Natural hazards — including ocean currents, volcanic activity, and earthquakes — require more attention than crime.
Current safety advisory
Low
Most Western governments issue a Level 1 or Level 2 advisory for Indonesia, recommending normal or increased caution. West Nusa Tenggara itself has no specific elevated advisory but travellers should be aware of earthquake risk (the 2018 Lombok earthquake series caused significant damage), volcanic activity at Rinjani, and ocean safety.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Exercise normal caution
West Nusa Tenggara is considered safe for tourism; follow standard precautions for theft, transportation, and natural hazard awareness
Natural hazard awareness
Mount Rinjani is an active volcano with periodic activity alerts; check current status before trekking. Lombok and Sumbawa sit in an active seismic zone
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use registered taxis, GoJek, or Grab in Mataram and Senggigi — unlicensed drivers at tourist spots frequently overcharge
Never swim alone or at beaches with no lifeguard presence — some bays have powerful rip currents and undertow, particularly in surf season
Respect sea current warnings at the Gili Islands — snorkel inside the reef, not in open water channels between islands
Drink only bottled or filtered water — tap water is unsafe throughout West Nusa Tenggara
Apply reef-safe sunscreen only — chemical sunscreens are banned at many Gili and Lombok dive sites to protect coral
Keep a close eye on your belongings at busy beaches and markets in Mataram and Senggigi — opportunistic bag snatching does occur
Book Rinjani treks through licensed operators at the official Rinjani Trek Centre — unauthorised guides increase safety risks on the mountain
Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance before the trip — emergency helicopter evacuation from Rinjani costs thousands of dollars
Carry photocopies of your passport — leave the original securely in accommodation; police checkpoints on motorbikes are common
Dress modestly in villages and at mosques throughout the province — West Nusa Tenggara is predominantly Muslim
Be cautious of jellyfish during November to March wet season — sea lice and box jellyfish can be present around the Gili Islands
Avoid aggressive monkeys at jungle sites near Tetebatu and Senaru — do not carry food visibly near the black monkey forest
Be aware of volcanic activity updates for Mount Rinjani and Mount Tambora — check BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency) advisories before trekking
Secure your room at budget guesthouses — invest in a padlock for lockers and use the in-room safe for valuables
Negotiate and agree on taxi or transport prices before setting off — ask for the price to be written down if unsure
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Motorbike Damage Scam
Some rental operators claim pre-existing scratches or damage as new when you return the bike, demanding large payment
How to avoid: Photograph or video the entire bike thoroughly before renting; document all existing damage in writing with the rental owner
Transport Overcharging
Touts near the airport, Bangsal harbour, and Senggigi quote inflated prices for taxis and transport
How to avoid: Use GoJek/Grab in Mataram, or negotiate and agree prices firmly before entering any vehicle
Fake Rinjani Tour Operators
Unlicensed 'guides' in Senggigi sell Rinjani treks at low prices but provide inferior equipment and lack emergency training
How to avoid: Book only through the official Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru or Sembalun, or through reputable licensed agencies
Currency Exchange Shortchange
Some unofficial money changers in tourist areas give incorrect rates or count notes deceptively fast
How to avoid: Use bank ATMs instead of money changers; if exchanging cash, use authorised bank branches or established exchange offices
Beach Seller Pressure
Persistent vendors at Senggigi and Kuta beaches can be aggressive — repeatedly declining politely is usually sufficient
How to avoid: A firm but friendly 'tidak terima kasih' (no thank you) is usually effective; do not engage in extended bargaining if not interested
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (for outdoor activities). Check malaria risk for specific areas of Sumbawa with a travel health clinic before departure
- Water
- Tap water is unsafe — drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water throughout the province
- Food
- Avoid raw vegetables washed in tap water at basic warungs; street food from busy stalls with high turnover is generally safe; peel fruits yourself
- Facilities
- Mataram has good hospitals (RSUP NTB, RS Bhayangkara) with basic specialist care. The Gili Islands have a decompression chamber at Gili Trawangan's dive medical facility. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Bali or Singapore
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
West Nusa Tenggara is generally safe for solo travellers. The Gili Islands and Kuta Lombok have large backpacker communities making it easy to meet fellow travellers. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, use apps for transport, and share trekking plans with your guesthouse if heading to Rinjani.
Female travellers
Female solo travellers generally report positive experiences across West Nusa Tenggara. Dress modestly especially outside beach and tourist areas to avoid unwanted attention. The Gili Islands are particularly female-solo-friendly. At night, avoid walking alone on poorly lit beach paths in Senggigi.
Families
An excellent destination for families — the Gili Islands (particularly Gili Air and Meno) offer calm, shallow water ideal for children. Kuta Beach and Senggigi both have family-friendly beaches. Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for young children visiting rural Sumbawa — consult a travel health clinic.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Indonesia law does not criminalise same-sex relationships at the national level (though this is evolving at regional levels); West Nusa Tenggara is a predominantly conservative Muslim province. Public displays of affection by any couple should be minimal. The Gili Islands have a more relaxed, tolerant atmosphere — LGBTQ+ travellers are generally treated well there.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Medical
- 118 or 119
- Embassy
- Contact your country's embassy in Jakarta; Australian Consulate Bali: +62 361 241 118; UK Consulate Bali: +62 361 270 601; US Consulate Surabaya: +62 31 295 6400
- Tourist Police
- Mataram Tourist Police: +62 370 632733; Senggigi Police Post: +62 370 693110