Complete Preparation Guide
Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know to prepare for your life-changing volunteer experience in Lombok, Indonesia
Your Typical Day
Our integrated schedule balances meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and personal exploration
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Start your day making a real difference in the community
- Teaching English at local schools
- Environmental conservation projects
- Community development initiatives
- Skills workshops with local artisans
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch & Rest
Enjoy authentic local cuisine and connect with your host family
- Traditional Sasak home-cooked meals
- Time to relax and recharge
- Cultural conversations with host family
- Prepare for afternoon activities
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cultural Immersion
Dive deep into Sasak culture and explore Lombok’s natural beauty
- Sasak language lessons
- Traditional weaving workshops
- Cooking classes with local ingredients
- Village exploration and nature walks
- Beach visits and waterfall hikes
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Evening Community Time
Connect with your new family and reflect on the day’s experiences
- Dinner with host family
- Traditional music and dance
- Community gatherings and celebrations
- Reflection and journaling time
- Bonding with fellow volunteers
Flexible Schedule
Schedules adapt to community needs, weather, and special cultural events. Weekends include group excursions to beaches, waterfalls, and cultural sites.
Where You'll Stay
Experience authentic Sasak hospitality by living with local host families—where cultural immersion truly begins
Traditional Homestays
Live with carefully selected Sasak host families in traditional or modern homes
Home-Cooked Meals
Enjoy authentic local cuisine with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals on weekends, all prepared by your host family.
Basic Amenities
Private or shared rooms, clean bedding, Western or squat toilets, basic WiFi
Family Integration
Participate in daily family life, celebrations, and community events
What to Expect
Homestays range from traditional bamboo houses to modern concrete homes. All families are carefully vetted and trained to host international volunteers. You’ll have your own sleeping space (private or shared with another volunteer of the same gender).
Living conditions are simple but comfortable. This is intentional—it allows you to experience daily life as locals do, building empathy and authentic connections that wouldn’t be possible in hotels or volunteer compounds.
What to Pack
Pack light and smart, you'll be living simply, and most items can be purchased locally if needed
Clothing
- Lightweight, modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Swimwear for beach and waterfall visits
- Light rain jacket (rainy season: Nov-Mar)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa on arrival (if required)
- Travel insurance documents
- Vaccination records
- Emergency contact information
Health & Safety
- Personal medications and prescriptions
- Basic first aid kit
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Water purification tablets
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Other Essentials
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Power adapter (Type C/F, 220V)
- Small backpack for day trips
- Journal for reflections
Cultural Sensitivity Reminder
Lombok is predominantly Muslim. Please dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when in villages and during volunteer work. Beachwear is appropriate at beaches and waterfalls. Your host family will guide you on local customs.
Visa & Travel Information
Essential information for planning your trip to Lombok
Longer Stays (60+ days)
For programs longer than 60 days, you will require an official visa obtained before arrival. We will help you arrange the Indonesia C6 Volunteer Visa (specifically C6B). This visa allows for volunteer and social-cultural activities and stays up to 60 days initially, with the possibility of extensions up to a maximum of 180 days. This is the official visa required by Indonesian immigration for non-commercial volunteering.
Key Pre-Application Requirements for Visa C6B:
- Official Invitation: A formal invitation letter from Beyond Lombok, the recognized organization in Indonesia (we provide this for your application).
- Proof of Funds: You must show a bank statement from the last 3 months demonstrating at least USD 2,000 to confirm sufficient financial means for your stay.
- Application Process: Applications are made online via the official e-Visa (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) portal and require a fee of approximately USD 150.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Most Common
Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival at Lombok International Airport for $35 USD (extendable once for another 30 days). This is suitable for volunteers joining short-term programs (up to 60 days total).
| Requirements: | Duration: |
| • Valid passport (6+ months validity) | • 30 days initially |
| • Return ticket | • Extendable for +30 days |
| • Proof of accommodation | • Total: 60 days maximum |
We’ll guide you: Visa requirements change frequently. We provide up-to-date information specific to your nationality after you apply. We will assist in preparing the required documentation (like the official invitation letter) and navigating the e-visa portal for the C6 Volunteer Visa for all long-term placements. Contact us for more information
Getting to Lombok
Lombok International Airport (LOP)
Main gateway to Lombok.
Direct International Flights
- Singapore (2.5 hours)
- Kuala Lumpur (2 hours)
- Bangkok (seasonal)
Via Bali (Most Common)
- Fly to Bali first
- 30-minute flight to Lombok
- Many daily connections
Money-Saving Tips
- Book flights 2-3 months in advance for best prices
- Fly mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) for cheaper fares
- Use Skyscanner or Google Flights for price comparison
- Consider nearby airports for better deals
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime