Question 1

What is the "Unofficial Gili Island Boat Ticket" scam in Lombok?

Accepted Answer

Touts near the Bangsal harbour sell unofficial boat tickets to the Gili Islands at inflated prices, claiming they are the only operators available or that the public boat is full. The tickets are sometimes for non-existent or severely delayed services. Buy tickets only from the official Gili Ticket office at Bangsal harbour, which has a fixed price board. Ignore touts who approach you before you reach the ticket counter. The public boat (cidomo) is the cheapest legitimate option.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced Snorkelling Trip" scam in Lombok?

Accepted Answer

Boat operators on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air quote reasonable prices for snorkelling trips but add hidden extras at sea — equipment rental, marine park entry fees, and captain tips — that double or triple the original price. Boats sometimes visit far fewer sites than promised. Confirm the all-inclusive total price before boarding, including equipment, park fees, and any other charges. Get a written itinerary of sites to be visited. Use operators recommended by your guesthouse and read recent reviews that mention final pricing.

Question 3

What is the "Rinjani Trek Fake Guide" scam in Lombok?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial guides approach tourists near the Rinjani trek trailheads claiming government guides are fully booked. They take trekkers up the mountain without proper equipment, insurance, or knowledge, and may disappear mid-trek. Book Rinjani treks only through officially licensed operators registered with the Rinjani National Park authority. All guides must carry HAKI (Association of Guides) accreditation. Never start a trek with an unknown guide met at the trailhead.

Question 4

What is the "Fake Rinjani Trekking Guide" scam in Lombok?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial guides at the base of Mount Rinjani approach trekkers and offer cheap guided climbs without proper permits or equipment. Some abandon clients mid-trek or fail to provide adequate safety gear and food. Accidents on the volcano are serious due to the remote terrain. Only book Rinjani treks through TNGR-certified operators. Your guide should provide an official permit with your name on it. Confirm the trek includes tents, sleeping bags, food, and first aid. Avoid any guide who approaches you unsolicited at the trailhead.

Question 5

What is the "Overpriced Snorkelling Day Trip" scam in Lombok?

Accepted Answer

Boat operators on the Gilis sell "snorkelling packages" at inflated prices that include low-quality equipment, stop at overused reefs with little marine life, and cut trips short. Some operators collect payment for a full-day trip and return after two hours. Book snorkelling trips through your accommodation or a reputable dive school rather than directly from beach touts. Confirm the number of stops, duration, and whether equipment is included in writing. Read reviews for specific operators before booking.

Question 6

What is the "Fake Guide at Rinjani Trekking Office" scam in Lombok?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial individuals near the Mount Rinjani national park entrance pose as licensed guides or booking agents. They collect trek fees and porter deposits but disappear before the trek begins, or provide under-equipped guides with no safety training. Book Rinjani treks only through the official Rinjani Trek Management Board (RTMB) office or through established agencies with verifiable licences. Insist on a written contract listing your guide's name and licence number before paying any deposit.

Tour & Activity Scams in Lombok

Unofficial Gili Island Boat Ticket

Overpriced Snorkelling Trip

Rinjani Trek Fake Guide

Fake Rinjani Trekking Guide

Overpriced Snorkelling Day Trip

Fake Guide at Rinjani Trekking Office

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