Soaring Peaks, Wild Waves, and Island Magic in Lombok
After almost five years of pounding pavements, pinching pennies, and plotting my escape, I finally stood at the gateway to one of Asia’s rawest gems—Lombok. This electrifying island in Indonesia isn’t just Bali’s quieter cousin; it’s a full-throttle outdoor playground brimming with active volcanoes, crystal-clear reefs, and some of the best waves in Southeast Asia.
1. Scaling Mount Rinjani: Between Lava & Sky
Let’s start with the beast—Mount Rinjani. Lombok’s sacred volcano towers at 3,726 meters (12,224 ft), making it Indonesia’s second-highest peak. Rinjani isn't for the faint-hearted, but if you're semi-fit and craving views that punch you in the gut with their beauty, this trek is unmissable.
The standard summit trek is a 2- or 3-day adventure that starts from Sembalun or Senaru. I went for the 3-day route with a local guide from Rinjani Hero Tours. The hike kicked off in misty jungle trails, where macaques played above me like mischievous spirits. Day one ended at the crater rim—with sunset hues bleeding into the Segara Anak lake far below. That view alone rewired my soul.
Difficulty level: Tough (8/10). Expect rugged ascents, loose volcanic gravel, and cold mountaintop camping.
Essential gear:
- Proper hiking boots (with grip!)
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Headlamp
- Sweater or thermal layers
- Water bladder or bottles (2–3L)
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
Best season: April to November. I hiked in June and had crisp skies and chilly but manageable nights. Avoid December through March—the rainy season wreaks havoc on the paths.
Safety tips:
- Go with a registered guide (I cannot stress this enough—you're hiking into an active caldera).
- Altitude can be intense near the summit. Pack electrolytes.
- Carry a small power bank if you want photos above the clouds.
Emergency contact: Lombok SAR: +62 370 642 132
One tip? Bring altitude pills or ginger chews for nausea—I learned the hard way at 3 am on summit day when I almost lost my breakfast mid-climb.
2. Ride the Waves: Lombok Surfing from Desert Point to Gerupuk
From craters to coastlines, Lombok’s surf scene is criminally underrated. As someone who wipes out about as often as I walk straight, I found the variety of breaks perfect for all levels.
Berawa Beach and Selong Belanak are ideal for beginners, with gentle beach breaks and warm water. Rentals go for £5/day, and locals offer hour-long instruction for about £10.
For something gnarlier, hit up Desert Point (Bangko-Bangko). Intermediate to advanced riders will drool over the legendary left-hander here—but beware, the reef is a brutal bedmate if you bail badly.
My mishap moment? Getting face-planted into coral after catching what I thought was a mellow swell. Came up with a bleeding shin and a bruised ego. Lesson learned: reef shoes are not optional.
Difficulty levels:
- Beginner: Selong Belanak
- Intermediate: Mawi, Are Guling
- Advanced: Desert Point, Gerupuk Inside/Outside
Best surf season: May to September for consistent swells and offshore winds.
What to pack:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rash guard
- Soft-top board rental (available locally)
- Waterproof GoPro if you’re feeling brave
Local surf schools to try:
- Lombok Surf Shack – Kuta
- Nalua Surf Camp – Gerupuk (good for packages including stay + lessons)
3. Island Escape: Gili Air, Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan
After volcano summits and saltwater stitches, you’ll want some zen. Enter the Gili Islands, just a boat ride away.
Gili Air was my pick—a sweet middle ground between the party of Gili Trawangan and the stillness of Gili Meno. I spent three sunrise-soaked days here snorkeling with turtles just steps from the shore, swinging from palms over white sand, and trying every iced coconut-based concoction possible.
Snorkeling spots like Turtle Point and the Gili Meno statues are accessible by half-day boat tours or even solo snorkels off the beach.
Alternatives:
- Gili Trawangan: Great for nightlife, diving certs.
- Gili Meno: Ultimate couple’s escape, limited services.
Best time to visit: May to October—dry, sunny, and calm seas.
Safety: No motor vehicles on the Gilis = heavenly. But bring bug spray, and keep a dry bag for valuables on boat rides.
Tour Operator Tip: Blue Water Express offers speedboats with solid safety records between Bali and the Gilis.
Bonus Lift: Add Aerial Adventure with FlyLombok.id 🪂
Want a view of Mount Rinjani and Lombok’s surf curls from the sky?
Don't miss an adrenaline-powered ride with FlyLombok.id. Their paragliding and microlight flights launched from Prabu Hills or Selong Belanak offer you cinematic aerial sweeps of coastlines, rice fields, and volcanic peaks in ways No Instagram filter can replicate.
I soared with them on a thermally perfect July morning, and the rush of wind, whirling seabirds, and horizon-bending views made me yell with joy mid-flight—luckily the wind drowned out my awkward scream.
It’s the perfect wrap-up to your Lombok chapter—and a reminder of why travel, risk, and wild open spaces are worth every penny you ever saved.
Final Pro Tips for This Leg of Your Grand Trip
- Stay hydrated—those equatorial rays are no joke.
- Learn some Bahasa basics—locals appreciate it deeply.
- Balance your pace—pair adrenaline highs with hammock days.
- Don’t forget travel insurance that'll cover multi-day treks and adventure sports.
This island will test your limits, thrill your senses, and make you question why you’ve ever stood still for so long. Whether you’re descending into a volcanic crater or catching your first wave, Lombok isn’t just another place—it’s pure feeling.
Ready to make it epic? Add FlyLombok.id to your wishlist and rise above it all.
See you in the clouds.