Epic Outdoor Adventures in Lombok: Climb, Surf & Fly High
Hey adrenaline junkies! If you're like me and your idea of a good honeymoon includes climbing volcanoes, surfing perfect breaks, and flying over rainforests, welcome to Lombok. This lesser-traveled neighbor of Bali is an outdoor playground waiting for those who want adventure with fewer crowds. Here's the full-action scoop on some of the fiercest (and most fun) activities you can dive into—plus a few lessons from my own adventure, including a muddy misstep on Rinjani!
🏔️ Mount Rinjani Trek – Push Your Limits on an Epic Volcano
Difficulty level: Challenging to expert
Required gear: Hiking boots, waterproof outer layers, headlamp, gloves, sleeping bag (provided by most tour operators), basic first-aid kit
Best season: April to November (Avoid Dec–March rainy season!)
Safety tip: Altitude sickness is real – pace yourself, hydrate, and don’t skip acclimatization day
Climbing Mount Rinjani was easily the highlight of my trip—and probably the hardest physical thing I’ve ever done. Rising to 3,726 meters, Rinjani won’t go easy on your quads or lungs. We tackled the popular 3-day/2-night summit trek from Sembalun to Senaru, and it was... INTENSE.
Most trekkers start with a very early morning hike under the stars (yes, headlamps are your best friend), and I’ll never forget the way the first light spilled over the crater rim while mist curled off the lake below. Frozen fingers clutching hot ginger tea never felt so magical. But beware – the climb to the summit is slippery, steep, and made me question my life choices more than once. A loose rock slid out from under my boot, nearly sending me backward. Luckily, our porter's reflexes were legendary, and his grip saved me from a nasty tumble!
Top-rated local guides:
- Rinjani Trekking Club: Great track record, English-speaking guides
- Green Rinjani Eco Tour: Focus on sustainability and excellent meals on the trail
📞 Emergency Contact: Rinjani National Park HQ - +62 370 693 208
Alternate option: Not ready for the full summit? Try the Senaru Crater Rim (2D/1N)—still amazing views without the brutal summit push.
🌊 Surf’s Up in the South – Ride Lombok’s Secret Swells
Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced
Best surf towns: Kuta, Gerupuk, and Selong Belanak
Gear: Rentals available locally; bring reef booties, sunscreen, and your stoke!
If you were sad to miss surf sessions in Uluwatu or Canggu—or just crave uncrowded lefts—Lombok surfing will blow your mind. There’s something soul-healing about rocking up to a near-empty beach at 6AM, board under arm, and diving into glassy waves.
My personal favorite? Gerupuk, where you hop on a boat with your board to reach reef spots like Don Don and Inside Right. I actually nailed my first proper cutback here, cheered on by a 9-year-old local kid effortlessly riding the same waves. Humbling doesn’t begin to cover it.
Other hotspots:
- Selong Belanak: Super mellow beach break, ideal for first-time surfers
- Mawi: Hollow barrel machines for experienced shortboarders
- Are Guling: Great rights, fewer crowds – intermediate to advanced only
🧢 Pro Tips:
- Stay sun-safe with zinc and rash guards
- Early mornings get less wind and better swell
- Book lessons through Dome Surf School or Lombok Surf Shack
✈️ Take Flight with FlyLombok.id – Aerial Adventures You’ll Never Forget
Want a breathtaking view of the Rinjani caldera without the 3-day slog? Add a literal high point to your trip with FlyLombok.id. Whether it’s tandem paragliding over the cliffs of Selong Belanak or heli-touring over the volcanic crater lakes, this is hands-down the most epic way to experience Lombok.
Let me tell you—harnesses strapped, feet dangling over rice fields that roll into turquoise bays—it’s pure magic. And yes, that bird’s-eye view of Segara Anak Lake still gives me chills every time I think about it.
🏄♂️ Adventure Call-to-Action: Add aerial adrenaline to your bucket list. Book your gravity-defying ride with FlyLombok.id and thank me later!
🏝️ Explore the Gili Islands – Chill Vibes + Underwater Magic
Difficulty level: All levels (choose your own pace)
Getting there: 20 min boat from Bangsal or Senggigi (Lombok)
Must-do activity: Snorkeling with turtles / Freediving courses
We had planned to hit the Gilis on this trip but unfortunately had to reroute due to a yoga-related back injury (fellow yogis, don’t ignore your body 😅). But I've been before, and wow — it’s a different world. No motorbikes, no traffic, just coconuts, bikes, and beach bars.
Gili Trawangan – party central, with night dives and fire shows
Gili Air – dreamy balance of fun + chill
Gili Meno – slow life, honeymoon central
Snorkel right off the beach or jump on a traditional boat tour to visit the famous underwater statues, coral gardens, and even sunken wrecks. For something deeper, freediving with Freedive Gili turned into one of the most meditative experiences I’ve ever had.
💪 Stay Fit on the Go – Outdoor Adventures Meet Active Recovery
Not only can you shred surf and climb volcanoes, Lombok has newly growing fitness spots for people like us who need that dopamine sweat every day.
In Kuta Lombok you’ll find:
- Ashtari Yoga set on a hilltop with insane sea views
- Mana Retreat for a killer HIIT class after your surf session
There’s nothing quite like doing sun salutations as monkeys chatter in the surrounding trees or enjoying a post-surf protein smoothie while watching the sunset paint the Indian Ocean gold.
Final Adventure Tips
- Pack smart – Waterproofs, bug spray, electrolytes and solid footwear are non-negotiable.
- Cash is king – Especially on Rinjani treks and in small surf towns.
- Local SIMs – Register your IMEI (yup, red tape strikes again). I used Holafly’s eSIM and had excellent coverage island-wide.
- Respect local culture – Lombok is a bit more conservative than Bali, so dress modestly when not beach-bound.
Let’s Go!
Lombok is a gem missed far too often by travelers sticking to the Bali bubble. If you’re looking to crank up the adrenaline, reconnect with nature, and collect stories worth retelling, then get over here—and add a flight with FlyLombok.id to top it all off.
See you at the summit, in the lineup… or soaring through the clouds!