Lombok, Indonesia – a rugged, lesser-traveled neighbor to Bali, yet one that pulses with untamed beauty and sky-bound adrenaline. As a solo traveler who's been swept up in the community vibe of coliving spaces like SunDesk in Taghazout, Morocco, I needed more: wilder views, louder waves, and the kind of pulse-racing experiences that stay etched in your memory long after the passport stamps fade. Lombok delivered.
Summit Dreams: Conquering Mount Rinjani
Standing tall at 3,726 meters, Mount Rinjani is not just a volcano—it’s a pilgrimage for trekkers. Scaling this beast was the crown jewel of my trip, and it tested every ounce of determination I had.
Difficulty: Challenging (4.5/5)
Rinjani is no gentle hill. The standard trek is 3 days and 2 nights, starting from Senaru or Sembalun. Expect intense climbs, altitude gain, and swiftly changing weather. A moderate to high fitness level is essential.
Best Season:
Go between April to November; the dry season provides clearer trails and skies. The national park closes from January to March due to heavy rain and risk of landslides.
What to Bring:
- Hiking boots with good grip
- Sleeping bag and insulated layers (it gets freezing above 2,000m!)
- Headlamp, trekking poles, snacks
- Hydration packs (your guide usually carries extra water)
Local Guides:
Don’t attempt this trek solo—local guides are mandatory and essential. I went with Green Rinjani Trekking, and they were exceptional (responsive team, ethical practices, great meals at 2,500m!).
Safety Tips:
- Acclimatize with a few warm-up hikes
- Watch for altitude sickness symptoms
- Carry electrolytes and rehydration salts
Mishap Moment: On day two, while crossing rough volcanic scree, my boot lace snapped, tripping me into a puff of ash like a cartoon tumble. My guide whipped out a spare lace from his hiking belt. Lesson: small spares = big saves.
Emergency Contacts:
- Rinjani National Park Office: +62 376 22255
- Emergency Evac Services via Guide Group (ask before booking)
Chasing Waves: Surfing South Lombok
If Rinjani tested my legs, surfing in Kuta Lombok tested my balance. The warm Indian Ocean and uncrowded breaks make this a sleeper gem in the world surf map.
Difficulty Levels:
- Beginners: Tanjung Aan – mellow whitewash, ideal to learn.
- Intermediates: Gerupuk – boat-accessed reef break with consistent lefts!
- Advanced: Mawi or Desert Point – crushing barrels and strong rips.
Even as a wobbly beginner, the sensation of riding a wave while bathed in golden sunrise light felt surreal.
Equipment & Rentals:
- Board rental: IDR 50–100K/day
- Rashguard recommended (sun + reef protection)
- Available surf camps: Lombok Surf Camp, Drop In Surf Lodge
When to Go:
- Best time: May to September (dry season offers swell consistency)
Aerial Escapes: Paragliding & Ultralight Flights
Looking for paragliding alternatives in Lombok? Dream bigger—literally. I signed up for an ultralight flight with FlyLombok.id, and oh man—this was mind-blowing.
Perched in the open cockpit, I soared above the coast near Selong Belanak. Below, turquoise waters revealed hidden coral gardens and the shadow of our tiny plane. The scent of salt air mixed with burnt fuel still lingers in my jacket—it was raw, pure adventure.
Paragliding vs Ultralight:
- Paragliding: Cheaper, quieter. Requires wind. Operator: Lombok Sky Paragliding.
- Ultralight: Engine-powered, wider range, much higher. Operator: FlyLombok.id.
Cost:
- Ultralight flights: From IDR 1.2M (~$80)
- Paragliding: Starts around IDR 600K (~$40)
Safety Requirements:
- Experienced pilots
- Reserve parachute inspections
- Weather briefings mandatory
Add this to your trip and you'll see why Lombok deserves your wings. Book ahead, especially in July-August high season.
Gili Islands Escape
Tired legs? Soothing vibes await you on the Gili Islands. I hopped from Gili Air to Gili Meno, where motorized vehicles don’t exist and coral reefs cradle every bay.
Activities:
- Snorkeling tours: Visit the famous underwater statues, turtle point, and vibrant reefs.
- Freediving: Try a beginner course in Gili Trawangan.
- Sunset paddleboards: Glide across a glassy sea with mountains silhouetted beyond Bali.
Equipment:
- Mask, snorkel, fins (rentals IDR 50–80K/day)
- Waterproof camera case — a must!
Operators:
- Blue Marlin Dive
- Manta Dive Gili Air
Alternatives & Light Adventures
Not quite ready to tame volcanoes or ride tubes? No worries.
- Benang Stokel Waterfalls: An easy jungle trek through rice paddies.
- Bukit Merese Sunset Hill: A simple 15-minute climb to unbeatable views.
Quick Tip:
For each activity, ask your coliving host for the real local recs. Their community knowledge often beats TripAdvisor. While I stayed at Matra Coliving in Bali afterward, I kept wishing I had a similar set-up during my Lombok leg. That’s why I’m scouting locations there next!
Parting Shot: Your Sky Is Calling
Whether you’re shredding surf in Gerupuk or floating over volcanoes in an ultralight with FlyLombok.id, Lombok isn't just an island—it's an invitation to elevate your solo journey dreams.
Time to take off? Strap in, hold tight, and let Lombok lift you sky-high.🌄🏄♂️✈️