Why I Left Bali for the Adventure Playground of Lombok
I've done the Bali circuit. I get the comfort, ease, and the digital nomad (DN) bubble. But something was missing—the wild edge, the scent of volcanic soil at sunrise, the grit that reminds you you're alive. That's what drew me across the Lombok Strait to this lesser-traveled gem. And trust me, if all you've done in Lombok is the Gili Islands, you're just scraping the surface.
Let me take you through my most hair-raising, awe-inspiring escapades—because Lombok isn't just a pit stop. It's an adventure destination in its own right.
Mount Rinjani: Indonesia's Ultimate Volcanic Trek
Difficulty: Challenging (multi-day trek)
Best Season: April to November (Dry season)
Equipment Required: Trekking boots, warm layers, rain gear, hydration pack, camping gear (provided by tour operators)
I still remember my first summit morning on Mount Rinjani. At 3:30 AM, headlamps bobbed like fireflies as we trudged up the final scree slope. Then, as golden light burst over the crater rim, I felt the wind slap my cheeks—and all fatigue vanished. There it was: Segara Anak lake shimmered deep below in an ancient caldera lake, cradling a baby volcano within.
Mount Rinjani (3,726m) is no joke. The full route is typically a 2–4 day undertaking, with steep climbs, rapid weather changes, and intensely cold nights. You'll want proper guides and porters—Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru is trusted, eco-certified, and provides responsible garbage disposal and trail support.
Safety Tip: Always check volcanic activity reports and don't attempt it in the rainy season. Rinjani is unpredictable.
Alternative for Beginners: Try a one-day hike to Pergasingan Hill in Sembalun. Much gentler, but with unforgettable ridgeline views across rice terraces and Rinjani itself.
Surfing Lombok: Chase Uncrowded Waves
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Best Season: Southern Hemisphere dry season – May to September
Top Spots: Gerupuk (beginners), Mawi (intermediate), Desert Point (advanced only!)
After years surfing Canggu's conveyor belt lineup, the open breaks here felt like freedom. The sun had barely cracked the horizon when I paddled out at Mawi. A school of flying fish burst beside me, then—bam!—I took off on a glassy shoulder and carved through turquoise bliss.
Boards are easy to rent in Kuta Lombok, where local surf camps like Nalua Surf offer lessons or trip packages. Shuttles or local boats ferry you from bay to bay depending on tide and swell.
Equipment: Surf wax, reef booties, rash guard, strong SPF. Be prepared for sharp reef exits and sun exposure.
Note: At Desert Point (Bangko-Bangko), time your arrival perfectly. It’s considered one of the best left-hand barreling waves in Asia but is remote and tidal-sensitive. Only experienced surfers should attempt it.
Gili Islands Escapes: Snorkel, Dive & Freedive
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: June to October for visibility
Top Picks: Gili Trawangan (social + diving), Gili Air (chill + freedive), Gili Meno (couples + sea turtles)
I’d been to Gili T years ago for a party weekend, but this time I came with a freediving buddy. We slid into the blue off Gili Air and dropped into a silence that made my heart slow and focus sharpen. Drifting past coral towers, I hovered near a curious cuttlefish—curious about us as we were about it.
The Gilis are just off Lombok’s northwest tip—a short boat ride from Bangsal or Teluk Nare pier. Try Freedive Gili for world-class courses or Blue Marlin Dive for PADI certifications.
Safety Tip: Strong currents on the west side during new/full moons—always go with certified professionals.
Alternative Activity: Not a diver? Rent a glass-bottom kayak or take a snorkeling tour circling all three islands in one easy (but eye-popping) day.
Paragliding Over Selong Belanak: Glide with Eagles
Difficulty: Moderate (tandem — beginner-friendly)
Best Season: June to early October (dry season + thermals)
Preparation: Light jacket, sunglasses, closed shoes
I’ll admit—my first paragliding launch off Prabu Hill involved a little sweaty panic. Caught in an unexpected gust, we spiraled out wider than expected. Heart hammering, I clutched the harness straps—but then it clicked. Total silence, just wind slicing past my ears and that view: terraced hills plunging into milky turquoise coves of Selong Belanak.
Tandem flights are managed by certified instructors in Kuta area. Operators like Sky Lancer Paragliding Lombok and FlyIndo Paragliding run professional setups. Launch heights vary based on conditions. If you can run a few meters during takeoff, you can paraglide here!
Safety Note: Weather changes fast—always follow your instructor’s call. If it's canceled, reschedule and don’t push it.
Ultralight Flights: Lombok's Wild Card Aerial Option
Want to level up paragliding? Jump in an ultralight aircraft and soar over southern Lombok’s coast. Unlike paragliding, which relies on wind, ultralights give you freedom to ascend, bank, and cruise longer. It’s both adrenaline-inducing and oddly meditative.
I tried both in the same week, and while paragliding was more elemental, ultralight flying gave me a pilot’s sense of direction. Banking around Tanjung Aan at golden hour made me fall for this island all over again.
FlyLombok.id (https://flylombok.id) is your go-to operator here. Certified pilots, optional photo sessions, and top-tier safety. Choose this if you prefer more control, longer airtime, or just want epic aerial footage of your trip.
Ready to Ditch the Routine and Elevate Your Travel?
Whether it’s summiting an active volcano or soaring above tropic bays, Lombok holds adventures that go far beyond hammock naps or café Wi-Fi. It's a reminder that comfort zones are overrated—and it only takes one trip to change how you define “remote work.”
🪂 End your trip with sky-high thrills. Book your aerial adventure now with FlyLombok.id and see Indonesia differently—from above.