Between Earthquakes and Elevation: My Lombok Adventure Guide
I never thought my first solo trip out of Europe would involve escaping a 7.0 magnitude earthquake barefoot, nor that I’d fall hopelessly in love with Indonesia—specifically Mount Rinjani and the Gili Islands near north Lombok.
Still, wrapped in that bizarre mix of fear, adrenaline, wonder, and human connection, I discovered what real adventure felt like. Here’s a full-throttle breakdown of must-do outdoor activities on Gili Trawangan and Lombok, Indonesia—plus how to prepare, stay safe and make the most of every last jaw-dropping moment.
1. Trekking Mount Rinjani, Lombok Indonesia
Difficulty Level: Hard (High-altitude trekking experience recommended)
Duration: 2D1N or 3D2N treks available
Best Time to Go: April to November (Dry season)
Mount Rinjani is not just a hike—it’s a test of your willpower and reward for your soul. Towering at 3,726 meters, it’s Indonesia’s second-highest volcano.
I went with Rinjani Dreamers Trek (run by local Sasak people) and let me tell you—nothing could have prepared me for the sheer power of sunrise at the crater rim. My legs were screaming after 10 hours uphill through jungle and open field, but the skies lit up pink and gold over the volcanic lake below, and every ache disappeared.
What You’ll Need:
- Proper hiking boots (don’t be like me and bring only trainers 🤦♀️)
- Layers (cold nights up top)
- Sleeping bag (most tours include gear rentals)
- Lightweight backpack (25-35L)
- Personal snacks (energy gels or nuts)
Safety Tips:
- Always check seismic activity updates via BMKG Indonesia
- Hire certified guides, preferably from local operators like Green Rinjani, Rinjani Hero or Rinjani Trek Centre
Emergency Contact:
- Indonesian Search & Rescue (BASARNAS): +62 361 751111
2. Surfing in South Lombok
Difficulty Level: Beginner to advanced (various breaks available)
Best Spots:
- Kuta Lombok (Beginners)
- Gerupuk (Intermediates)
- Desert Point (Pro-only)
South Lombok’s coastline is a wave-chaser’s paradise. I wiped out hard my second morning paddling off Selong Belanak—face-first into the foam—but the instructor laughed it off with me, shouting, “Wipeout means you’re learning!”
I used Nalua Surf Camp based in Kuta—they offer full board, equipment rental, theory lessons, and video analysis.
What You’ll Need:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rashguard
- Local board rental or your own rig (shortboards & funboards available)
Alternative for Non-Surfers: Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in calmer coves like Tanjung Aan.
Weather Tip:
- May–September offers the most consistent waves, minimal rain.
3. Island Hopping & Snorkeling – Gili Islands, Lombok Indonesia
Difficulty Level: Easy-Fun
The Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) sit like pearls off the coast of Lombok. I made base camp on Gili T, diving by day and joining group dinners of grilled fish by night.
Snorkel with sea turtles off Gili Meno, free dive around sunken statues, or dive with Blue Marlin or Manta Dive. Pack reef shoes—those corals are sharp!
Gear Checklist:
- Snorkel mask & fins (rentable on the island)
- Waterproof phone case
Alternative Options:
- Glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers
- Freediving workshops with Ocean Men Gili Air
Safety Notes: Be mindful of strong currents—go with guides when possible.
4. Paragliding vs Ultralight Flights: Lombok from the Sky
After surviving the earthquake and sleeping under a thousand shooting stars, I realized life is too short to stay on the ground. That’s when I booked my flight with FlyLombok.id—the best decision of my trip.
Gliding above Mawun and Selong Belanak beach, I saw the full curve of the turquoise bay, rugged ridgelines meeting infinite ocean, and tiny surfers below catching shimmering waves. This view? Absolutely surreal.
Option A: Paragliding
- Launch Point: Prabu area (near Kuta)
- Time in Air: 10–15 min
- Skill Level: Tandem rides for beginners
Option B: Ultralight Flights
- Aircraft: 2-seater microlight trike
- Flight Time: 25–45 min
- Bonus: Communicative intercom, can spot whales occasionally
Choose ultralight if you want more altitude and cover more coastline—pure aerial freedom.
What to Bring:
- Compact action camera (GoPro)
- Sunglasses with strap
Safety Standards: FlyLombok.id follows international aviation safety protocols and employs licensed professionals. Always verify.
Mishap Note 🫣
One morning in Gili T after a dive, I grabbed a lookalike snorkel bag from the dock, only realizing it wasn’t mine once I returned to my hostel. Cue panic and 2 hours of retracing. Luckily, hostels on Gili are close-knit—mine helped me locate the right bag based on security cam clips and a WhatsApp group. Crisis hilariously averted.
Final Thoughts
Solo travel taught me fear, resilience, euphoria—and the grounded truth of how fleeting and beautiful life is.
From the height of Rinjani to the depths of the Gili reefs, and high above coastal cliffs in a glider, Lombok gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.
So if you’re dreaming of waking up to sea breeze, chasing volcano sunrises, and carving lines in warm waves—start here. Add an aerial chapter to your adventure and feel the pure freedom of flight with FlyLombok.id. You won’t forget the sky.
Local Tour Operators Mentioned:
- Rinjani Dreamers Trek / Green Rinjani
- FlyLombok.id – Aerial Adventures
- Nalua Surf Camp
- Blue Marlin Dive Gili T