Lombok is a paradise for backpackers and adventurers alike with incredible outdoor activities. Whether you are hiking trails across the island’s volcanic landscape, gazing over vistas of white sand beach as you soak up the sun’s rays, visiting various temples or wallowing in the lapping clear turquoise waters, snorkeling above amazing marine life and swimming after turtles, there are a few things you might just want to prep before arrival.
Keep fit
It’s important to set fitness goals if you are hoping to climb steadily to the top of Lombok’s active volcano Rinjani – the steep incline to the summit is covered in ash and requires serious perseverance as with every two steps up you slide down one. Getting a few exercise sessions in before setting off wouldn’t harm.
Caffeine kick
Coffee is big in Indonesia – the country is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee – and beans are grown in Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Bali and a number of the other islands. Prepare yourself by upping your caffeine intake before you arrive to make sure you don’t get the jitters or end up awake all night. If you fancy splashing out, Indonesia is also home to the very expensive Kopi Luwak, the beans of which have gone through the digestive systems of Asian Palm Civets which reportedly softens their bitterness.
Get the look
Prepare for the extremes on Lombok. If you want to climb Mount Rinjani, the summit lies 3,726 metres above sea level and it’s definitely cooler up there, though the sun can still beat down. The challenging but rewarding climb requires trekking clothes, sturdy shoes and warm layers to don as you await sunrise from the peak. If you choose to remain at sea level or, at any rate, return down, you’ll want the opposite – beachwear and swimming gear are the order of the day.
Cover up
Lombok enjoys pleasant weather year round, so whether it’s breezy on Rinjani’s crater summit or hot down at the beach, the sun will likely be out, blasting out rays that you’ll need to protection from, so always wear sunscreen. Also bear in mind that Indonesians may be offended by immodest attire away from the beach, so cover up and wear long clothes if you plan to visit any of the island’s temples.
Mozzie off
As elsewhere in Asia you’ll likely be in need of mozzie repellent and potentially something stronger. Lombok and the nearby Gili Islands are considered risk areas for malaria so discuss your options with your healthcare provider before arrival. Whether you decide to take malaria medication or not, it’s wise to bring a strong repellent, particularly if heading off trekking.
Tent essentials
Backpacking can sometimes mean camping and, if you choose to climb Rinjani, you’ll be spending at least one night in a tent and possibly up to three. The most useful thing you can pack? Without a doubt, it’s wet wipes.
Let there be light
A head torch or flashlight could prove indispensable, not only when camping – particularly if nature calls after dark – but also if you find yourself on one of the three idyllic Gili islands. Away from the main strip on Trawangan, the largest of the Gilis, and on much of the other two smaller islands, Meno and Air, street lighting barely stretches further than the port so if you’re dining or drinking late then you may need some help getting home and a lamp is a good start.
Charge up
Bring a portable phone charger if you are going up Rinjani as you won’t be able to charge your mobile phone. And if you normally take photos with it, then it may be worth bringing a camera as the views are spectacular and it would be a shame not to be able to capture them.
Ride on
Learn to ride a motorbike or travel with someone who can, as hiring one is probably the best ways to get around on Lombok. If you plan to go to the Gili islands, it’s good to know how to ride a bike too, particularly on Trawangan.
Under the sea
There’s a whole world under the surface of Lombok’s clear blue waters, with sea creatures of every colour, size and shape, and it’s definitely worth checking out. Whether you want to go down deep or just paddle around on top, why not get a snorkel and practice in the bath at home to make sure that when you spot that sea turtle, it doesn’t get away from you as you choke down water in all the excitement. Alternatively get scuba certified so you don’t have to waste time on your holiday learning the basics in the classroom.
There and away
If you’re not flying directly into Lombok, make sure you organise transfers in advance. Either fly domestically from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport or make your way by boat from one of Indonesia’s other islands – just be warned that on weekends and holidays these can get pretty booked up.
Don’t forget your passport
But don’t worry about a visa. Singaporean passport holders travelling into Indonesia as visitors can stay for up to 30 days without a visa, as long as passports are valid for a minimum of six months and the visitor can show an onward or return journey ticket. When the time to leave does come around, make sure you’ve saved some Indonesian Rupiah for the departure tax.
Feature image: Trekking Rinjani, Perjalanan menuju puncak Gunung Rinjani 3726 meter, via Flickr CC BY 2.0
Slider image: hodgepodgepro, Backpack, via pixabay CC0 1.0
