What to Pack for a Surf Trip to Lombok: Essential Checklist

The Art of Packing Light for Tropical Surf

Experienced Lombok surf travelers share a common realization: less is more. The island's warm climate, abundant local shops, and relaxed vibe mean you need far less than you think.

Overpacking creates problems – airline fees for heavy bags, cramped motorbike storage, and sweaty clothes that never quite dry in tropical humidity. Pack smart, and your trip flows easier from landing to last surf session.

This guide divides essentials from nice-to-haves, tells you what to buy locally, and shares hard-learned lessons from surfers who've made every packing mistake possible.

Surf Essentials: Don't Leave Home Without These

Swimwear & Rashguards

Board shorts (3-4 pairs): Quick-dry fabric matters. You'll rotate between wet and drying pairs daily. Plain colors hide wear better than patterns.

Rashguards (2-3): Essential sun protection during long surf sessions. Long-sleeve versions protect your back and arms during multi-hour paddling days. Dark colors hide wax stains.

Bikini/swimsuit (women): Surf-specific styles stay put during wipeouts. One-pieces or surf tops with board shorts work best for active surfing.

Foot Protection

Reef booties: Lombok's reef breaks require protection from sharp coral and sea urchins. 3mm neoprene booties protect without sacrificing board feel. Even if you plan to surf sandy Selong Belanak, walking on rocky paths happens.

Flip-flops (2 pairs): One nice pair for town, one beater pair for the beach. Quality brands last; cheap ones break within days.

Sun Protection

Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF, zinc-based): Bring at least two bottles. Lombok's sun is brutal, and reef-safe options protect both your skin and the coral. Zinc-based formulas resist water better than chemical sunscreens.

Surf hat: Wide-brimmed, with a chin strap. Waiting for waves exposes your face to hours of direct sun. Many experienced surfers wear hats in the lineup.

Sunglasses (polarized): For between sessions and boat trips to Gerupuk. Bring a retention strap.

First Aid

Reef cut kit: Hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic ointment, waterproof bandages. Tropical infections develop fast – treat cuts immediately. See our surf safety guide for detailed first-aid advice.

Personal medications: Bring enough for your trip plus buffer days. Specific prescriptions may not be available locally.

Motion sickness remedies: If boats bother you, the rides to Gerupuk's breaks require prevention.

Clothing: Less Than You Think

Daily Wear

Light shorts (2-3 pairs): Cotton or linen, nothing fancy. They'll get dirty from motorbike dust and beach sand.

T-shirts (4-5): Rotate and wash locally. Breathable fabrics beat heavy cotton.

Light long-sleeve shirt (1-2): Sun protection for motorbike rides and evening mosquito defense.

Light pants (1 pair): For temple visits (required), nice dinners, or cooler evenings.

Hoodie or light jacket (1): Evening boat rides can be breezy. Early morning sessions get surprisingly cool.

Underwear & Socks

Underwear (7 pairs): Quick-dry athletic styles work best.

Socks (2-3 pairs): Only if bringing closed shoes. Otherwise, skip them.

Electronics: Stay Connected, Capture Memories

Must-Have Tech

Phone with waterproof case: For surf photography, navigation, and communication. Waterproof cases allow water shots without expensive cameras.

Portable charger (10,000+ mAh): Power outages happen. Keep devices charged.

Universal power adapter: Indonesia uses Type C/F outlets (European-style, 230V).

Optional Tech

GoPro or action camera: Great for self-documenting progression. Mounts for boards and bodies available locally.

Laptop/tablet: Only if you need to work. Consider leaving it home for a true disconnect.

E-reader: Perfect for downtime between sessions.

What to Buy in Lombok (Save Luggage Space)

Cheaper & Easier Locally

Wax: Available everywhere surfers gather. No need to pack melted bars.

Leash: If yours breaks, replacements are readily available.

Basic sunscreen: Generic brands available (though reef-safe options less common).

Flip-flops: Local markets sell cheap pairs.

Sarong/beach towel: Useful and inexpensive at any market.

Bottled water: Obviously.

Snacks: Fresh tropical fruit beats imported protein bars.

Quality Equipment to Bring

Surfboard (if you're particular): Quality rentals available, but advanced surfers often prefer their own equipment.

Reef-safe sunscreen: Limited selection locally, and you want the good stuff.

Specific medications: Don't rely on finding particular prescriptions.

Quality first-aid supplies: Better to have and not need.

Luggage Strategy

Carry-On Only (7-10 Days)

Totally doable if you're renting a board. Pack:

• 3 board shorts
• 2 rashguards
• 3 t-shirts
• 1 light shorts
• Flip-flops
• Basic toiletries
• Electronics
• First-aid essentials

Wash clothes weekly at local laundries (cheap and efficient).

Checked Bag (14+ Days or Bringing Board)

Worth it for longer trips or when airline board fees are reasonable. Extra room means:

• More clothing variety
• Full first-aid kit
• Additional electronics
• Comfort items (pillow, favorite coffee, etc.)

Board Bag Tips

If bringing your own board:

• Quality padded bag prevents damage
• Pack clothes around the board for extra protection
• Check airline board fees in advance (varies $50-200 each way)
• Consider board shipping for extended stays

Weather-Specific Packing

Dry Season (April-October)

The best time for surfing means hot, sunny days with minimal rain.

Add:

• Extra sunscreen
• Another sun hat
• More rashguards (you'll burn through them with daily sessions)

Skip:

• Rain jacket (mostly)
• Heavy clothing

Wet Season (November-March)

Afternoon showers are common, but mornings often stay dry for surf sessions.

Add:

• Light rain jacket
• Dry bag for electronics
• Quick-dry everything

Skip:

• Nothing – pack similar to dry season, just add rain protection

Documents & Money

Essential Documents

• Passport (6+ months validity, one blank page)
• Flight confirmations (printed and digital)
• Accommodation bookings
• Travel insurance documents (covering surfing activities)
• Vaccination records (if required)

Money Matters

• Credit/debit cards: ATMs available in Kuta, but some accept only Visa. Mastercard less common.
• Cash (USD or home currency): For emergency currency exchange
• Indonesian Rupiah: Withdraw at airport ATM on arrival

The Leave-at-Home List

Skip These

• Formal clothes: Lombok is casual. Even "nice" restaurants accept sandals.
• Heavy books: E-readers save weight and space.
• Excessive toiletries: Hotels provide basics; markets sell the rest.
• Multiple pairs of shoes: Flip-flops handle 95% of situations.
• Expensive jewelry: Leave valuables home.
• Thick towels: Microfiber alternatives pack smaller and dry faster.
• Too many "just in case" items: Local shops exist.

Pre-Departure Checklist

One Week Before:

• [ ] Check passport validity
• [ ] Confirm flights and accommodation
• [ ] Arrange airport transfer
• [ ] Research surf conditions
• [ ] Book first surf lesson or guide session

Day Before:

• [ ] Charge all electronics
• [ ] Download offline maps
• [ ] Pack reef-safe sunscreen
• [ ] Prepare first-aid kit
• [ ] Set out-of-office (if needed)

Departure Day:

• [ ] Passport and boarding pass accessible
• [ ] Electronics in carry-on
• [ ] Medications in carry-on
• [ ] Smile – you're going surfing in paradise

Final Packing Philosophy

The surfers who enjoy Lombok most aren't the ones with the most stuff – they're the ones unburdened by excess baggage, both literal and metaphorical.

Pack what you need, trust that solutions exist for what you forget, and remember: the best sessions happen when you're focused on waves, not worrying about gear left at the guesthouse.

Ready to book your Lombok surf adventure? Check out our surf lessons or plan your trip with our complete travel guide.