Hey guys!
It's been over a week since I last posted — very unlike me. I've had so much to share but decided to keep it internal for a little while.
Since arriving in Lombok, I first based myself in Kuta, the main backpacker area known for surfing and beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, the weather was consistently cloudy and rainy, and the surf conditions were abysmal. So I pivoted: I got a sauna and cold plunge pass, hit the gym, and explored some of the local restaurants.
My days became a simple routine: wake up, head to a café for some tea, train at the calisthenics gym, recover with a protein shake and sauna, maybe check out a beach if the weather allowed, and cap the day with a good dinner. Kuta still feels relatively low-key but has a solid café and restaurant scene. The only downside? Getting woken up by the 5 AM call to prayer every morning.
Tourism in Indonesia continues to grow, mostly thanks to Bali — and naturally, Lombok is growing with it. That said, I don't see it ever reaching Bali's level of appeal, especially when it comes to cultural richness.
During this time, I also found myself reflecting on business and the future. I explored more AI tools and was blown away by how fast the space is evolving. I also dipped into web security and cryptography. Even though I'm still deep into my backpacking adventure, I can't help but think about the next steps after this trip — and I'm trying to balance both worlds.
After enough bad weather in Kuta, I decided it was time to move on. Lombok is home to the famous Mount Rinjani, a volcanic giant known in the trekking community for its steep slopes of volcanic sand — where you slide back a step for every step you take. When I was trekking in Nepal, I actually heard about Rinjani and how some people claim it's even harder. I was planning to do it until I heard the tragic news last week that a Brazilian backpacker fell and died on the mountain.
So instead of Rinjani, I headed to Tetebatu — a peaceful village considered the cultural heart of Lombok's indigenous Sasak people. It's near Rinjani and surrounded by beautiful rice terraces that honestly rival Vietnam's. They're definitely better than the ones in Ubud!
While in Tetebatu, I discovered there was an alternate trek: a two-day, one-night hike to 3,200 meters on a mountain right next to Rinjani. This morning, I woke up at 3:30 AM and hiked in the dark to catch sunrise at the summit. The views were absolutely breathtaking. Camping out there really makes you appreciate the simplicity and vastness of life.
I still wouldn't call myself a trekking enthusiast — I like it now and then, mostly for the clarity it brings. Tetebatu has been full of kind, welcoming people. My guide, an 18-year-old named Riz, and the porter on the trek were both incredibly sweet.
Tomorrow, I start a four-day, three-night cruise from Lombok to the Komodo Islands — similar to the expedition I did in the Philippines. It promises whale sharks, pink sand beaches, and of course, Komodo dragons.
I've been on the road for over nine months now and am wrapping up my time in Indonesia soon. Feeling grateful — and excited for what's next.
