Packing for your surf and yoga retreat in Lombok is probably easier than you think. In fact, if you’re heading to a well-organised retreat, you can usually travel surprisingly light.
Every surf camp is different, but at Xanadu Surf & Yoga in Lombok, we’ve designed our retreats so you don’t have to bring your entire wardrobe or half your bathroom cabinet. From surfboards and towels to toiletries and water refills, many of the essentials are already waiting for you.
Here’s what we do recommend bringing.
Light, Breathable Clothing
Lombok is tropical year-round, so lightweight, breathable clothing is your best friend. Think linen, cotton, loose shirts, shorts, dresses and anything you’ll feel comfortable wearing in warm weather.
If you’re joining yoga, mobility sessions or surf-skate workshops (and we hope you will as those form part of our weekly programs), pack a few outfits that allow you to move freely. Sportswear works well, but so do loose, comfortable clothes that won’t restrict your movement. Anything you’ll feel comfortable in.
A Layer for the Evenings (Dry Season)
If you’re visiting during the dry season (roughly May to September), it’s worth throwing a light hoodie or pullover into your bag.
The days are beautifully warm, but mornings and evenings can feel surprisingly fresh thanks to the ocean breeze. It’s never cold, but having an extra layer for sunrise coffees or post-surf dinners is always nice.
During the wet season (roughly November to April), temperatures stay warmer and the humidity is much higher, so you likely won’t need it.
A Light Rain Jacket (Wet Season)
If you’re travelling during the rainy season, a lightweight rain jacket can come in handy.
The rain usually arrives as short, intense tropical showers, often early in the morning or later in the afternoon, before clearing up again.
That said, don’t worry too much. At Xanadu we have umbrellas available for guests, so you won’t need to carry one around with you.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Zinc
The tropical sun in Lombok is strong all year round, even on cloudy days.
A good reef-safe sunscreen and zinc are among the most important things you’ll pack. Not only will they protect your skin during long surf sessions, but choosing reef-safe products also helps protect the marine environment.
Forgot yours or don’t know where to get one? We stock our favourite products both in Xanadu shop.
Swimwear (And Maybe a Spring Suit)
Bring whatever you’re most comfortable surfing and swimming in – bikinis, one-pieces, boardshorts or swimsuits all work.
The ocean stays warm throughout the year, so most people surf comfortably in swimwear.
If you’re visiting during July or August and tend to get cold easily, you might appreciate a lightweight 1–1.5 mm spring suit, especially on windier mornings. It’s certainly not essential, but many of us who live here choose to wear one during the driest months.
Reef Boots or Reef Socks
This one is entirely optional.
Most of Lombok’s surf breaks are over reef, but the reefs here generally aren’t particularly sharp. The vast majority of surfers, including many locals and our coaches, surf comfortably barefoot.
If you’re new to reef breaks or simply feel more confident with a little extra protection, reef boots or reef socks can be a good option. There’s no right or wrong choice – it simply comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable.
For beginner and early intermediate surfers, we also plan our sessions around higher tides whenever possible, meaning there’s more water between you and the reef below.
So while reef boots certainly aren’t an essential item on your packing list, they’re something you may want to consider if it’ll help you feel more relaxed and confident in the water.
Flip-Flops (Or Easy Sandals)
You’ll spend most of your week barefoot.
A simple pair of flip-flops or sandals is all you really need for getting between your room, the pool, the restaurant and the surf van. Although don’t be surprised if you end up embracing the barefoot lifestyle for the whole week.
A Reusable Water Bottle
One of the easiest ways to reduce unnecessary plastic waste while travelling is to bring a reusable water bottle.
At Xanadu, we don’t provide single-use plastic water bottles. Instead, you’ll find filtered water refill stations at both properties.
If you happen to forget yours, you can always pick one up from our shop.
A Dry Bag
A dry bag is one of those things you don’t realise you’ll use until you have one.
Many of our surf trips involve short boat rides, and it’s the perfect place to keep your phone, wallet, camera or a bit of cash dry, especially if you’re planning to grab a fresh coconut after your surf.
If you already own one, definitely bring it. If not, we have them available in our shop.
A Good Book (Or Your Kindle)
A surf and yoga retreat isn’t just about being active.
You’ll probably find yourself with a little more downtime than you expected, whether that’s relaxing by the pool, enjoying a quiet afternoon after surfing or unwinding before dinner.
It’s the perfect opportunity to finally start that book you’ve been meaning to read.
If you don’t want to pack one, we also have a guest book exchange where travellers leave books behind for others to enjoy.
Travel Adapter
Although all of our rooms are equipped with international power sockets, it’s still worth bringing a universal travel adapter.
Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plugs (the same as most of continental Europe), with a standard voltage of 230V. If you’re travelling from countries like the UK, Australia or the US, you’ll likely need an adapter at some point during your trip.
They’re especially useful if you’re spending time in airports, extending your trip elsewhere in Indonesia or travelling through other countries before arriving in Lombok.
Your Surfboard? Maybe.
One of the questions we get asked most often is whether guests should bring their own surfboard.
For beginners and most intermediate surfers, the answer is usually no.
We provide a full surfboard quiver ranging from 5’10” performance boards all the way up to 9’4” longboards, so you’ll have plenty of options throughout the week.
If you’re a more experienced surfer riding a high-performance shortboard and you’re very particular about your equipment, bringing your own board can absolutely be worth it. After all, it’s likely the board you’ll continue surfing once you’re back home.
Leave the Towels at Home
This is one thing you definitely don’t need to pack.
We provide bath towels, pool towels and beach towels for every guest, so you can save valuable luggage space.
Skip the Toiletries Too
There’s no need to pack bottles of shampoo and body wash.
Every room comes stocked with natural, sustainably made toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand soap.
All you’ll really need is your toothbrush, toothpaste and any personal skincare products you use daily.
Travel Light
The best part about a surf and yoga retreat is that life becomes wonderfully simple.
A few comfortable clothes, your swimwear, sun protection and a sense of adventure are really all you need.
We’ll take care of the surfboards, the towels, the toiletries and everything else that lets you focus on what you came for—great waves, good movement, plenty of sunshine and a week that feels refreshingly uncomplicated.
