Located to the east of better-known Bali, Lombok is rapidly emerging as one of Indonesia’s top new travel destination. With a series of recent international events and strategic investments, the island is increasingly at the forefront of adventure and athletic travel in Southeast Asia. Now, Lombok is ready to take centre stage in the growing sports tourism sector.
Just last month, from 22 to 25 May 2025, the island hosted the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup (PGAWC) in the skies above Desa Lancing, Central Lombok. The event attracted 47 elite paragliders from eight countries, showcasing the island’s suitability for world-class aerial sports.
The competition, part of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) calendar, was supported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). This collaboration underscores Lombok’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for sport tourism.
Looking ahead to the summer schedule, in July 2025, the Pocari Sweat Run will debut in Lombok, offering participants not only a challenging race but also complimentary shuttle services and tickets to various tourist attractions. The event aims to promote health, environmental awareness and local tourism, aligning with the Ministry of Tourism’s “Clean Tourism Movement.” Organised in partnership with RANS Entertainment and InJourney, the run is expected to draw fitness enthusiasts from across the globe.
Scheduled for 5 July 2025, the Aruna Senggigi Night Run combines athleticism with philanthropy. Under the theme “A Night Run for Charity,” the event will illuminate the Senggigi coastline, encouraging participants to engage in healthful activity while supporting local causes. This initiative reflects Lombok’s innovative approach to integrating community welfare with tourism.
Central to Lombok’s sport tourism surge is the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), home to the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit. Since its inauguration in 2021, the circuit has hosted prestigious events like MotoGP and the GT World Challenge Asia. These events have significantly boosted local economies, increased hotel occupancy rates, and put Lombok on the global motorsport map.
The Indonesian government’s designation of Lombok as a key sport tourism destination is part of a broader strategy to diversify tourism and promote sustainable development. Investments in infrastructure, coupled with community engagement initiatives, aim to ensure that the growth of sport tourism benefits local populations and preserves the island’s natural beauty.
