Exploring Lombok: Adventure, Growth, and Community with SUSS Outdoor Adventure Interest Group

Date: 15 Aug 2025

News Type:Event Highlights

School/Department: Student Success Centre

All 18 members gathered for a group photo at their campsite on Pergasingan Hill, proudly holding up the ODAIG flag with the majestic Mount Rinjani in the background.

As part of the EXCO’s student-led initiatives, the SUSS Outdoor Adventure Interest Group (ODAIG) embarked on an expedition to Lombok, Indonesia, with 18 members. ODAIG EXCOs Low Ziying Amberlyn and Manuntag Lessel Ann Papa (Zelle) organised the trip with help from partners Rinjani Family and JARI Foundation. Inspired by their personal journeys, Amberlyn envisioned an ODA Land and Water department collaboration that blended hiking with water adventures to create opportunities for bonding and growth, while Zelle sought to share her passion for water sports alongside raising awareness of marine conservation.

A few members at the Pergasingan Hill base camp, enjoying refreshing watermelon prepared by the porters.

Over the course of the trip, participants explored both land and sea. They went island hopping across Gili Petagan, Kondo, and Bidara, snorkelling amidst vibrant corals and canoeing through clear waters. On land, they trekked up Pergasingan Hill for an overnight camping experience, where they enjoyed starlit skies and panoramic views of Mt Rinjani. The team also visited the iconic Sedang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls before concluding their journey with some well-deserved R&R in Bali.

Deborah Seah posing at Pergasingan Hill with the tents set up for the night behind her and Mount Rinjani in the background.

For Year 4 Sports and Physical Education student Deborah Seah, the trip was both a personal challenge and a chance to connect with fellow hikers. “Seeing the resilience and perseverance of my peers made me realise that nothing is impossible if we set our minds to do it!” She found camping at Pergasingan Hill base camp, sharing meals, enjoying the starlit sky, and observing Mt Rinjani especially memorable. Deborah also appreciated the supportive ODAIG community, noting that participation in previous adventures had allowed her to develop skills, make friends, and embrace new challenges.

Tiboleng Karl Jude and his roommate for the trip, Fam Yu Xiang, at the summit of Pergasingan Hill, with mountain peaks and a breathtaking horizon in the background.

For Year 2 BA in Sociology student Tiboleng Karl Jude, the sunrise at the peak was the trip’s most striking moment, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and experiencing the world with others. He also appreciated the moral support of fellow members, which made the climb and other challenges more meaningful. Reflecting on the sense of camaraderie, he shared, “Happiness is only real when shared.” He also noted that embracing new experiences with an open mind leads to the most memorable adventures.

Beyond adventure, the Lombok expedition reflected ODAIG’s spirit of growth, sustainability, and community. Through shared challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion, participants forged lasting memories while strengthening bonds within ODAIG.