OUR FAQS

PRACTICAL DETAILS,
STRAIGHT UP.

From fitness levels and gear to logistics, meals and preparation
— here are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often.

If you still have questions after reading,

click here to chat with our team on WhatsApp.

If you still have questions after reading,
click here to chat with our team on WhatsApp.
How fit do I need to be to join a retreat?

Our retreats welcome a wide range of fitness levels. You don’t need to be fast — you simply need a base level of endurance and the ability to move comfortably for multiple hours at an easy, conversational pace.

For our 5–7 day Trail Running and Elevation Retreats, we do recommend that you have completed a 25–30 km trail race or have experience with a multi-day hike. This ensures the whole crew can get the most out of the adventure — and that you enjoy the experience instead of simply surviving it.

If you’re unsure which retreat is the best match for your current fitness, send us a message — we’re here to guide you.

For our signature expeditions or fully custom adventures, fitness requirements are discussed during planning and tailored to your group’s goals and experience.

Not necessarily.
Our retreats are designed for both beginners and experienced trail runners and hikers. We focus on movement skills, pacing and confidence — so you can learn as you move.
If you’re new to trail running or hiking and want to get a feel for the experience, we recommend starting with a 3-Day Retreat, or choosing a 5–7 Day Retreat labelled beginner-friendly. These options include extra guides, route variations and additional support to help you build confidence.

For our signature expeditions, such as the Rinjani Overnight Ascent, do require a certain level of prior hiking experience and endurance due to the distance, elevation gain and altitude covered within a certain time frame, as well as overall safety considerations.

For multi – day programs like the Sembalun 7 Summits Expedition, or fully custom journeys, we can design the support structure, route (intensity), and daily distances around your group’s experience and goals.

You’ll receive a full gear list after booking, but essentials include:

  • Trail running or hiking shoes
  • Hydration vest or pack
  • Light layers
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking poles (recommended for elevation retreats)
Accommodation varies by location and itinerary, but most retreats use a mix of:
  • Local guesthouses
  • Homestays
  • Eco-accommodation

All rates are based on shared rooms, unless mentioned otherwise, which helps keep our retreats accessible and affordable. If you prefer your own space, private rooms can be requested at the time of booking for an additional fee (subject to availability).

Some premium retreats offer boutique or luxury cabin-style options, but in general we prioritise comfort, good sleep and proximity to the trails over high-end resort stays — keeping the focus on movement, connection, and adventure.

Signature expeditions and fully custom adventures may include upgraded or boutique options, depending on your preference, budget, and availability.

Each retreat page has a full breakdown, but generally your fee includes:
  • Accommodation
  • Guided sessions
  • Local guide(s) and porters where required
  • Pre - trip planning and coordination support
  • Meals and hydration support
  • Transfers needed during the retreat
  • Permits & entrance fees
  • Safety support
  • Photo package (for selected retreat)
Typically not included:
  • Flights to/from Lombok
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Travel insurance (a must have!)
  • Personal snacks or extra drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Personal gear
  • Additional nights before or after retreat
  • Optional guide/porter tips
Safety comes first. We adapt routes, adjust timing or switch trails when needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Lombok’s landscapes offer plenty of alternative options — you will never miss out on the adventure, just experience a different version of it.
Meals are performance-focused: balanced, nourishing and tailored to support daily movement.
We can accommodate common dietary requirements, including:
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free

If you have allergies, intolerances or other dietary requirements, please let us know during booking. We’ll confirm what can be safely accommodated for your specific retreat.

Please note that in remote mountain regions, options may be more limited than inurban areas. We prioritise safety and clarity around allergies.

You are absolutely welcome to come solo — many of our participants do. Our retreats are intentionally designed to foster connection, community and a supportive environment, so you’ll never feel like you’re doing this alone.

For shared rooms, we pair women with women and men with men, unless you request otherwise during the booking process. If you’re joining with a friend or partner, just let us know and we’ll arrange your rooming together.

Whether you come solo or with someone, you’ll be part of a crew from day one.

If you’re looking for something more personal, our signature expeditions and fully custom journeys can also be booked as private solo experiences. This allows you to move at your own pace, choose your dates and design a route that aligns with your goals — whether that’s a focused summit effort, a multi – day crossing or a structured elevation program.

No problem — we move as a team.
Our retreats are designed with flexible pacing, regroup points and alternative route options, so everyone feels included and supported. The goal is movement, adventure and enjoyment — not speed — unless a retreats is specifically labelled as intermediate or advanced. In those cases, the focus is on participants with prior experience who are comfortable with longer days and more technical terrain to ensure safety and a smooth group flow for everyone joining.
For our 3-Day Retreasts, there is zero pressure to be fast or experienced. These shorter retreats are perfect for building confidence, experiencing the terrain and finding your rhythm.
For our 5–7 Day Retreats, we do ask that you come with a certain level of endurance. This ensures the whole group can get the most out of the experience — and that you’re not in “survival mode”, but actually enjoying the adventure.
We also offer beginner-friendly longer retreats, with additional guides and multiple route options to cater for a wider range of paces and experience levels.
If you’re unsure where you fit, send us a message or let’s jump on a call — we’ll help you choose the retreat that aligns with your current fitness and goals.

For our signature expeditions, such as the Rinjani Overnight Ascent, a baseline pace and endurance level is required due to the distance, elevation gain and altitude covered within a defined time frame, as well as overall safety considerations.

For our other signature expedition, the Sembalun 7 Summits, or for fully custom journeys, pacing, daily distances, and support structures can be tailored entirely to your group — or to you, if you’re booking a solo experience.

Yes.
Travel insurance is required for all retreats, and it must include coverage for trail running or hiking activities. This protects you in case of injury, illness, unexpected changes, or evacuation needs.
We require a copy of your insurance details in advance.
One month before the retreat, we will ask you to provide:
  • Your policy number
  • A summary of what is covered
  • The insurer’s emergency hotline
Please ensure your policy is active and includes adventure-sport coverage before the retreat begins.

Our cancellation policy is outlined during booking and may vary depending on the retreat type and notice period.

Signature expeditionsand fully customadventuresmay be subject to separate depositstructures and cancellation terms due to bespoke logistics and advance bookings.

We aim to be as fair and flexible as possible while also respecting local partners and logistics. If you need to reschedule or cancel, contact us, and we’ll walk you through your options.

Yes — absolutely. We can recommend accommodation, routes, cafes and
extra activities around Lombok or help you design a post-retreat recovery day.

Group sizes vary by retreat, but we keep them intentionally small to maintain safety, quality and a personalised experience. Most of our retreats range from 4–8 participants.

Smaller groups also allow you to experience more of the local culture and traditions, stay deeply connected to the landscapes and ensure we have a positive impact on the communities we run and hike in.

Your safety is our priority. We use:
  • Experienced local guides
  • Mandatory safety briefings
  • Route adaptations in bad weather
  • First aid kits
  • Communication devices where required by terrain, remoteness or group size
  • Check-in/check-out points
And we always move based on safety, not stubbornness.

Yes. OurPrivate & Custom Journeysoptions are designed for those wanting amore personalised and private experience.

We offer:

  • Private Signature Expeditions — set routes with private dates for your group
  • Fully Custom Adventures — co-designed from scratch around your goals, pace and preferences
  • Expeditions - level for experienced runners and hikers seeking more technical or high - elevation terrain

You choose the dates, style of movement, terrain, pace and objectives—we design thestructure, logistics and support around you.

Oursignature expeditions and fully custom adventuresfollow a structuredplanning process:

1. Enquiry—you share your goals, preferred dates, group detailsand, for fullycustom adventures, your preferred locations or terrain.

2. Planning Call—we discuss terrain, pacing, experience level, and expectations.

3. Proposal—you receive a tailored outline with route structure, inclusions andpricing.

4. Deposit—non-refundable deposit secures your dates and initiates logistics.

5. Confirmation—accommodation, permits, and local coordination are locked in.

6. Preparation Phase—you receive detailed guidance to help you arrive ready.

This process ensures clarity, alignment, and a well-executed experience from the outset.

After booking, you’ll receive a Preparation Guide with recommended gear and some training tips to help you feel confident and ready for your Elevation Lab. Retreat experience.

For signature expeditions and fully custom adventures, preparation support may bemore detailed depending on terrain, altitude, duration and your level of experience orperformance goals.

You’re welcome to message us at any time if you’d like guidance on where to start or how to prepare based on your current fitness level.

Lombok offers everything:
  • Ridgelines
  • Volcanic rock
  • Savannas
  • Jungle trails
  • Coastal paths
  • Mountain routes
  • Technical sections
  • Runnable flow trails
  • Village roads

There will be asphalt from time to time — especially during Island Crossings — but it’s never boring. Think rice terraces, tiny villages, ocean views, kids waving, morning markets, jungle edges and ridgelines in the distance. It all becomes part of the adventure. Each retreat description highlights what to expect.

Our primary base is Lombok, Indonesia—home to volcanic ridgelines,savannas, jungle trails, rice terraces and high-elevation terrain, including the Sembalunregion.

Most of our retreats and signature expeditions are hosted here, where we haveestablished trusted local partnerships and deep route knowledge.

From time to time, we also host special retreats on other Indonesian islands such asBali or Java—always in areas we have personally explored, tested and built reliablelocal relationships in.

On request, we design fully custom journeys across Indonesia, depending on terrain,season and your goals or preferences.

At Elevation Lab., we believe in creating authentic, meaningful experiences while
keeping our footprint as light as possible. Lombok is not just a playground — it’s home
to communities, culture and landscapes we’re committed to respecting.

Environmental Respect

We keep our impact low by:
  • Minimising single-use plastics
  • Carrying out all trash or disposing of it in designated bins
  • Staying on established trails where possible
  • Running and hiking with awareness of the environment around us

Cultural Respect

Lombok is known as “Pulau Seribu Masjid” — The Island of a Thousand Mosques, with deep-rooted traditions and community values. When we move through remote villages — including Sembalun — we ask our participants to be mindful and respectful.

What this looks like:

  • Women: ideally covering shoulders and legs
  • Men: no bare chests
  • Dressing modestly when passing through villages
  • Being courteous in interactions
  • Keeping noise low during prayer times and in community spaces
This is not about restriction — it’s about honouring the people and places that make these experiences possible. Together, we move with intention, respect and connection.

Still have a question?

We’re always happy to help — feel free to reach out if you need clarification or want help choosing the right retreat.

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