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There you are: the sun is slowly rising, the sky is turning orange and beneath you stretches a breathtaking landscape. You are at the summit of Mount Rinjani, Lombok's majestic volcano, and the view is nothing short of magical. The trek up is not easy. You have to brave steep trails, changing landscapes and cold nights, but the reward is unmatched. From the impressive Segara Anak crater lake to the natural hot springs along the way, this hike is an adventure you won't soon forget. In this article, I take you through one of the most beautiful and insane volcano climbs in Indonesia. This is what climbing the Rinjani on Lombok is like!
Why climb the Rinjani volcano?
Mount Rinjani is not just another volcano you put on your bucket list to climb, it is one of the most impressive and challenging hikes in Indonesia. At 3,726 meters, it is the second highest volcano in the country. What makes this climb so special? The variety of landscapes, from dense jungle and open grassy plains to dramatic volcanic slopes, and of course the breathtaking Segara Anak crater lake, hidden deep within the volcano's ancient crater. Not to mention the ultimate reward: the sunrise from the summit. After a spirited night climb, you'll see the first rays of the sun slowly appear above the horizon, with views reaching as far as Bali. A magical moment that will stay with you forever!
What is the best travel time for the Rinjani trek?
The best time to do the trekking is between April and November, which is the dry season. During these months, the trails are passable, the views are clear and the chances of rain are minimal. The rainy season runs from December to March, and during this period the national park is often closed due to slippery trails and higher risk of landslides.
Want to avoid the crowds? Then April, May, September and October are the best months. The temperature is lower and there are fewer people on the trails.Â
For climbing the Rinjani, the earlier you start in the morning, the better. The tropical heat and possible cloud development in the afternoon can limit the view. And the earlier you get to basecamp, the longer you can rest before the night climb to the summit.
The different routes
There are several treks you can book to reach the summit of the Rinjani. The options range from a two-day trek to a multi-day adventure. Which one suits you best? That depends on your fitness level, how much time you have and how much challenge you are looking for.
2 days/ 1 night - you start in Sembalun where you begin the climb to the crater rim. Here you will sleep in the evening in time to climb to the summit early in the night. After breakfast you will descend to Sembalun.
3 days/ 2 nights - this is the most frequently chosen itinerary. You start in Sembalun, spend the night on the crater rim. Early at night you climb to the top of the Rinjani. After breakfast you descend to the crater lake where you can relax in the hot springs (so nice after the strenuous effort). The second night you will also spend on the crater rim. The next morning you will descend.Â
4 days/ 3 nights - The program of this option is the same as described above, you will only stay 1 night at Crater Lake.
The two main routes are via Sembalun and via Senaru. Sembalun is the most popular route because you reach the summit fastest via this path. The beginning is fairly flat, but the climb to the top is steep and tough. At Senaru, you begin in the dense jungle where you emerge onto the crater rim. The climb to the top is longer, but you do experience more diversity of landscape.
How do you prepare to climb the Rinjani on Lombok?
Personally, I did not find the Rinjani an easy climb; it is physically quite a tough challenge. The trails are steep, the terrain is rugged and the final climb to the summit consists of volcanic rock. This means that you feel like you are taking 2 steps up, but one always slips back down. I would therefore recommend the climb to the top of the Rinjani only if you have a good basic level of fitness. And even if your condition is less, with a little perseverance, the summit is absolutely achievable!
Tips for packing your backpack
Keep in mind that you take as little as possible during the hike, after all, you have to carry it all up by yourself. Important items not to miss on your packing list:Â
Sturdy hiking boots with a good treadÂ
Warm clothes (thermal clothing, fleece, windbreaker, gloves) because it can get freezing cold at night
Headlamp
Snacks & energy bars
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap
First aid kit, blister plasters
Toiletries, toilet paper
2 sets of clothes (long and short pants, 2 shirts)
Tip: Along with you, porters will walk with you to the crater rim. They will take the tents, sleeping gear and food and drinks for you. So take money with you up there, too, so you can give them a good tip at the end. Guide price: 50,000 per day per porter, 75,000 per day for the guide.
Practical information
You can't just climb to the top of the Rinjani, as it is mandatory to go with a guide and porters. They know the terrain, know the route and thus provide you with good navigation. There are several parties where you can book the trekking to the summit, and the prices here also vary (between €150 - €250 per person). This is based on the most popular route, the 3 days/ 2 nights. The price includes guide, meals and camping equipment. Some parties also allow you to use warm clothing for free. Indeed, it is logical that not every traveler carries warm clothing on such a sunny island as Lombok.Â
It is advisable to rest well the days before you climb the Rinjani. For example, you can stay in Kuta Lombok or on the Gili Islands. From either destination you can take a cab or a shared transfer to Senaru or Sembalun where the trek begins. Just keep in mind that the start of the trek is early in the morning, so if you are coming from Kuta Lombok the transfer is in the middle of the night. Would you rather not have a broken night before you start the climb? Then it is best to spend the night in Senaru, the nicest place near the Rinjani.
Staying overnight in Senaru
Senaru is a beautiful green area to stay the days before or after trekking to the summit. If you book an accommodation with a swimming pool, you can relax with the sounds of nature in the background. You will not find many accommodations in Senura, so it is smart to book your hotel on time.Â
One of the most beautiful accommodations to stay in is Rinjani Lodge. A luxurious place with an amazing infinity pool, in the middle of the jungle. A more economical, but still very comfortable place is Pondok Senaru Cottages. This accommodation also has a pool, and also overlooking the Rinjani.
Another great tip for your stay in Senaru is to visit the Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep waterfalls!
Where do you book your Rinjani trek?
There are several parties where you can book the Rinjani Trekking, but they differ quite a bit in quality. It is important, and responsible, to book with a good and reliable organization where the staff is well paid and not exploited. Also for yourself, a good guide is nice to go out with.Â
Your Trek is the organization we can tip you to. You can borrow warm clothes for free here, the groups are not too big and you can hike uphill at your own pace. Also nice to see is that the organization has very good reviews!
Relaxation after the trek
After the trekking, you undoubtedly need a refreshing shower or dip in the sea. If you stay in Senaru, you will be refreshed in no time and the relaxing can begin very quickly. You can also choose to travel on to Kuta Lombok or to one of the beautiful Gili Islands.Â
Kuta, Lombok
Kuta Lombok is a laid-back coastal town in southern Lombok, known for its paradisiacal beaches, friendly atmosphere and hip cafes. It is also a surfing hotspot, with spots for both beginners and advanced surfers. After an intense trekking you can unwind here with a fresh coconut in your hand, yoga at sunset and tasty Indonesian or Western food in one of the many nice restaurants. Curious about what you can do there? These are our tips for activities around Kuta Lomok.
Also read: The best tips and activities on Lombok
Want to explore the island of Lombok in Indonesia? Kuta Lombok is our favorite base, and these are our best tips and activities to do on the island.
The Gili's
The Gili's (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno) are three small islands off the coast of Lombok and are a true tropical paradise. White beaches, turquoise water, no cars (only bikes and horse and carriage) and a relaxed atmosphere make this a very nice place to recover after the Rinjani.
Gili Trawangan is lively and festive, Gili Air offers a fine balance of tranquility and conviviality, and Gili Meno is ideal for romance and ultimate relaxation. Here you can snorkel with turtles, dive at colorful coral reefs or just enjoy island life all day.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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