Embarking on a journey to conquer the majestic Mount Rinjani, standing tall at 3726 meters, is an experience that should find its way onto your bucket list when exploring the wonders of Lombok, Indonesia. Now, I know it might sound cheesy already, but bear with me as I share insights on what to pack, what to ditch, what to brace yourself for, all with a generous dose of laughter.
We chose the option of 3 days and 2 nights. However, there are multiple options to chose from. Choosing Your Mount Rinjani Adventure Duration:
⛰️Take a look at the different options to see what suits you and your friends best! Click Here ⛰️
Prior to delving into the amusing story on climbing Mount Rinjani, let’s prepare you for the adventure by ensuring you’ve packed the essentials:
The first day kicked off at 6 am. After waking up and having breakfast, we had to hit the road by 7 am to embark on our hiking adventure. Before commencing the hike, everyone underwent a medical checkup, with measurements of blood pressure and heart rate. Once given the green light, our journey to climb Mount Rinjani officially began at 9 am.
The first 15 minutes tested our strength, prompting some, including myself, to question if we were up for the challenge. It was hot and getting into the rhythm was really hard. But fear not, brave souls, after surviving this initiation, the journey started to resemble something close to enjoyable. The initial stretch treats you to green grass fields, cows, and even monkeys. About two hours in, we reached the first ‘pos’, where a delightful lunch awaited us.
After the satisfying meal, it was time to hit the trail again. The next two ‘pos’s were manageable, though a bit steeper, surrounded by picturesque hills and rocks offering beautiful views. Along the way, the porters caught up with us. These incredible individuals trek up the mountain in flip-flops, carrying all the tents and food for the coming days. Whenever fatigue set in, I reminded myself of these badasses who do this every week. Much respect to the porters! Note to self: the next time I consider complaining about my job, I should remember these flip-flop-trekking legends.
Reaching pos 3 marked the most challenging part of day 1! From here, you have a 3 to 4-hour hike to basecamp. It was steep. Walking through the forest solo, because, let’s face it, I was slower than a snail on a coffee break, allowed me to enjoy the sounds of nature. Many people walked solo to maintain their own pace; one step at a time worked best. A tip: try not to stop too frequently while walking. Maintain a steady but slightly slower pace, minimizing breaks. Starting again after every five minutes when you’re out of breath is a real struggle, haha!
Finally reaching Basecamp at 2639 meters, you reunite with your friends to share your experiences. Interestingly, during the walk, you feel the weight of the journey, but after sitting down for just five minutes, you’re completely okay again! We arrived around 4 or 5 pm. Once the porters and guides set up camp, a delicious dinner awaited us. With our tents pitched, we were ready to get some sleep. You will go to bed around 7PM since you will be waking up at 2AM!
The day begins at 2:00 AM with an awakening by our guides. Dressed in what can only be described as a Michelin-man, wearing leggings, joggers, a thermal shirt, a big sweater, and completing the outfit with hand gloves, thick socks, and a hat, I was ready. After a modest breakfast at 2:30 AM, the hike to the top of Mount Rinjani begins.
Initially, you will begin the hike with a lot of people, and it is already challenging. The view of numerous headlamps ascending the mountain is really cool, especially when the sky is clear, revealing a breathtaking panorama of stars. After an hour of trekking, a pit stop is very welcome. I recommend carrying a few fit bars, as sugar cravings may accompany you in the journey. The second part of the hike is more doable. Which is mountaineer-speak for “You might only question your life choices every few steps.”
The third and final segment presents a mental trial. It’s like a dance party where every two steps forward, someone pulls you one step back. Not exactly a cha-cha, more like a cha-cha-slide. It seems an eternity before the summit is reached, yet encouragement from fellow hikers helps a lot. Finally reaching the apex, a surge of emotion overcame me as friends welcomed my arrival (four hours versus the group’s three or three and a half). At 3,726 meters, the view is such an amazing reward, a testament to the struggle endured.
After capturing moments with photographs, savouring the scenery, and enjoying the accomplishment, the descent begins at 7:15 AM. Descending Mount Rinjani is amusing, sliding down effortlessly, though caution is advised to prevent slips. The trek downward takes approximately two hours, revealing the landscape hidden in darkness during the ascent. Upon returning to basecamp, a delicious breakfast awaits.
Yet, the day unfolds further. A different camp needs to be reached, more hiking after you already collected enough steps to qualify for a sponsored fitness app. En route to the next basecamp is a visit to hot springs. The descent to the springs, spanning 2-3 hours, is manageable, offering a moment of relaxation in thermal pools.
Post-soaking, lunch is served. After nine hours of walking, walking to the next basecamp is a test of endurance. Ascending from 2,000 to 2,461 meters demands another 2-3 hours, the stunning scenery of Mount Rinjani compensating for physical fatigue. A full panorama of the morning’s conquered peak, a captivating lake, and an active volcano makes it worth it.
As the sun sets, we reach the camp, providing an opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset, assuming one arrives in time, aka, not me unfortunately. Following dinner and warmth sought in sleeping bags within tents, you retire for the night. While some may have the energy to socialize, our group, exhausted and chilled, opted for an early night. Today’s steps count: 32 thousand steps. “The Stairway to Mountain Heaven.”
On the third day, we woke up around 6 or 7 in the morning. This can depend on what time you want to be down again. You will need to descent from 2461 meters to 601 meters, and the estimated time on the map suggested a 6 to 7-hour descent. However, if you maintain a pace similar to ours, you could complete it in 3 to 4 hours. A piece of advice for the descent: moving at the speed of a sloth on sedatives requires more strength than just letting gravity do its thing. Trust me; your legs will thank you for letting them freewheel. The initial part of the descent involves some steep sections and climbing, followed by a captivating journey through the jungle/woods. Monkeys added a touch of encouragement along the way. Your final lunch awaits just half an hour from reaching the end. Finally, we concluded our hiking adventure.
What an amazing and special experience! Everyone reeked of sweat, and exhaustion was evident, but the big achievement overshadowed it all. A sense of pride envelops you. Yes, you did it! This experience is truly unique, and if you seek a challenge, climbing Mount Rinjani is a definite must on your Indonesia bucket list. You don’t need the lung capacity of a superhero to tackle this adventure. It’s all a mental game. I confess, I’ve had so many “I quit” moments. But guess what? The satisfaction of pushing through is all worth it. Your body can endure and accomplish more than you imagine. It is really a mental challenge. Doing this hike with friends makes the experience even more great. Three days without distractions bring you closer together. You’ll share laughter, tears (hopefully tears of joy), and create lasting memories.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with your friends?✨ Click Here for this unique experience, with local charm, and breathtaking views.⛰️
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Laura, a 21-year-old International Business student from the Netherlands, is seizing the opportunity of a lifetime.
In her third year, specializing in marketing and supply chain management, she’s pursuing an internship with Come2Indonesia in Bali.
Laura’s journey combines her love for travel with a practical approach to gaining hands-on experience in the International Business area.
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