Rinjani is the sole volcano on the island of Lombok, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands situated east of Bali. Standing at 3,726 meters in elevation, Rinjani is Indonesia's second-highest volcano. Though physically demanding, climbing Rinjani is essential for trekking enthusiasts, and numerous hikers regularly undertake the ascent to its summit.

Most agencies offer a choice between a 2-day and a 3-day itinerary. We favor climbing Rinjani over 3 days, which allows us to camp on the shores of Lake Segara Anak, and to relax in the warm waters of the volcano's natural hot springs before tackling the demanding hike to the summit.

Climbing Rinjani: the stages

The trek is accomplished in 3 stages, with two nights under canvas.

Stage 1: Senaru – Lake Segara Anak

The first stage is the longest, but not the most demanding. We depart from the village of Senaru and trek for around eight hours to reach Lake Segara Anak by late afternoon, where we will camp on its shores. Rising from the middle of the lake, which stretches for three kilometers (a length that inspired its name, "Child of the Sea"), stands the volcanic cone "Gunung Baru", which regularly emits small wisps of smoke.

We spend the evening with fishermen who are stationed there and who return to the village on weekends to sell their catch.

Stage 2: Lake Segara Anak – Base Camp

The next morning, after a relaxing swim in the natural hot springs at the lake's edge, we trek for 3.5 hours to get as close as possible to the base camp, which will be the starting point for the ascent to Rinjani's summit. We pitch our tents and rest in the afternoon to prepare for the challenging climb that will begin in the middle of the night.

Stage 3: Base Camp - Summit

The final stage of climbing Mount Rinjani begins around midnight, when we embark on a long hike to reach the summit for sunrise. This climb is physically taxing and demands excellent physical fitness. The trail is made of sand and stone, making progress difficult. Furthermore, the area is highly exposed and often windy, making it bitterly cold.

For those who reach the summit, their effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking view across the entire island of Lombok, as well as its neighbors, Bali and Sumbawa, where Mount Tambora rises.

After a 3-hour descent, well-deserved rest at the base camp will allow hikers to recover. Finally, in early afternoon, we return to the village of Sembalun Lawang on the volcano's eastern slopes, where the vehicle awaits us.

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Climbing Mount Rinjani is highly demanding and requires excellent physical conditioning. We recommend this trek for experienced and well-prepared hikers.

When to go?

The park is generally closed between January and March due to heavy rainfall. Wet terrain will make the ascent even more dangerous, and climbing Rinjani under these conditions is strongly discouraged. The best time to visit is between May and November. Prefer weekdays to weekends to limit tourist traffic.

Our tips for Rinjani

Prepare your gear well (sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, windbreaker, gloves, headlamp, sunscreen as the sun is intense at the summit). Trekking poles can also prove invaluable.

Some hikers may also experience altitude sickness. Don't hesitate to research the subject or seek advice from your doctor.