If your idea of adventure includes conquering towering hilltops and soaking-in awe-inspiring views, then Mount Rinjani should be at the top of your bucket-list! As Indonesia’s third highest peak, this mighty volcano boasts an epic trekking experience that’s as rewarding as it is breathtaking.
Sitting proudly on Lombok Island, it’s the perfect alternative to the regular beach scene and an absolute must-do for nature-lovers! Towering at 3,726 metres above sea level, Rinjani dominates the landscape, surrounded by the lush expanse of the Mount Rinjani National Park, a 76,000-hectare wonderland of dense forests, rugged trails and incredible wildlife.
Table of Contents
Trekking Routes
To explore the beauty of Mount Rinjani, trekkers can choose from several hiking routes. There are at least six trekking trails: Senaru, Sembalun, Torean, Aik Berik, Timbanuh and Tete Batu, which range from the safest to the most extreme.
Among these, the most popular choices are the Sembalun and Senaru trails, with many trekkers opting to ascend via Sembalun and descend through Senaru. The Sembalun route takes approximately 6-8 hours to the campsite, with another 6-8 hours required to reach the summit.
Given the strenuous nature of the trek, it is essential to prepare both physically and mentally beforehand. To fully experience Mount Rinjani’s beauty, a minimum of 4-days and 3-nights is recommended for the trek.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to climb Mount Rinjani is between the months of April and October, during Lombok’s dry season. The weather is more stable, the skies clearer and the trails are safer compared to the more hazardous conditions of the rainy season.
Temperatures vary depending on altitude. In Sembalun (1,150 metres above sea level), daytime temperatures range from 15-25°C, dropping to 10-15°C at night. As you ascend to higher campsites such as Plawangan (2,600 metres), temperatures fall further, with daytime averages of 10-20°C and nighttime lows of 5-10°C.
At Rinjani’s summit (3,726 metres), daytime temperatures range from 5-15°C but can drop to a chilly 0-5°C at night. Be warned – during the dry season, temperatures may even fall below freezing! Strong winds at the summit can make it feel much colder, so trekkers are advised to wear layered clothing, carry a sleeping bag designed for cold temperatures and use gloves and a head covering for warmth.
How to Get There
Lombok is easily accessible from Bali and other major Indonesian cities. The island has its own international airport, Lombok International Airport (LOP), with regular flights from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali. You’ll find both budget and full-service airlines operating along these routes.
Travellers from Bali can also reach Lombok by ferry from Padangbai Harbour to Lembar Harbour. The journey takes about two hours, with ticket prices ranging from IDR 50,000 to IDR 200,000.
Since there is no public transport to Sembalun, it is recommended to rent a private vehicle for airport transfers. The cost of hiring a car for a round-trip transfer is approximately IDR 600,000 to IDR 1,000,000.
Trekking Requirements
Before starting the hike, trekkers must register through the eRinjani app (available on Google Play Store) and pay the entrance fee. The fee for foreign visitors is IDR 150,000 per day on weekdays and IDR 250,000 per day on weekends.
Trekkers must also obtain a health certificate from a local health centre, costing around IDR 20,000-50,000. After payment, a barcode will be issued via the app, which must be scanned at the entry gate of Mount Rinjani National Park in Sembalun. A passport and the original health certificate must also be presented for verification.
Hiring a porter and local guide is mandatory, with fees ranging from IDR 300,000 to IDR 400,000 per person per day. The initial trek from Sembalun is relatively flat, and trekkers can hire a pickup truck to transport them to Kandang Sapi (the starting point) for IDR 200,000-300,000. Motorbike taxis to Pos 2 are also available for IDR 200,000 per person.
The Trek Begins
Pos 2 Sembalun is a vast open space with stunning savannah views, and where the distant ocean can be seen to the east of Lombok. This is a popular spot for lunch before continuing the trek to Plawangan Sembalun, the last campsite before the summit.
Porters play a crucial role during the trek as they carry essential supplies and set up tents. The journey from Pos 2 to Plawangan Sembalun takes about 4-5 hours, passing through lush savannahs, rocky paths and steep sandy slopes.
Plawangan Sembalun is an ideal rest stop, offering spectacular views of Rinjani’s summit and Segara Anak Lake, with Mount Baru Jari in the background. Basic toilet facilities are available here.
To catch the sunrise from the summit, trekkers must begin the final ascent by 1:00am. The trail consists of loose volcanic sand, requiring extreme caution as it runs along steep cliffs. The last 600 metres of the climb is rocky and windy, making windproof jackets highly recommended. We would suggest that you avoid wearing jeans, as they are uncomfortable for long trekking periods.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lombok, the famous Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno and Air), and Bali’s Mount Agung. Watching the sunrise from Lombok’s highest peak is an unforgettable experience, but caution is advised, as steep drop-offs flank both sides of the summit – this is not for the faint-hearted!
Sunset at Segara Anak Lake
After summiting, trekkers can descend to Plawangan Sembalun for a well-earned rest and breakfast. The return journey follows a different route, passing through Senaru.
Making your way down to the shores of Segara Anak Lake takes about 3-4 hours. Once at the lake, trekkers can set up tents and enjoy the unique experience of camping at Lombok’s highest lake.
Segara Anak Lake features natural hot springs, perfect for soothing sore and tired muscles. Fishing is also a popular activity, with fresh fish available for a quick and tasty meal. The sunset over the lake, with golden skies and the silhouette of Mount Baru Jari in the distance, is a sight to behold and one that will stay with you forever.
Exploring Waterfalls on the Senaru Trail
The next morning, after breakfast by the lake, the journey continues towards Senaru, taking about 4-5 hours. The Senaru trail is steeper than Sembalun and runs alongside cliffs, requiring extra caution.
One of the highlights of this route is the stunning Tiu Kelep Waterfall. After a tiring trek, the fall’s cool, refreshing water provides the perfect way to relax before reaching the Senaru exit gate. Trekkers must check out at the gate to confirm their safe descent.
After the trek, a well-deserved rest at a hotel near Mount Rinjani is recommended. Here are some great accommodation options in Sembalun:
- Midrange to High-End: Rinjani Lodge Villa & Hotel
- Midrange: Nusantara Hotel & Restaurant
- Budget: Bobocabin Gunung Rinjani
Every step on Mount Rinjani is more than just a physical challenge – it’s an immersion into nature’s grandeur. From vast savannahs to majestic peaks bathed in the morning sun, every turn offers breathtaking views and tests of endurance. But the reward? Pure magic!
If you’re up for the challenge, pack your bags, bring your adventurous spirit and get ready for an unforgettable journey conquering one of Indonesia’s most legendary hikes!
