The mighty Mount Rinjani (or Gunung Rinjani) towers over the island of Lombok. Reaching 3,726 meters above sea level, it’s the second-highest volcano in Indonesia after Sumatra’s Mount Kerinci (3,805 m.a.s.l.). Trekking to the summit has become one of Indonesia’s must-do activities and the exhilarating climb provides an epic challenge for intrepid travellers seeking adventure.
If you’re considering bagging this peak, you’re in the right place. As with all treks, proper preparation can mean the difference between a thrilling adventure and an uncomfortable (at best) or dangerous (at worst) experience. But don’t fear! In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about trekking Mount Rinjani.
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A Guide to Trekking Mount Rinjani, Indonesia 🥾
When To Do the Rinjani Trek 🌦️
Lombok’s dry season (April–October) is the best time to trek Mount Rinjani. July and August are peak months. The rains during the wet season (November–March) can make the paths impassable and dangerous and the trail is closed for much of this time.
Volcanoes and Earthquakes – Beware Unexpected Trail Closures 🌋
Indonesia sits along the infamous Ring of Fire, an area rife in seismic activity. This means the region is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and the trails have been known to close temporarily during periods of volcanic activity. The summit trail was closed for around two years following a series of earthquakes in 2018 (now fully repaired and reopened).
Rinjani Trek Routes, Terrain and Difficulty 💪
There are several trails trekkers can take when hiking up Mount Rinjani, but the most popular route is to begin in the village of Senaru and end in Sembalun, or vice versa. (Some treks may start and end at the same village.)
Hikes can range anywhere from two to five days depending on your chosen route and preferred time frame. (Of course, your level of fitness and walking pace is also a factor as the shorter hikes will require you to cover more distance in a shorter time.) Hikers can also decide whether to trek only as far as the crater rim (usually a 2–day hike) or push on to the summit (usually 3–4 days).
Whichever route and duration you choose, be warned that the climb is challenging and requires a good level of fitness and endurance. The trail can be arduous and slippery; expect steep climbs and rocky terrain. You may find that for every two or three steps you take you slide backwards one step. Reaching the summit also involves trekking in the early hours (i.e. darkness) adding an extra challenge.
Health Check 🩺
It’s necessary to have a health check-up at a local clinic in Lombok before hiking Mount Rinjani. This rule was brought in by the government post COVID to ensure proper fitness of hikers and to limit emergencies on the mountain. Many of the hiking companies will include the price of the check-up in their cost and make time for it in the itinerary. For example, with Hallo Trekker you will visit a small clinic in Sembalun before starting the hike.
“Hiking Mount Rinjani is an incredible experience and something you will remember for the rest of your life.” Jennifer Poole, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
How Much Does the Rinjani Trek Cost? 💰
While trek prices differ slightly from company to company, there doesn’t seem to be a huge variation in prices. The total cost will depend on the length of the trek you choose. Trekking to the crater rim only will likely be less expensive than hiking to the summit. As a general rule, expect to pay roughly the following:
2-day, 1-night trek: $200–250USD
3-day, 2-night trek: $250–300USD
4-day, 3-night trek: $300–350USD
All treks should include a guide, porters, camping equipment, sleeping bag, meals and water, but be sure to check when booking exactly what is and isn’t included in the price. All trekkers require a permit (250,000 IDR; approx. $15.50 USD). You should check if this cost is included in the tour price when booking.
Looking for a Hiking Company Recommendation? ⛰️
Our recommended tour operator for hiking Mount Rinjani is Hallo Trekker, run by Lombok-born hiking enthusiast, Rustam. Their team of experienced local guides and porters have been safely guiding hikers up the mountain for over 20 years. Hallo Trekker caters to solo travellers, families or groups of any size and will do their best to tailor the whole experience to your needs – encouraging you all the way to the top! The food during the hike is also extremely yummy, which is a well-deserved bonus after all that exercise!
Choosing a Trekking Company 🤔
Every tour agency in Lombok (and some in Bali) will want to sell you a trek to Mount Rinjani. Bear in mind that companies can vary greatly in what they offer in terms of quality of service, experience and safety.
There have been reports of companies with inadequate equipment or failing to ensure customers are sufficiently advised on appropriate clothing and the trek’s level of difficulty.
When choosing a company for the Rinjani Trek, make sure to research them and read reviews on places such as TripAdvisor. You can also ask fellow travellers for advice in our Facebook Group.
Be wary of those offering exceptionally cheap tours, which could be a sign of corner-cutting – not something you want to do on a potentially risky trek! Always check exactly what is included in the price before committing in order to avoid unexpected costs later down the line.
- Summit Lombok's highest peak on this epic hike!
- Swim in the crater lake and soak in healing hot springs
- Expert local guides with 20 years' experience
- Tasty and nutritious meals included
Trekking Permits 🎟️
You will need a permit to enter Rinjani National Park and climb Mount Rinjani. There are 220 permits available each day. They cost around 250,000 IDR (approx. $15.50 USD) and will be organised by your trekking company. You will need to supply the following information before the trek: name, photo of passport, gender, DOB, height, weight, nationality and address. You’ll be issued with an eTicket with a QR code which will grant you access to Rinjani National Park.
Rinjani Trek Itinerary ➡️
The exact itinerary of your Rinjani Trek will depend on the route and duration you choose. Below is a sample itinerary based on a 3-day trek from Sembalun Village to give you a flavour of the hike.
Starting the Trek in Senaru vs Sembalun – What’s the Difference? ↔️
The trail from Sembalun is the shortest route to the summit. It is also the more challenging option with steeper paths, which can be good for those who like to get the hardest part of the trek out of the way at the start. The trail from Senaru allows for a more gradual ascent to the crater rim and summit. Note that the Senaru to Sembalun route is currently not recommended due to path erosion caused by the 2018 earthquake. At present, it’s advised to hike in the Sembalun to Senaru direction.
Day 1 – Trekking from Sembalun Village to Crater Rim
The first day begins with a relatively easy ascent through open grassland. After lunch, the climb steadily becomes steeper and temperatures start to drop as you ascend higher. Towards the end of the first day’s hike, you will be climbing among the pine-like casuarina trees. Cooled lava flows can be seen in the distance. Upon reaching the crater rim, you will enjoy views of the amazing azure waters of Segara Anak and the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Sulphur fumes can be seen escaping through some crevices in the side of the volcano. (On a clear day, it is possible to see Gunung Agung, Bali’s highest peak.) Camp will be set up near the crater rim.
Segara Anak – The Crater Lake 🏞️
From the crater rim of Mount Rinjani, you can gaze down into the vast turquoise crater lake known as Segara Anak (meaning Child of the Sea in Bahasa). Measuring 8 km by 6 km, the lake lies at 2,000 m.a.s.l. and the sight is a rich reward after a day’s hiking.
Day 2 – Swimming in Segara Anak and Hot Springs
Some of the trekking tours include swimming in Segara Anak as part of the itinerary (highly recommended). To reach the lake, you will head down the steep path inside the crater. A couple of hours of steep downhill trekking will bring you to the edge of the lake, and a strong sulphur smell. The water is cold but refreshing. To warm up, you can head to the nearby hot springs, the perfect spot to soak some sore muscles. Camp will be set up near the lake.
Day 3 – Summiting Mount Rinjani and Descending
The hike to the summit begins at 2.30 am. From the campsite, the city lights of Sembalun can be seen off in the distance. The path to the summit is challenging. The volcanic-rock path is slippery and makes for very slow progress. The winds can also get fierce up here as the ridge is exposed. You should reach the summit at dawn, in time to watch the sunrise around 6.30 am, before descending back down the volcano through tropical forest and ending at the village of Senaru.
“One thing is for sure; you will never forget the sunrise from the top of Mount Rinjani as long as you live. Truly an amazing sight to behold!” Jennifer Poole, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Accommodation (Camping) ⛺
Accommodation on the Rinjani Trek is a basic affair and involves wild camping on the side of the volcano. Expect adventure but little in the way of creature comforts. Camping equipment, including tents and sleeping bags, will be provided by the trekking company. You may also be given a small sleeping mattress and pillow. There are no toilets on the trails, but companies will include a toilet tent among the camping facilities.
Food on the Rinjani Trek
Food will be carried and prepared by porters on the mountainside. All meals should be included in the price of the trek and will likely be local Indonesian food served buffet style. Drinking water will be included. You may wish to bring along some snacks to keep you fuelled between meals.
Packing List for the Rinjani Trek 👕
The crater and summit of Mount Rinjani sit at high altitude and this means it can get very cold on the mountainside, especially at night! Because Indonesia is in the tropics, many people underestimate the temperatures and come ill-prepared against the cold. Don’t make the same mistake. Reputable hiking companies will check you are prepared with appropriate clothing and gear before setting off.
“Once the sun is gone, the temperature drops by about 10 degrees and it gets really cold, really fast! This is the time when some people realise that they are not properly equipped for the cold of the night, having not been advised to bring enough warm clothing by their trekking company. On the trek we did, there was a guy who was extremely angry at his tour company for not having provided him with accurate information before attempting the trek!” Jennifer Poole, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Here’s a list of essentials to take with you:
- Daypack – Pack lightly, you’ll need to carry your own luggage
- Trekking shoes or boots – Essential for the rocky and slippery terrain
- Warm, windproof jacket – If you don’t have one, rent one in Lombok
- Hiking trousers
- Lightweight fleece – Layers are key!
- T-shirts – Lightweight, quick-dry t-shirts are best
- Good quality hiking socks – Merino wool is a good option
- Waterproof jacket – A small packable one is fine
- Warm leggings or underlayers – You’ll appreciate them at night!
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat
- Sandals – To wear around camp
- Swimsuit – For the lake and hot springs
- Travel towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- Toiletries and personal medications – Consider packing some Tiger Balm for aching muscles
- Moist towelettes – Great for removing the volcanic ash that will cling to your skin
- Hand sanitizer or small soap
- Insect repellent – The trek passes through jungle and you’ll want to ward off mosquitos
- Refillable water bottle or filtered water bottle
- Snacks – Nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate are all good for energy
- A small flashlight or head torch – Essential for hiking in the darkness of early morning
- Trekking poles – Not essential but nice to have; can be rented in Lombok
“Don’t forget a flashlight. A phone light will not be satisfactory, trust me. I forgot to bring a decent source of light and it was a huge mistake!” Jennifer Poole, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Mount Rinjani Trek FAQs ❓
Is it possible to trek Rinjani independently?
Officially, you need a guide to hike up Rinjani. You will also need a permit (250,000 IDR; approx. $15.50 USD), which your trekking company will arrange for you when you book a tour. Alternatively, you can obtain a permit from the Rinjani Trekking Centre in Senaru and enquire about hiring a private guide there.
What is the best month to do the Rinjani Trek?
April to October are the best months to climb Rinjani.
How fit do I need to be?
The Mount Rinjani Trek is a challenging route and you will need a good level of fitness and preferably experience of multi-day hiking.
Are there showers and toilets on the Rinjani Trek?
Trekkers will camp in tents during the hike. There are no showers and toilets will be the portable variety. Wet wipes can help with removing the grime you will accumulate from the volcanic ash. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap.
Do I have to carry camping gear?
Trekking companies will supply porters to carry the camping equipment so you won’t be weighed down with tents, but you will have to carry your own luggage so pack lightly!
If you’re seeking adventure in Indonesia, the Mount Rinjani Trek won’t disappoint. The steep, slippery trails may pose a challenge, but the volcano offers up rich rewards for your hard work. You’re sure to forget all about the aching muscles and 2am-wake up call when you’re watching the sunrise from Lombok’s highest peak.
A shimmering blue lake, soothing hot springs and breathtaking landscapes await those prepared to tackle this trek. Slip on those hiking boots; the mountain is calling!
Have you trekked up Mount Rinjani? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Contributors:
South East Asia Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…
🙏 Jennifer Poole | South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
🙏 Rustam Efendi | Hallo Trekker
Lisa Barham
Having always dreamt of travelling the world, Lisa finally decided to follow that dream in her mid-thirties when she left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. After trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and learning to surf in Sri Lanka, she headed for wondrous Southeast Asia, where she can currently be found solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets.
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