Are you planning to visit Mount Rinjani? If it’s a yes, then you really need a perfect trekking guide to Mount Rinjani. Here you will read about what you need to prepare before trekking and which way to choose.
Mount Rinjani is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano at 3,726 meters above sea level. The climb to the top may not be easy as you need a lot of things to prepare but it’s worth it.
Where Is Mount Rinjani?
Mount Rinjani is located in the north of Lombok island and lies within the Gunung Rinjani National Park. The park covers 41,330 hectares and sits inside a major bio-geographical transition zone (Wallacea). The name Rinjani comes from an old Javanese term for ‘God’. Being a part of the famous ‘ring of fire’ in this mountain. It also holds spiritual significance for the local people.
How To Get To Mount Rinjani?
If you are coming from Bali, you can take a boat from Padang Bay harbor to Bangsal. After that, you can rent a motorcycle or rent a car to arrive in Senaru.
The distance from Bangsal Port to Mount Rinjani drop point in Senaru is 60 km and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Approximately, it costs you IDR 300,000 to rent a car and IDR 80,000 per day to rent a motorbike or scooter.
You can also use a plane and arrive in Mataram city, Lombok, then take the car or motorbike to reach the nearest village.
Book Your Mount Rinjani Tour
It’s always good to have a Mount Rinjani guide with you because it is more safety and they know the best road to take. There are dozens of tour companies offering tours in Lombok including in Senggigi, Mataram, Senaru, and Kuta Lombok. However, it’s best to book before your arrival. Always choose a professional and experienced tour operator.
Most tour already includes some service like:
- Return transfers
- The entrance fee to Gunung Rinjani National Park
- English-speaking mountain guide
- Local porters
- 3 meals a day
- Tent and sleeping bag
- Drinking water
Some services that exclude from the tour:
- Personal Insurance
- Personal equipment
- Personal expenses before and after the trek departure
- Helicopter in case of an accident
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude hiking.
Best Time to Trek Mount Rinjani
For your information, Mount Rinjani closes its gate every January to March because of heavy rain, foggy, and slippery treks. Hiking Mount Rinjani during the dry season will most likely give you the best weather conditions. So, it’s best in the period from May to October.
However, you need to always check the availability from The National Park authority. Almost all year round it is possible unless the activity of the volcano is raised.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Pink Beach Lombok
Mount Rinjani Trekking Tips
- Prepare a hiking stick. It’s so convenient to have the stick, as trekking has different roads. It keeps you upright on slippery sandy slopes and protects your knees for hours on steep descents.
- Get yourself ready. The unexpected things are not impossible, sometimes it rains or even the weather is too hot. Take your time, holding your breath every few steps if necessary. Prepare yourself a month or two before, to train your physical ability by running, jogging, and taking some exercise.
- Be polite. No need to rush, try to look around and enjoy the scenery.
- Do not get involved in Rinjani’s garbage problem. Bring ziplock bags for toilet paper, wipes, cigarette butts, and other personal trash. If you want to do more, bring a garbage bag and pick up trash along the way.
- Bring snacks and emergency food. In case you need extra food along the way
How Many Nights it Takes to Hike to Rinjani
It’s Ideal to take 3-day and 2-night hikes. You will have plenty of time to climb to the summit and visit the crater lake and hot springs. You can consider the 4 days or 3 nights option, same place but have more time to enjoy and relax.
There’s also a 2-day and 1-night but you won’t get close to the summit or the lake. You will have great views of the crater. If you can’t stand a long trek but still want to experience Rinjani, this is the best option.
What Rinjani Offers?
Beautiful Landscape
During your trip, you will see so many changes in the mountain landscape. It feels like you are in another world because it’s so fascinating. You will see rainforests, savannah grasses, pebbly soils, and long steep climbs to loose rocks.
Lake Segara Anak
Segara Anak is a crater lake in Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia. The name Segara Anak means child of the sea as the blue color of the lake is reminiscent of the sea. You can swim and fish and the warm water can relieve pain in the muscles of the legs and body.
Spectacular Summit
After you reach the top, all the hardship will be paid off with the beautiful scenery of Mount Rinjani summit. You will see a breathtaking sunrise and views of Bali Island, Sumbawa Island in the distance, and a 360-degree view of Lombok Island.
If you plan to go to trekking and then for guides, networks, and news around Indonesia, you can visit Social Expat. It’s a home of all things expat related in Indonesia!
