Other than the amazing surf, Mt. Rinjani is easily the biggest draw for tourism on Lombok, the large island between Bali and Sumbawa. I ended up there after a truly fabulous diving trip in Komodo knowing that I wanted to experience a different side of Indonesia that didn’t involve Kuta beach in Bali or the hustle and bustle of Jakarta.
Like most things in Southeast Asia, the pricing online was pretty outrageous for pre-booking a Mt. Rinjani trek. I elected to show up and see if I could get it for cheaper which I, of course, did. I took the most common package which was three days, two nights of trekking with all meals and equipment included. I did this by talking to one of the employees at a guest house on Lombok.
It’s advisable to show up on Lombok and book directly with a tour operator there rather than organizing through a travel agent elsewhere in Indonesia. There have apparently been issues in the past with tourists being sold tours with fake operators or less-than-desirable companies. Even the one I elected to book with charged everyone in my group a different price. Therefore, the cost is definitely negotiable. If you make your own way to Senaru or Sembalun Lawang, the starting points (if you start at one you’ll end at the other and vice versa), expect to pay around 900,000 Rupiah (USD $90) including park entrance fees. I personally booked in Kuta, Lombok, for 1,000,000 including transport from Kuta to Senaru, but others in my group were charged 1,500,000 for the exact same thing. Always haggle!
I was also able to borrow everything I needed from the guys who led the trek, including a warm jacket, a smaller backpack (I left my bigger one with most of my belongings at the guesthouse I stayed at prior to the trek and went back to pick it up after,) and tents and food were provided by the porters. The only thing you need to bring is travel insurance – the good kind that will transport you to Singapore or another country with good medical care just in case.
The climb itself was brilliant and not too challenging on the first day, which involved a 2,000 meter climb from Senaru at 600 meters to the crater rim at 2,600 meters. The brilliant view was a great sign of what was to come over the next few days:
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The second day of the trek involved a steep climb down to the crater lake, a visit to the hot springs, and a climb up to the base of the summit:
The final day was by far the toughest, but most gorgeous and rewarding.
The wake up call was 2am for those interested in climbing the 1000 meters to the summit. We strapped on our headlamps, warm clothing, and watched as the guides put on real shoes for the first time – they had otherwise been taking on the entire steep trek in flip flops. This was a clear sign that the trail was about to get truly difficult.
Given the volcanic gravel, the climb consisted of regularly climbing two steps forward only to slide at least one back. It took about three hours to make it all the way to the top with freezing winds pelting me the whole way. It was a mental and physical battle to the top, to be sure. Plenty of people sit this part of the trek out. If you have the fitness level to take it on, though, I’d definitely recommend it.
The top brought on a feeling of accomplishment and sheer ecstasy as the sun rose, illuminating the volcano and the surrounding islands all the way to Bali.
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Do it Yourself:
- Getting there: If traveling overland, public transportation is probably the quickest option. Check out this guide for easy directions
- Booking: It is entirely possible to book the trek the day before your intended starting day, as I did (and this was during high season). Either book from wherever you are in Lombok, or make your way to Senbalun Lawang or Senaru to book directly with a tour operator (which can be done via your guest house or even asking the wait staff at a restaurant who will negotiate on your behalf and organize for you). Don’t forget you can only climb during the dry season from April to November
- Cost: Luxury operators charge about double what the bargain operators charge, but tend to have more comfortable sleeping bags and bring chairs along to sit in as well as a toilet tent around a hole dug in the ground. Cheaper operators do not bring chairs and the wilderness is your bathroom. To me, it wasn’t worth it to pay double for these amenities. The food and guide knowledge is generally the same in both tours as the guides and porters are contracted out by each operator. There are no showers available to any group
- Prep: bring proper shoes and a headlamp. If you don’t have a jacket, the porters can provide one if told in advance. Hiking or running shoes and a jacket are absolutely essential and a bathing suit, hiking stick (you can grab one at the start of the trail), and mittens are recommended
- Difficulty: fitness level is important for the climb as it is steep and takes 12 hours on the longest day to reach the summit and then get back down to the bottom. While it is not quite as big of a challenge as, say, taking on Mount Kinabalu in one day, it is still a challenge
Hogga says
such awesome pics
Kristin says
Thanks dear 🙂
Ryan says
Pretty freakin’ rad I must say! I’ve never been on a multi-day trek but I’m definitely down to at some point, and I’ll need to look this up. Awesome photos too btw, I’ve never been atop a Volcano, let alone swim in the crater of one, so that is pretty wicked!
Kristin says
I used to tell people I hated trekking but I’m not sure why. I guess it was just hot jungle the first time and turned me off. It’s all about the elevation because this was fantastic.
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says
Gorgeous!! I don’t think I’m fit enough to do this trek… altitude hiking nearly killed me in Peru! Glad you went instead and I can live through the photos 🙂
Kristin says
Altitude can be a real beast!
Dale says
My god, Kristin. These pictures are incredible and the sights you’ve seen here are the reason so many of us travel and consider travelling.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t someone out there who’ll decide to travel this week after seeing these shots.
Kristin says
Thanks, Dale! I couldn’t believe how absolutely gorgeous the landscape was there. I kept saying, “this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been!” which is saying a lot!
Jo (The Blond) says
This looks amazing!
Are you going to Bali? I’m going there in December and would love to read some tips about it.
Kristin says
Honestly I was not interested in Bali. Too touristy. I have heard great things, though, and my buddy Victoria at pommietravels.com used to live there and surely has some great stuff on her site!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says
Gorgeous photos and you’ve made me wish this was something I could do. But I hate hiking at the best of time and have never tackled a mountain/volcano before and when Tony & I talked about doing Rinjani, we knew we had to be honest about our own limitations and acknowledge that we probably aren’t fit enough to do it. Seeing your pics makes me wish I were wrong though!
Kristin says
It was a challenge so if hiking isn’t your thing I don’t blame you for passing it up! Certain things are just not my thing either (movies, I hate going to movies) so I just avoid them!
Ryan says
Great photos!…. These are some of the best that I’ve ever seen from a Rinjani trek. All the clouds helped to make the atmosphere of your photos particularly stunning. What kind of camera/lens did you bring to the summit?
Kristin says
They really did make the shots stunning! I use a Nikon D3000 with a standard 18/55mm lens.
Shari says
We are heading to Lombok next week and are thinking of climbing Rinjani. Is there a company that you could recommend? I hear it makes a big
Difference if you have a good guide. How was yours? Can you recommend? Any help for a fellow budget traveller would be great . Love the pics!
Kristin says
I contracted through a private guy, which is exactly what the tour companies do. I was happy to cut out the middle man. My guide was decent but honestly it’s just about getting up and down the trail, so I wouldn’t overpay for that part of it.
rey maulana says
such a beatiful pict ! wow, you’re a genius photographer i’ve seen, nice to know you 🙂
btw nice adventure time, I’m from Lombok and i often climb Rinjani, with my friend and with my guess ( i’m freelance guide, hehe)
visit my blog : reymaulana.blogspot.com ( but sorry for my english, it’s not to good :/ )
Frank says
Great photos Kristin! Doing that trek on my list of things I’d like to do, appreciate your tips.
Good job on the blog,
Frank (bbqboy)
Kristin says
Thanks Frank and let me know if you end up doing it!
Chris says
Hi there,
I would like to know more about your hiking trip at Mount Rinjani. What to bring up the mountain ?
Chris
Kristin says
Warm clothing and proper shoes. Otherwise, the guides bring the rest.
prodigalthumb says
it was great reading your escapades at mt rinjani & mt kinabalu 🙂 im looking at doing rinjani next year and i understand we will prolly will spend around 3 days out hiking.. just wondering if there are any opportunities to wash up?
Kristin says
Well there are natural hot springs and the volcano lake but no, not really. You’ll be a filthy human being for those three days.
prodigalthumb says
hahaa guess wet wipes will have to do.. thanks Kristin!
divinggrab says
Thx for info and pic kristin. I will be i imdonesia next week. U said there’s no hiking in Dec in Rinyani . Is that a rule by the park or up to each guide/operator? Or depends on weather conditions at the time? I’ve read online some ppl did it in dec. Thx
Kristin says
That just happens to be rainy season so I think generally it is shut down but probably depends on the weather
prodigalthumb says
hahaa guess wet wipes will have to do.. thanks Kristin!
May says
Great blog! 🙂 I am planning to go up Rinjani next year. You mentioned you got your guide through a private guy and you paid Rp1,000,000 for the entire package? I thought that was really great value! Do you still have the contact of your guide? If so, possible to pass it to me so that I can check him out directly? Thanks much!
Kristin says
I literally showed up and found him. Just do the same. Haggle with your guest house or even a restaurant you eat lunch at. The porters are what you really need and the guides are just an afterthought.
Plopsy Whops says
Awesome!!! And you paid 1mil rupiah as a solo hiker? I m so in for this. Which month did you go up in anyways? Thanks for the info
Kristin says
I went in July. Check into the rainy season because they don’t climb during the wet months. They put me with a group and it turned out to be awesome 🙂
Bem says
Wow well done ! I love your blogging of the journey – i was wondering if you could recommend which tour operator to go with ?! Thanku
Kristin says
I’d actually suggest finding a guide without a tour company. They charge a lot more. You can just ask anyone at any guest house or restaurant on Lombok. Just go with whoever is cheapest because they contract out all the same guides.
Anne says
Lovely blog post, gorgeous pictures. I am going to Indonesia in August/September and would love to do this hike. I’m super glad to see a solo hiker can find a good deal there, because everything online is super expensive.
Do you have any guesthouses in Lombok to recommend? Thank you!
Kristin says
The place I stayed the night before the trek was included in the overall price. I can’t recall the name but if you just show up and look around you should have no issues finding something
Toby says
Wow! So up for this! Will I have any problem booking onto a tour locally a day or two before? Looks like you’ve had a great time!
Kristin says
I had no problem and it was high season. I can’t guarantee of course but I am pretty sure it won’t be an issue – just make sure it’s open! Closed some months of the year due to rainy season
Vincent liew says
Can i know how much u spent in total for the mount rinjani trip coZ i am planning to go with my friends? Izit better to find a tour when reached or should i book through internet? Just to get an idea
Thanks!
Kristin says
It will be much more expensive if you book online. If you book in person once already in Lombok you can get it for as low as 1,000,000 Rupiah for 3 days/2 nights (about USD $100)
Dan Korenchan says
Hey Kristin!
Thanks so much for the info. My friends and I are planning on flying from Singapore into Lombok, landing around 9pm the day before we’d like to start our trek. Is that too late to book a trek in Lombok that night? The online sites are asking for $250 USD or more and we’d really like to get closer to your price. Thanks so much again!
Kristin says
It’s pretty late but give it a try. Most treks start their briefings around 6pm and begin very early the next morning. It’ll take you some time to get to the starting point for the trek, that’s the issue. You’ll need to take a van for a few hours. You might be better off sorting it out the next day if you have the time.
Dan Korenchan says
Hey Kristin, I just finished our 3D/2N trek to Rinjani and thanks to your advise it was an absolute success! We had a great time and were able to book a trek for just over 1,500,000 IDR including transportation at the end to Kuta, Lombok for a day of surfing before heading home via Lombok Airport. Thanks again for your advise; I will be using it again soon when I take my trip to Bromo & Ijen!
Kristin says
Hey Dan. I’m so glad you enjoyed your trek and thanks so much for coming back to let me know that you found my advice useful!
Famous Lombok says
Waw…. it’s fantastic trip and amazing pictures..
I Love Lombok, I think, you also should love Lombok extraordinary because of their beauty.. 🙂
Dont forget to come in lombok again next time… 🙂
Katrina says
These photos are amazing and your trek sounds even better! I’ll be in Lombok in May and am just wondering which area you stayed in. I was looking to stay in Senggigi but am now thinking maybe I should stay closer to Rinjani? If you could give me any advice that would be awesome! Thanks 🙂
Kristin says
Senggigi is the start of the trail, or the end, depending on how to do it.
Sarah says
Hi Kristin, was just wondering how much you paid for everything as a whole? Food, accommodation, guide and transport for the 2 nights you were there? Also do you happen to have the email/contact of the guide/tour agency you used? 🙂
Kristin says
$110 for everything and i just showed up and found a guide. Very easy. Just ask basically anyone at any guest house or restaurant and haggle the price. They’re all independently contracted.
Rudolph.A.Furtado says
Awesome pictures and text description.Will be touring Indonesia in August 2014 and would definitely visit a volcanic mountain less difficult than Mount Rinjani. At the age of 54 i wouldn’t want to risk such a trek in a foreign country as a solo back-packer tourist although physically fit,a physical fitness fanatic.
Erwin says
Nice blog Kristin, i’m happy i found this blog of your’s about trekking Mt. Rinjani. a friend and I are all set to fly to lombok via kuala lumpur on the 20th. will be at lumbok for 4 days and included in our itinerary is to hike mt. rinjani. we searched the net for hiking packages and the results were a bit pricey. good thing i stumbled into this entry of yours. now i already have an idea. thanks much!
Kristin says
Welcome! Glad to have helped!
Erwin says
and we did it. we had a successful hike last May 22-24. we we’re blessed with a good weather the entire hike. truly the summit assault was challenging but it was all worth it. the view at the top was stunning!
Kristin says
The final part of the hike was so tough! So glad you had good weather and enjoyed! Thanks for coming back to update me on how it went 🙂
Ian says
$100 to climb? Well far less than my kinabalu, but i’m been so used to $0.2 registration fees in my hikes in Philippines. Lol 😉
Kristin says
The $100 is for the guide, porters, tents, food, and snacks plus the first night accommodation in whichever town you start in and transport to the ferry (or wherever else you’re going) afterwards for 3 days, two nights. I thought that was pretty good!
Carola says
Great blog! It looks stunning!
Did you travel solo? Because I’m travelling solo to Indonesia (Bali) in August and I would really love to do a similar Mt. Rinjani hike. So any tips are very welcome. I probably fly/take a boat to Lombok asap and try to find a guesthouse and ask around.
If you have any names or good places to go, please let me know. All tips are appreciated!
Kristin says
Yes, I traveled solo. You’ll be put in a group with other trekkers. I met some awesome people during my trek!
Carola says
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for your reply. I am really tempted to book in advance (I’ll be in Indonesia the beginning-mid August), are you sure it’s not necessary? (tried to ask for a tour of a company in Indonesia which was fully booked, but obviously this was not local and a popular agency for young people/students)
Kristin says
All I can comment on is my experience in July – also high season – when it was easy for anyone and everyone interested to find a group to join.
Carola says
Oh and one more question! Do you need to be experienced to do the 3 day, 2 night hike?
I don’t have a lot of mountain climbing experience, the only ‘big’ hike I’ve done so far was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand, but my fitness is OK.
Kristin says
No it’s not climbing but more like hiking.
Anis says
Hi there. Thanks for a great review. I’m planning on going there this coming October. May I know which guest house you stayed and found the guide?
Kristin says
I got the guide sorted out when I was in Kuta Lombok. Though I can’t remember the name of the guesthouse it really doesn’t matter as they’re all contracted through whoever is in need at the time so no company is better than another
Pamela says
Spectacular pictures! This is where I hope to hike in one day! I am sure it is not an easy task to climb up to the peak, just wondering if you did any training or what sort of training do you do before you hike up mount rinjani?
Kristin says
I had climbed Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo a few weeks earlier without much prior training. It was tough but it comes down to your mental state. If you believe you can do it and keep telling yourself that you can, and take breaks when you can and honor your body, you can do it (assuming you’re injury-free)
Yy says
Hello.. It’s fun to read this!
I’m going on this august .. And I would like to ask about what’s the difference between summit package and lake package?
Can u pls explained to me? Thx yea..
Kristin says
I haven’t heard them named that way but I’m guessing one is 2 nights and the other is just one. I went to both the summit and the lake.
Fran says
Hey,
Great that you share ur information. This is so helpful.
I am wondering if you had any hiking shoes or just your running shoes to climb up the volcanos? I am planning on doing so and i know, that the lava can be sharp and cut shoes…
Would you share what you think of the condition of the paths up there, possible in running shoes?
Thanks so much for your help.
Fran
Kristin says
I did it in running shoes and the problem wasn’t the sharp rocks, but rather the gravel near the top. They’re really slippery and if you had hiking boots they’d be less likely to get in your shoes. I had to empty mine out quite a few times.
Fran says
Thanks soo much, your advise is highly appreciated!!
Ryan Tan says
I actually booked a flight to lombok after seeing this post .. lol. overall, it was a tiring but rewarding trip! thanks for sharing…
Kristin says
That’s awesome! Yeah it’s physically challenging but definitely beautiful.
Sarah says
hi, your photos are awesome! I read on some blogs that at certain parts of the trek, it will be just half a meter wide and it will be off the cliff…is that so??
I have phobia for height but i really want to try out!
hear from you soon!
Kristin says
Parts of it can be very steep and narrow. There’s often a railing to hold onto but it may test your fear of heights a bit.
joel says
Great Blog! And amazing dedication responding to comments!
Im headed to Lombok in August and am trying to sort out the logistics. I plan to hike Mt Rinjani as well as stay near the beach near Kuta for a few days afterwards. You mentioned that the place you stayed in Kuta Lombok was where you arranged the trek (including transportation and the 1st night’s stay in Kuta). Would you recommending going to Kuta before the trek since transport to and from Kuta is included? Or is it more helpful to stay somewhere closer to Mt Rinjani? I assume we will arrive in Lombok from the ferry around 4pm the day before the trek.
Thanks!!
Kristin says
Thanks Joel 🙂
I paid a bit more overall since transport was included, so I’d say it doesn’t matter.
Tyler says
What an awesome post! It is so inspiring I think some friends and I are planning to do the trek! I have a few logistics questions and am hoping you can give me a little advice.
My friends and I already have flights that arrive in Bali at 9:45am and are then heading to Lombok, with hopes of doing the trek the following morning. We will arrive in Lombok hopefully around 4pm. Would it make the most sense to stay in Senaru the night before if we were trying to set up trekking arrangements or somewhere else and make our way to the hike in the AM? In your post you said you stayed in Kuta, did you also stay at a guesthouse in Senaru the night before the trek or make your way there the following morning?
Thanks so much for all the help and inspiration!
Kristin says
You’ll want to be in Senaru by the morning that you start the trek since I believe it starts around 7:30am (ish). Getting into Bali around 9:45 the prior morning is probably fine.
Anonymous says
Hello, I notice you talk about heights a few comments back. I’m not great with heights either, when it’s a sheer drop. I did a long trek in the Himalayas and I was fine because the track was wide. So for Rinjani is it ever a sheer drop when the route is narrow?
Kristin says
Yes, honestly it is. Most of it is fine but there are narrow parts that you have to be very careful on.
Khairil says
hye there,
im a first timer, going to mt rinjani. i would like to inquire abt your statement below:
It’s advisable to show up on Lombok and book directly with a tour operator there rather than organizing through a travel agent elsewhere in Indonesia. There have apparently been issues in the past with tourists being sold tours with fake operators or less-than-desirable companies. Even the one I elected to book with charged everyone in my group a different price. Therefore, the cost is definitely negotiable. If you make your own way to Senaru or Sembalun Lawang, the starting points (if you start at one you’ll end at the other and vice versa), expect to pay around 900,000 Rupiah (USD $90) including park entrance fees. I personally booked in Kuta, Lombok, for 1,000,000 including transport from Kuta to Senaru, but others in my group were charged 1,500,000 for the exact same thing. Always haggle!
if i were from lombok airport, do u recommend for me to take up the packages offered at that area for the price you mentioned? because i find it true that pre book from online websites is expensive as it offers up to 2,250,000 idr. please advice.
thanks
Khairil Asraf
Kristin says
I still believe what I said is true. If you can find a price you like at the airport then go for it, but heading to the base of the trek will mean finding the best prices.
Khairil says
thank you for your reply. will try look for it along the way heading to the trek. or at the trek itself. 🙂
Jack@biradivecamp says
Great article in diving. Thanks for the enlightenment. More power to you!
Anonymous says
It’s not possible to climb in December? I’ll be in Malaysia for work and finish up mid December when I wanted to head over to Lombok/Mt. Rinjani 🙁
Kristin says
My guide told me that during the rainy season it’s closed. I’m sure it depends on the weather. I can say for sure.
Rojan says
Hi
Thanks for your amazing resource page on Rinjani that has very helpful information. I am planning to climb Mt. Rinjani in May and I have been quoted USD 250 by a travel agent online. My friend recommended this agent who has already taken its service before. I am feeling a bit risky to just arrive at lombok without a prebooking. But it will be great if I can get a package for USD 100 instead of 250. If possible, could you please share the names of some trekking agents who offer the package at $100 or some more tips on how to find them. I will be arriving Lombok at 10 am and will be starting the trek the next day. Thanks a lot.
Kristin says
Some charge more and give you a better tent, softer sleeping bag, and things like chairs. The guides will be the same. The food will be too more or less. You can ask absolutely anyone at any guest house or restaurant on Lombok for trekking. Plenty of people book the day before. If it makes you nervous then you can book ahead, but I can only say from my experience, I was there in high season and had no issues and nobody in my group booked ahead. Agencies always charge more.
Shane says
Hi,
I am planning a trip in June with, among other things, some time on the Gilis. Would you suggest breaking the time on the Gilis up to just a couple of days at the start, then booking/completing climb, then going back to the Gilis to rest/recover afterwards – or because of transit it’s best to trek after visiting the Gilis?
Thanks
Kristin says
I’d just visit them before or after, personally. I went to Gili T after the trek and it was perfect.
Ankur says
Hi Kristin,
I am planning to go to Mt Rinjani from Bali (airport). Please suggest best route?
Bali(Padang Bai) to Sengigi OR Bali(Padang Bai) to Lembar ? And how to reach Rinjani from here?
Speed Boat OR normal Boat? How much time each takes? What is the cost of each?
Do you suggest us to stay in Senaru OR Sembalun Lawang ?
I will book my trek from Senaru/Sembalun , as you have suggested above.
Kristin says
I think I noted in the post which one I started and ended at, and I liked my route best because it culminated with the peak rather than having that at the beginning. Definitely take the fast boat. It changes depending on the season but it wasn’t too expensive. Sorry my memory is fuzzy it was almost 2 years ago!
UltraWideLife says
Hey thanks for inputs Kristin. I finally ended up doing Sembalum – Senaru
Its damn steep hike I would say. But totally worth it.
Kristin says
Glad it worked out for you! Yes, it is steep in places.
Adi says
On behalf of local trekking organizers in Mount Rinjani, Lombok, I am glad to hear that you have good experience there and I am looking forward for anybody that want to have trekking adventures with us.
Jakob Pedersen says
Hi Kristin
From your story and the Photos it really seems like got quite the experience at Mt. Rinjani! My girlfriend and I going to lombok tomorrow, where we will be spending a couple of days around kuta, visiting some beaches etc. So you have some suggestions for some ‘must do’ in and around Kuta? Afterwards we plan to a tre-days Mt. Rinjani trek to the summit. As far as I can see you did the same. We would like to know if you got any advice whether to choose Senaru or Sembalun lawang as starting point? We consider usself as bring above average fitness, so would you advice to go the tre-days trek instead of the four-days trek?
Besides that my girlfriend would like to know which setting you used to take the beatiful pictures from mt. Rinjani? Because we have a Nikon D3300, but we just bought it before we went on the this trip, so we are not that experiences jet.
Kristin says
Hi Jakob, Most people do a 3 day trek and you can start from either side and it won’t make a huge difference. You just go in a different order but it’s the same trail. I liked finishing with Rinjani on the last day, though, so Senaru was better for me.
I didn’t stay in Kuta for long. It was a lot of couples and I was traveling solo, plus I failed to find a very social guesthouse and was running out of time, so I chose to trek then head to Gili T. I hear motorbiking around the beaches there is great though and something I’d like to do in the future.
For photos, turn the aperture low and ISO high and hold the camera very still.
SL says
hi kristin,
after reading how challenging it was for others to climb mt rinjani (which had me hyperventilating and reconsidering my decision to go there in april 2016), i come to your post and you make it seem manageable. kudos to you once again.
Kristin says
A friend came back to me after and said, “WHY didn’t you say how hard it was to climb?!” and I was like, I did? Two steps forward to slide one back! It was brutal! Worth it, though, amiright?
Vignes Chandran says
Awesome write up! We pre-booked in advance and ended up paying about 1.5m rupiah, but inclusive of 2 days in neighboring Gili Trawangan so I guess it was a pretty good deal. But you right – can always get a better deal on the spot, even if it was a day before the actual hike! And always negotiate 🙂
Yolo says
Wow awesome price. May i know where did you prebook it?
Kristin says
As I mentioned in the post, if you prebook you’re going to pay a lot more. It’s no issue to just book the day before or the day of when you’re already on Lombok
Rinjani Trekking says
nice post!
Shaina says
Hi there,
When will the Park be open again in 2016? and how does the eruption in October-December 2015 influence the opening dates?
yani trekker says
great post guys..
thank you for post our place especialy Mount Rinjani the sacred one.
Ria says
I would like to make trekking but would like to find some trustful operators 🙂 Do you remember how called yours?
Kristin says
It was just a few locals who organized it themselves. I really think just showing up and asking around is the best way, but there are some with storefronts that are better organized, they just cost a lot more!
Yoko Lu says
I just came back from a 10-day vacation trip consisting of Angkor Wat and Bali. I went to Gili T but did not have enough time to climb Rinjani – I just dived. I will definitely be going back to Bali and to Lombok for the Rinjani climb. Mt. Kinabalu is my first priority, with Bromo and Ijen as options as well.
I have climbed multiple 2000m and 3000m mountains in Japan, including Fuji (very easy) with heavy backpacks with camping gear. I think I should be able to do Rinjani 3D2N. I probably won’t try 1D for Kinabalu though. What do you say – Kinabalu and Rinjani – which is tougher (in terms of climbing difficulty)?
Kristin says
Kinabalu is way tougher and I think Rinjani is more beautiful
Yoko Lu says
Thanks for the reply! I wasn’t even aware that there my comment was actually replied – but this is good to know because I have left knee problem and would probably have difficulty climbing for 3 days as I did for the 3-day trekking in Myanmar.
Liv says
Great article thanks. I was just looking at doing this trek and was wondering whether to book from UK or not. I now know my answer.
Gautier says
Hi there,
Thank you for your post! However, I am still wandering if it is possible to do the climb really independently to get to the top or at least to the lake on your own (i.e.; without a tour/guide)?
How much would be the entrance of the park in itself?
Many thanks in advance and enjoy your next adventures 🙂
Kristin says
Yeah for sure. If you have your own tent and are happy to carry your own food I don’t see why not. I don’t know how much the park entrance is, though, sorry!
Sebastien says
Hi! I just found your website and its amazing! Love your hiking stories and pics, keep it up! I was wondering what size of backpack would you recommend for a 10 day trip with hiking rinjani for instance? I assume there’s a fine balance between too small and too big!
Thanks 🙂
Kristin says
10 days hiking Rinjani? I didn’t know that there was even a trail that long! I had porters so i took a small one and it was just 3 days. If you’re carrying all of your own food then it needs to be big – 70L I would say.
Ashita Singh says
Hi Kristin,
Beautiful pictures and a very insightful post.
I am planning to go on this hike when I travel to Indonesia in April 2017.
I am fit overall. I run 5-6 Kms 4 days in a week and have a decent stamina.
Do you think there is some special kind of training required to go on this hike?
Also, would my running shoes be good enough for the climb to the summit on the last day or do i need to buy a pair of hiking boots?
Thanks
Ashita
Kristin says
I did it with running shoes and I’m pretty sure you won’t have a problem but I always say the best practice for hiking is hiking, so if you have a chance to do some hikes near home first it’ll be that much easier for you!
Emily says
Hi Kristin,
Great post. Planning to end of this year. Is it worth it to do the Lake or just doing the summit will suffice?
Thanks!
Kristin says
The views on that day are really nice so if you have time it’s worth doing 3 days and 2 nights to see it!
Jou Trekking says
Thank you very much for sharing your trekking experience by sharing your experience it’s really helping us to get more guests and that is really good for rinjani community to get more work. We all from
jou trekking company would like to say thank you
nick beeline says
I went too hike mount rinjani. Is truly amazing I will love to hike aagain but with more longer program 44 day3 night Iis more relaxing and more enjoyable. The tree day was so hardest and makes all pain.
Dhyns Rinjani Hiking says
Thank you very much for sharing your trekking experience by sharing your experience it’s really helping us to get more guests and that is really good for rinjani community to get more work. We all from
Dhyns Rinjani Hiking company would like to say thank you
Eline says
Hi Kristin!
First of all thanks for this awesome post!
I’m currently planning my trip to Indonesia. Since I’ll only have 2 or 3 weeks to travel around I have to make choices. I want to do at least one volcano trek. So I’m doubting between Mount Bromo, Mount Batur (Kintamani) and Mount Rinjani. I have done the Inca trail last year so I don’t mind a tough hike.
Thanks!
Cheers,
Eline
Kristin says
I think that Rinjani is the most beautiful out of those but it’s the longest too.
Barry says
Hi Kristin, what a great read and your photos of the Rinjani trek are amazing! It brought back so many memories from our attempt at the trek, sadly we didn’t make it to the summit, we were on the 4 day, 3 night trek and our knees just couldn’t get us up the ridge before the sunrise! Quite a few groups turned back that morning.
Still, we had an awesome experience sitting on the ridge as the sun rose around us, this was definitely the best multi day trek we have ever completed, and I would love to go back and trek it again (but this time make it to the top!). And as for those views from the crater rim looking down onto the lake, absolutely unforgettable!
Thanks again for sharing.
Kristin says
Most of the people in my camp didn’t make it to the top or didn’t attempt either. It was tough, but all of the other days were worth it and beautiful.
Cherene Saradar says
Hello, Nice to read your story! I’m considering doing this in April. I would be coming from Gili T. Is it recommended to book there? Can I take ferry from Gili T in morning and start hike the same day? Also, you mentioned they give jackets. I have been travelling in SE Asia for 2 months and literally have no warm clothes. I have trekking shoes and leggings. What would you recommend?
In terms of difficulty, how does this compare do you think to the Inca Trail (have done….it wasn’t pretty…lol). I am trying to figure out if I can do it!
Thanks so much! I’m a blogger also so hopefully I can return the favor one day:)
Kristin says
Hi Cherene, you can’t really start the same day from Gili T because the treks start at the break of dawn, or at least the one I did. I’d suggest getting yourself to Lombok first and booking there. It’s going to be cheaper than on Gili T. Take the local ferry and then hire an ojek to go to the starting point (whichever side you decide you prefer to start on) and talk to anyone there – guest house workers, restaurant employees, really anyone, and haggle.
The last part up to the volcano peak is really hard, to be honest. You can do all of the hike except for that part, which many people opt to do. I still think you should try it because how often do you get that chance? When you book ask them for a jacket. I didn’t have warm clothes either.
sitty says
Wonderful post, we had great experienced hiking mount rinjani
Fajar says
Hello Kristin. It was such an amazing experience. Climbing mountain is actually nothing to do with conquering the summit BUT ourselves. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
Herman says
Hi..!
I am very delighted to hear your post about my mountain and my island.
Lombok i love you…!
Chris says
Thanks for your post! I plan to do it on my own, would you know of any nice possible camp sites that you might have crossed without too many people from the pre booked tours?
cheers
Chris
Kristin says
You can probably camp anywhere as there weren’t camp boundaries or anything like that
Van Nguyen says
What a useful article!!! I have been looking for an article like this, thank you for sharing.
My friend and I are planing to trek this volcano next April and all the tour are charging like 250$ or more for a 3 days trip.
We are arriving in Lombok at around 5:15PM, do you know if it’s possible to find a tour to start the very next morning at that hour? If yes, then could you advise where?
Kristin says
That might be tough but no impossible if you go right to the start of the trek and ask around town. If you can give it an extra day I would, though.
Van Nguyen says
Thank you very much for the info, we will try and see how it goes
camcung says
just head to Senaru Village from the airport
Nur baiti says
Seems you have a great experiences. I am from Jakarta. I went to Gili’s in 2013 and I was climb Rinjani from Senaru in 2014.
Rinjani is my favorite, I’m glad you enjoy your trip. If you came back to Indonesia, I suggest you to go to Maratua Island, Kakaban island , Derawan in East Borneo. It’s a secret place where Prince William take his honeymoon.
Kristin says
Thanks for the tip!
Buntrekker says
great post guys..
thank you for post our place especialy Mount Rinjani the sacred one.
Anies says
Howdy Kristin.. It was an amazing experience you had. Really happy to see the story about Rinjani you share in this post. Thank a lot.
Gan says
Hey,
I am quite impressed that you got to do Rinjani for so cheap! It is almost impossible to get those prices nowadays. I did mine for around 90 USD too.
Kristin says
They raised the park entrance fee and it got more popular so go figure!
GG says
What beautiful photos and views! Lombok seems like a great alternative to Bali although I hope it doesn’t get too popular eventually! Rinjani sounds like a great challenge to try!