Climbing Mount Rinjani: The Ultimate 3D2N Trekking Experience on Lombok, Indonesia

Flo MBT
Oct 26
5 min read

Updated: Oct 27

Mount Rinjani, located on Lombok Island, is one of Indonesia’s highest and most iconic peaks, standing tall at 3,726 meters above sea level. This active volcano attracts hikers from all over the world — and for good reason. The views are breathtaking, the challenge is real, and the memories last forever.

First Impressions of Lombok

Before the trek, we drove across Lombok from the Bangsal Harbour to Kuta. The island immediately felt quieter and more authentic than Bali. Wide beaches, lush hills, and small villages lined the road. We stopped by Aan Beach, a surreal, almost untouched place. You pay a small entrance fee, but the reward is an endless white-sand bay with turquoise water. Oddly enough, large empty roads are already built around it — a sign that development is coming — but for now, it remains peaceful and wild.

Why We Came: The Rinjani Trek

We came to Lombok for one reason: to climb Mount Rinjani.We chose the 3 days / 2 nights trek, though most travelers opt for the shorter 2D1N version.

Key Takeaways

📍 Location: Lombok, Indonesia

🕒 Duration: 2D1N or 3D2N

📅 Best time: April–November (dry season)

🥾 Difficulty: Challenging (hard)

💡 Tip: Choose a reputable trekking agency and book in advance

The Experience: Step by Step

Day 1 – The Ascent Begins

Before starting, there’s a quick medical check — pulse, blood pressure, and a short waiver to sign. Then you’ll head to the Rinjani National Park office to register your entry (and exit) — an essential step for all hikers.

The first day starts strong: it’s steep, hot, and long, but still manageable. You begin around 1,156 meters and camp for the night at 2,639 meters. Make no mistake — this is already a medium-to-hard hike.

By sunset, you’ll reach the crater rim and witness an incredible view above the clouds — one of those moments where exhaustion instantly fades.Flo experienced a light headache at the top, likely from dehydration or altitude, a reminder to keep drinking water regularly even when it’s chilly.

Day 2 – Summit Push

Wake-up call: 2 AM. The climb to the summit is brutal — pitch dark, freezing cold, and sandy. Every step forward slides half a step back. But once the sun rises at 3,726 meters, it’s pure magic. The panoramic view across Lombok, Bali, and the crater lake is absolutely unforgettable.

After a quick rest and breakfast, we continued — just the two of us, our guide, and one porter. The descent that followed was long and demanding: seven hours across ridges, valleys, and volcanic dust. We went from 2,639 meters down to 2,000, then climbed back up to 2,641 meters to reach our second camp.

That evening, we were completely exhausted. We skipped dinner and just asked for tea — we’d already had a heavy, late lunch by the lake and couldn’t wait to crawl into our sleeping bags.

Day 3 – The Final Descent

Another early start for the long way down. The trail is steep and rocky, and the descent feels endless — your legs will burn. By the time you reach the park office to check out, a wave of relief and pride washes over you. You’ve done it — you’ve conquered Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s toughest and most rewarding treks.

Throughout the trek, the porters amazed us. These men carry all the food, tents, and water — often barefoot or in flip-flops — and somehow move faster than everyone else. They cook your meals, set up camp, and make the whole experience possible.

What No One Tells You

It’s Hard and Cold

Many hikers arrive unprepared — and that’s where things get tricky. Agencies don’t always warn you how tough the Rinjani trek really is. Be honest with yourself: it’s demanding. But if you’re reasonably fit and mentally ready, you’ll absolutely love it.

In our group of five, two decided not to push to the summit the next morning. It’s that hard — and it’s cold. Really cold. Most people come to Indonesia with swimsuits and flip-flops, not thermal layers and gloves. But you’ll need them here.

You can rent warm clothes locally, and you should. We ended up wearing socks as gloves, and our hands were still freezing. We were lucky with perfect weather, but if it rains, it can quickly turn into a nightmare — the paths get slippery, visibility drops, and hiking in wet clothes at altitude is no fun at all.

The Camps – What to Expect

The camps are basic — very basic. Each tent is meant for two people, with a thin mat and a sleeping bag (no pillow). Porters handle everything: they cook your meals, set up the tents, and even build a small toilet tent with a hole in the ground.

Sometimes, you’ll find a few simple toilets you can pay to use, but don’t expect much. When it’s windy, the tents shake all night, and you’ll probably get little sleep. You’re sleeping almost directly on uneven ground, and by the end, you’ll be dusty, sweaty, and probably a bit smelly — but that’s part of the experience. Even washing your hands feels like a luxury.

When bottled water runs out, porters refill from mountain springs. We drank it without any issues, but if you’re sensitive, it’s best to bring water purification tablets like Aquatabs.

💡 Pro Tip: Rent gloves, a down jacket, and a beanie before the trek — the summit can feel close to freezing, especially before sunrise.

The Perfect Packing List for Mount Rinjani

You’ll carry only your personal bag — clothes, toiletries, and one bottle of water. Porters carry the rest. Keep your pack light — but warm.

Clothing

Lightweight hiking pants
Hiking shoes
Quick-dry T-shirts
Fleece or thermal layer
Down jacket (it’s freezing at the summit)
Rain jacket or poncho
Beanie, gloves
Extra socks and underwear

Gear

Headlamp (essential for the 2 AM climb)
Trekking poles
Reusable water bottle
Aquatabs or water filter
Power bank
Small backpack (20–30L)
Sleeping bag liner (optional but nice)

Toiletries & Health

Sunscreen and lip balm
Wet wipes and tissues
Painkillers and plasters
Toilet paper

Snacks

Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits

Final Thoughts

Mount Rinjani was one of the hardest multiday trek we’ve ever done, but also one of the most beautiful.

Come prepared — mentally, physically, and with the right gear — and Rinjani will reward you with memories for a lifetime.

Looking back, we do think that the final push from camp to the summit is a bit dangerous. The trail is slippery and sometimes narrow, with steep drops on both sides. Take it slow, follow your guide’s footsteps, and don’t rush — the sunrise will still be there when you arrive.

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