Packing thermals and a puffer jacket for Indonesia feels like a paradox. But this isn’t your typical surf-and-beers-on-the-beach Bali escape; this time, we’re climbing Mount Rinjani, an active volcano that commands respect.

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Mount Rinjani Quick Facts

Location: Gunung Rinjani National Park, Lombok, Indonesia
Distance: ~41.8km (route dependent)
Duration: 4 days
Elevation: Summit 3,726m / Base 601m (Senaru Village)
Total Climbing: 3,125m
Best Time: April – October (dry season)
Temperature Range: 0°C (summit) to 20-30°C (lower sections)

About Mount Rinjani

While Bali is Indonesia’s most popular tourist Mecca (especially for us Aussies), the island is just one of 17,508 in the Indonesian archipelago. Among these blips of land in blue water are 130 active volcanoes, more than any other nation on Earth. Less than 100km to the east of Kuta’s infamous nightclubs lies Lombok, a smaller island often referred to as ‘Bali 20 years ago’.

It’s here that Mount Rinjani – Indonesia’s second-highest active volcano – stands, reaching skyward to 3,726m. This four-day, 40km journey across its volcanic terrain offers more than just a hike – it’s a passage through awe-inspiring natural beauty, cultural significance, and the kind of grins that make your face hurt.

Want a volcano that’s closer to home? Try: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, VIC

 

History of Mount Rinjani

Rinjani isn’t just a mountain – it’s a spiritual anchor for both Lombok’s Sasak people and Balinese Hindus. At its heart lies Segara Anak, a sacred crater lake where religious ceremonies still take place.

The mountain’s geological resumé is equally impressive – its 1257 eruption was powerful enough to influence global climate patterns, possibly triggering the Little Ice Age. Today, within the crater lake, Gunung Baru Jari continues its slow growth, a testament to the mountain’s living, breathing nature.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Before You Go

For non-Indonesian trekkers, a guide isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory. The mountain has its share of sobering stories, including the tragic loss of a 19-year-old Israeli climber in 2022, reminding us that respect for the mountain isn’t optional. Permits are limited daily, so booking ahead is essential.

 

How to Get to Mount Rinjani

By Car

Lombok International Airport to Senaru: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Senggigi to Senaru: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes

By Bus

Public transportation options are available from major towns in Lombok to trek starting points like Senaru. However, these may involve transfers and longer travel times.

By Boat

Padang Bai (Bali) to Bangsal (Lombok): Fast boats typically take around 3 hours, though times can vary due to weather conditions.
Bangsal to Senaru or Sembalun: Approximately 1.5-2 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.

 

Where to Stay at Mount Rinjani

The mountain is your hotel. Camping at designated sites along crater rims and lakeshores is the only option on the trek. Guides and operators often provide camping gear, while pre and post-trek stays in Senaru or Sembalun offer a proper bed. We went with Rudy Trekker, one of the original operators that’s invested in trail maintenance, facilities, and guide training.

 

Skill Level

Intermediate – Advanced

Don’t let the Instagram shots fool you, this is intermediate to advanced territory. Expect steep climbs, loose volcanic gravel, and dusty trails. While summiting isn’t mandatory for an incredible experience, be ready for gravel scrambles, dramatic temperature swings (yes, sub 0ºC at the top), and elevation gains that demand respect.

Read more: How to Read the Weather Like a Pro

 

Essential Gear for Mount Rinjani

Clothing

  • Hiking boots (proper grip required)
  • Rain/wind jacket + puffer
  • Thermals and hiking pants
  • Beanie and gloves
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Buff/bandana (dust protection)
  • Swimmers

Equipment

Read more: Different Methods for Treating & Purifying Water in the Bush

Essentials

  • First aid + blister kit
  • Hand sanitiser + wipes
  • High-energy snacks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide tips ($50 AUD) / Porter tips ($30 AUD)

*Check if provided by tour operator

Read more: Overnight Hike Packing List

What It’s Like to Hike Mount Rinjani

Day 1 – Senaru to Sembalun Crater Rim

Distance: ~8km
Time: 6-7 hours
Navigation: Well-marked trails with guide support
Elevation: 1,150m – 2,639m

Our guide Mohamed and porters Awal, Lee (Big Banana), and Birin pick us up in Senaru for the drive to Sembalun Village, where the ritual of registration at the Rinjani Information Center (RIC) awaits.

 

 

The trek begins gently enough, with a gradual ascent through savannah landscapes and grassy knolls, the volcano looming ahead as a watchful guardian. We make our prescribed stops at Pos 1 (Pemantauan), Pos 2 (Tengengean), and Pos 3 (Pada Balong) for snacks and lunch.

Though the trail sees steady traffic, there’s enough space between trekkers to savour the views. Local kids buzz past on dirt bikes, offering salvation rides to the next stop for those already wilting in the heat.

 

 

The trail’s personality shifts gradually from mellow hills to steep, rocky, single tracks, before culminating in a challenging climb to the Sembalun Crater Rim, where clouds begin their afternoon gathering. The final stretch tests everyone’s preparation – steep, sandy, and dusty – as temperatures begin to drop. It becomes painfully obvious who came underprepared, with hikers in skate shoes struggling against the sketchy incline.

 

 

We set up camp on the Crater Rim, surrounded by views. The crater lake below, Mount Rinjani’s summit above, and valleys stretching into the distance. The sun splinters through clouds, casting spotlight beams throughout the valley. Monkeys gather hopefully around camp, some begging for handouts while others simply bask in the afternoon sun.

 

Day 2 – Crater Rim to Summit and Lake

Distance: ~12km
Time: 9-12 hours
Navigation: Challenging summit route
Elevation: Sembalun Crater Rim (2,639m) – Summit/Top (3,726m) – Segara Anak Lake and Hot Springs (2,008m)

We wake at 2:30am for a light breakfast before the summit push. The start is a blur of headlamps and nervous energy as we join the steady stream of trekkers. As the climb intensifies, the crowd naturally thins with many seeking shelter from the cold winds behind boulders, some turning back, and others simply pausing to rest.

The terrain proves challenging. A mix of gravel and sand where two steps forward often means sliding one step back. The final 100m delivers the day’s biggest challenge: a 45º incline of loose gravel swept by persistent wind. I follow other hikers’ footsteps, using their tracks as stepping stones to avoid sliding backward.

By 6am, the air grows noticeably thin, the wind maintains its howl, and the sun begins painting light across Lombok’s expanse. The summit view from 3,726m proves worth every laboured breath.

 

 

We pause to recharge and soak in the morning sun and stunning panorama before taking the requisite summit photo. The triumph of reaching the top brings out the best in everyone. Snacks are shared freely, and high-fives are exchanged among strangers turned comrades.

The descent becomes an unexpected highlight, fueled by summit adrenaline and thin-air euphoria. We slide down the gravel slopes, using our poles to maintain some semblance of control. We pass other hikers still making their way up, each with that familiar look of determination. By the time we reach the crater rim for breakfast, the day has transformed into a sun-soaked furnace.

Read more: How To Hike in Hot Weather

 

 

After a quick breather, we continue down the steep trail to Segara Anak Lake, descending through clouds into the grassy valley below. Lunch by the lake feels especially earned today, followed by a restorative soak in the hot springs. We camp by the lake, surrounded by local families fishing and relaxing.

 

 

Dinner comes early, and we gather with cups of tea, reliving the day’s adventures while watching monkeys play in nearby trees, all as the sun sets and misty clouds roll in.

Day 3 – Lake to Senaru Crater Rim

Distance: ~10km
Time: 7-8 hours
Navigation: Rocky paths
Elevation: Segara Anak Lake and Hot Springs (2,008m) – Senaru Crater Rim (2,641m)

The lake bustles with morning activity, teeming with fish while local anglers display their catches on makeshift drying racks erected with sticks and tarps and arranged with the kind of ingenuity that comes from generations of practice. Yet there’s a darker side here. Trash litters the camp area, a heartbreaking sight in such a beautiful spot. Mohamed explains it simply: a combination of lack of education and resources.

Read more: How To Poo in The Bush

 

 

After our leisurely morning by the lake, we tackle the ascent to Senaru Crater Rim. The trail is unforgiving, steep, and challenging, but rewards us with spectacular views of the lake and volcanic landscape below. The crowds have thinned considerably, with only a handful of fellow trekkers sharing the path. We become impromptu trail medics, tending to the wounds of less-prepared hikers – exhausted faces and blistered feet telling the story of ambition outpacing preparation. We patch blisters and strap up toes, doing what we can for those who’ve bitten off more than they can chew.

The path alternates between rocky single tracks and tall grasses, while misty clouds swirl around us. The crater and its aqua waters are a constant companion below.

 

 

By afternoon, we’ve claimed our spot on the rim. As the sun makes its descent over Bali, Mount Agung pierces through what looks like a blanket of melted Rainbow Paddle Pop clouds. One last cup of sweet ginger tea with the crew, then it’s time to surrender to our tent.

Day 4 – Crater Rim to Senaru Village

Distance: ~12km
Time: 6-7 hours
Navigation: Gradual descent through forest trails
Elevation: Senaru Crater Rim (2,641m) – Senaru Village (601m)

Dawn brings another sunrise show, the warmth slowly spreading across the landscape like a gentle awakening.

 

 

The descent to Senaru Village was meant to be a four-hour affair, but our legs had other plans. Something primal takes over, and suddenly we’re running and skipping down the path, letting gravity do the work. It’s a rare moment of pure joy. Grown adults channelling their inner children, racing down single tracks with reckless abandon.

The loamy hills gradually give way to dense jungle. Hornets become our unwanted companions – attracted to our sunscreen, according to Mohamed – while overhead, monkeys seem to mock our descent with their chattering laughter.

The final stretch takes us through lush tropical forests, with breaks for snacks and lunch marking our progress. By midday, Senaru Village welcomes us back to civilisation. We share our remaining snacks and exchange heartfelt goodbyes with Mohamed, Awal, Lee (Big Banana), and Birin – no longer just guides and porters, but companions in adventure. Then it’s back to Senaru for a well-deserved shower.

 

Tips for Hiking Mount Rinjani

  • Hire a reputable guide or trekking company for safety and logistics
  • Book in advance to avoid missing out on tickets
  • Prepare for unpredictable weather and pack waterproof gear
  • Bring cash for park fees and tips
  • Train before the trek; it’s physically demanding
  • Carry enough snacks and water purification tablets
  • You can technically summit in two days, but the four-day trek is much more scenic and enjoyable

 

FAQs Mount Rinjani Volcano Hike

How long does it take to hike Mount Rinjani?

Techinically, you can summit and descend Mount Rinjani in a two-day trek, but the four-day trek is much more enjoyable and scenic!

Is Mount Rinjani trek difficult?

Yep! Hikers need to hire a guide to take them up the volcano and the terrain that the path follows can become incredibly steep and difficult to walk on. Hikers should be well prepared, experienced, and fit.

Will Mount Rinjani erupt again?

Considering the 1257 eruption that formed Mount Rinjani was the largest eruption in the last 2000 years, summiting the volcano isn’t without risk. The last recorded eruption activity was in September 2016 so it’s possible that the volcano may erupt again soon.

Addicted to the Thrill of a Volcano

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.