It is important to know that:
Managing expectations and risks
Lombok is a seismic area, and more so in Rinjani Park with an active volcano, Barujari. Eruptions and earthquakes do occur, which may force the authorities to close the park. Earthquakes can make the slopes a very dangerous place with rock falls and landslides, which can turn the lakeside campsite into a tsunami zone. Volcanic eruptions not only release lava, rock and ash plumes, but also carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. These gases are heavier than air, making the caldera a very risky place to be. In such an unlikely scenario, we reserve the right to amend the itinerary, or even cancel the entire event.
This hike IS a challenge, and physical fitness is MORE than a prerequisite! The first day of hiking will be tough at a rating of IBP112. The next day will be tougher than the IBP164 rating suggests due to the terrain. Needless to say, this hike is ABSOLUTELY NOT suitable for "beginners" and “less experienced hikers”. Underestimating the difficulty or overestimating yourself will only get you, and likely others, in trouble. Be honest to yourself – don’t join this if you are trying out hiking or camping for the first time.
Let’s be very clear on this: we will be camping, not glamping. We have chosen the “luxury” option for our camping package, but it is still camping out in remote wilderness, with no running water, refrigeration, mains electricity, or Internet. Certainly no 7-11 or Grab. You do get good camping equipment, but it is not a hotel room. Your dining table can be a log, a patch of grass, or a rock. And the toilet is still a hole in the ground.
You should have some experience and knowledge about what to bring, but it is worth it to remind you about some basic essentials, like a whistle, headlamp and personal first aid kit, emergency blanket, and cold weather gear.
Rinjani is no different from any other hiking trail – mishaps and fatalities have happened before, but mostly avoidable with common sense. Once inside the caldera, there is no communication with the outside world, so rescue and evacuation take a long time. This is not a place to throw caution to the wind.
Meals on the trail are prepared with ingredients that are carried by porters with no refrigeration. Although the meals are freshly cooked, and even prepared with pride, expect something simpler and less varied than your normal meals. Quantity and portions, however, should be more than enough. If you are a large eater and want more, just ask.
Weather and temperature can vary widely. Be prepared for cold windy rain, and prolonged sun exposure.
Slight risk of leech and insects at forest section.
There are water sources along the trail, and locals do drink untreated water from here. However, this is not advisable for visitors.
Equipment and supplies
Most of your things needed during the hike should be in a porter bag to be carried by porters. Use them! 5kg is included, but the price is reasonable enough for you to add more. Just remember to confirm the additional weight by 23/03/2025. We need to work out how many porters to hire, and it takes a bit of time to organise the team of porters.
Porters commonly carry their loads in 2 baskets attached to a bamboo pole. They will need to balance these two baskets. All porter bags should not exceed 7kg. If your porter weight is more than 7kg, you should use multiple bags.
Remember to protect your clean clothes and electronics from rain.
Your things that are not needed during the hike should be packed up and handed over at the homestay. Left luggage will be brought to their office in Senggigi for safe-keeping while we hike.
During the hike, you only need to carry a small backpack, sufficient for emergency essentials, rain gear, and 1+ litre of water. You won't sweat much in the cool weather, and most sections are not that long before you can refill.
Drones are allowed.
You can wash up at the lakeside campsite. Soap and shampoo can be used at the waterfall and hot spring, but not at the lake.
The only isotonic drink sold in Indonesia is Pocari. I have not seen anything else like 100plus or Revive, so if those are your must-have, then bring from Malaysia. 100plus sachets is a good option. You can bring beer to the hike if you wish.
Hike sections
Hiking conditions
Savannah grassland has large exposed areas with little shelter from sun, wind, rain, or whatever nature decides. Sunglasses, sunblock, hat, wind-breaker or even umbrellas are commonly used here.
Alpine and tundra regions can be cold, especially if raining or windy. Ridge and rim areas will almost always be windy.
Ascending a scree slope will sap your energy as the ground continuously breaks and slides under your feet. At times, even standing will be difficult, so hiking poles are highly recommended. Descending is wonderful and easy.
When heading down to lakeside, the section right after basecamp is steep rocky cliff. Go slow to avoid fall and minimise impact on knee/ankle. Gloves recommended for rough/sharp rocks.
Alpine forest section before reaching the lake is easy.
The trail after lakeside campsite is rainforest, very similar to what we see in Malaysia. It is easy-moderate, generally descending by with some ups and downs.
No paper makers. There are some sections, where there are multiple junctions, or unclear trails, so you should hike with guides or porters, or at least in a group. In case our group spreads out too much and you end up hiking alone, you may need to find your own way, at least for a while. It is extremely handy to be able to self-navigate with a given GPX route, so it is highly recommended that you install and familiarise yourself with a GPS app on your phone. Most of the trails are without mobile phone coverage, so you will also need to download the map for offline use.