My First Time Trekking Mount Rinjani: What I Wish I Knew Before Climbing

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Mount Rinjani from the distance — her silhouette rising dramatically behind a haze of morning mist as our ferry approached Lombok. She looked majestic, almost otherworldly. I remember whispering to myself, “I’m going to stand on that summit.”

I had no idea what I was in for.

Day 1: Sweat, Dust, and Regret (…Kind of)

The trek began in Sembalun, a quiet village surrounded by golden fields and rolling hills. Spirits were high, the weather was perfect, and I thought I was ready.

I wasn’t.

The first few hours felt like a walk in the park — literally. But once we hit the steep, sun-exposed grassy hills of Bukit Penyesalan (Hill of Regret) (now Cemara Siu), I realized why locals named it that. My legs were burning, my water tasted like plastic, and every break felt like a gift from the gods.

But then — out of nowhere — we reached the crater rim. And that view? Oh man.

Gunung Baru Jari, the baby volcano, sat quietly in the middle of the lake like a sleeping dragon. The sky was painted with oranges and pinks. It was the kind of view that makes you forget how tired you are.

I cried a little. Just a little.

What I Wish I Knew Before Trekking Rinjani

Here’s the real stuff no one told me (but I wish they had):

1. This Trek Is Not a Joke

Even if you're “fit,” Rinjani humbles you. The trail is steep, slippery, and long. Going down hurts more than going up. If you're not used to mountain treks, go slow, rest often, and listen to your guide.

2. Bring Better Shoes

I wore semi-worn-out trail runners and regretted every step. Invest in good hiking boots with grip. Seriously.

3. It Gets COLD

It’s tropical, but at the summit (3,726m), it felt like I was back in Europe during autumn. A fleece, beanie, gloves — all necessary.

4. Mental Strength > Physical Strength

There were moments I wanted to turn back. But having a positive mindset, good company, and a guide who believed in me kept me going.

5. Choosing the Right Trekking Company Makes a HUGE Difference

I trekked with Trekking Rinjani Adventures, and honestly? Everything from the tents to the food (yes, they cooked fried bananas at 2,600 meters!) felt like glamping in the clouds. The porters were heroes. I will never forget how kind they were.

The Summit: A Spiritual Slap in the Face

Summit day started at 2 AM. It was dark, windy, and freezing. You walk on volcanic gravel that feels like two steps forward, one step back.

But then, after 3 hours of slow, painful climbing… you reach it.

The top of Rinjani isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. A silence that hugs you. The sunrise wraps everything in golden light, and the world feels so much bigger and smaller at the same time.

I stood there with chapped lips and dirty hands, watching the clouds float below me — and I’ve never felt more alive.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely.
But next time, I’ll train a little more, pack better gear, and eat more bananas.

Mount Rinjani isn’t just a trek — it’s a transformation. You come down different from the person who started.

If you’re thinking about it… don’t overthink. Just go.

And if you want a team that’ll guide you safely, feed you well, and cheer you on every step of the way, I 100% recommend the crew at Trekking Rinjani Adventures. They made my first volcano experience unforgettable.

Got Questions?

Drop a comment or message the team. And if you’ve already done the trek, I’d love to hear your story too.

See you on the mountain trail,
— A very sore but happy traveler