Mount Rinjani

We've done most of the mountains in Southeast Asia and we think that Mount Rinjani is still one of the most beautiful treks there is. Besides being famous for how difficult it is, Rinjani has one of the most beautiful views to offer in Indonesia. Even if you just make it up to the crater rim and not the summit, the views there alone are so worth it.

The peak of Mount Rinjani offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Segara Anak crater lake, which is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). The lake is known for its turquoise-blue color and is believed to be sacred by the local Sasak people.

But even if you don't make it to the summit, there are actually several crater lakes across the mountain which makes it a really picturesque climb the entire way, not only just at the summit.

The mountain is also home to a unique ecosystem, with a variety of plant and animal species, including monkeys, deer, and birds.

There are two main trekking routes - one that takes you up the summit (Sembalun route), and the other that is easier and only takes you to the crater rim (Senaru route). Both take two days, but the Senaru crater rim route is suitable for beginner hikers whereas the Sembalun summit route is more suitable for intermediate hikers. We've done both and even if you just make it up to the crater rim and not the summit, the views there are still very worthwhile!

Route 1: Senaru trek (crater rim - easiest but no summit) - 2D2N

The Senaru trek is an easier trek that doesn't go to the summit, but instead goes to the beautiful crater rim. The trek starts from Senaru village and takes visitors through lush forests and traditional Sasak villages. The highlight of the trek is an overnight stay at Sembalun Crater Rim, where visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On the second day of the Senaru trek, visitors can enjoy a beautiful sunrise over Segara Anak Lake before trekking back down to Senaru Village.

Route 2: Sembalun trek (summit climb) - either 3D2N or 2D1N.

The Sembalun trek is the more challenging trek that takes you to the summit. The reason why the summit climb is challenging is because of the slippery volcanic ash sand - which means that during your summit climb in the dark, you'll be sliding back for every step forward that you take. The Sembalun route takes you to the Sembalun Crater Rim for the night before heading up for the challenging summit climb in the morning of day 2. Once at the summit you would head all the way back down to Sembalun to end the trek.

If you're a very fit hiker and want to see all the best that Mount Rinjani has to offer, you can also extend your summit climb with an additional trip to the lake. This will take 3 days (instead of the usual 2 days), and you'll head to the gorgeous lake for an overnight stay after you summit Mount Rinjani.

Route 3: Torean Route (hidden Jurassic park summit route) - either 3D2N or 4D3N

This route was created after the recent earthquake and is the least known route at Mount Rinjani, as well as the most beautiful. You will get far fewer crowds on this route, and it is by far the most beautiful route at Rinjani with views that look like they're right out of Jurassic park. It's as challenging as the Sembalun trek though, and we'd recommend 4D3N if you have time to give yourself more time to enjoy the views, and it's also less difficult if you spread it out in 4 days instead of 3 days.