A friend of my old friend had a big DOUBT to come all the way to Lombok just to hike Mount Rinjani. He said “he had heard many oblique stories about this phenomenal mountain”. He said again, “Rinjani does not have any beauty at all”.
My old friend did understand that people who spread the word that Rinjani is not worth a visit have never come to Rinjani.
Here are 7 reasons to convince hiking Rinjani Lombok is completely pointless.
REASON #1 Rinjani crater rim Senaru is not pretty, neither the caldera “Segara Anak Lake”. Why bother climbing a mountain if only to see the same lake as the dam in my village?
Rinjani caldera from Senaru crater rim
REASON #2 Hunting the sunrise moments from the top of the mountain? Ah no, it’s just like from the balcony of my house.
REASON #3 Ah .. I am not interested in being a cowherd. Then why go to the meadow? It’so hot – I’ll be dehydrated.
Walking through savannah in the east trail
REASON #4 Hot springs? Why climb a volcano just to bathe in hot water?
Hot spring waterfall just near the lake
REASON #5 What can you see there? You will only camp in the dark of fog and clouds
Here is where you get a chance to sleep at so high altitude
REASON #6 Villages at the foot of the mountain are polluted
Tiu Kelep waterfall in Senaru Village. Photo credit to Che Chiang Chin
Sembalun Village
REASON #7 Monkey? No. they are too dangerous. Keep them away from me
Black monkey – locally known as Lutung
Mount Rinjani or locally known as Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Lombok, Indonesia. It has become more and more popular among locals and international travelers alike, which is not surprising considering the incredible nature that it hosts, the amazing views, and the challenging but most rewarding trekking routes.
This also means that you get to wake up and go to sleep above cloud level, at 2 600+ meters
Rinjani is one of the few trekking places where you can sleep at so high altitudes without the need for professional equipment. This also means that you get to wake up and go to sleep above cloud level, at 2 600+ meters, which makes for an incredible experience and a unique photo taking opportunity.
