Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani best treks in the world according to Lonely Planet.
Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia, has earned its place as one of the best treks in the world according to Lonely Planet. The publication has consistently ranked it highly due to its challenging and rewarding trek that offers both natural beauty and cultural significance.
Here’s a quick overview of why Mount Rinjani stands out in Lonely Planet’s Top Picks for Treks:
1. Dramatic Volcano Views
Mount Rinjani is a massive active volcano standing at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), and the views from the summit are truly spectacular. Trekkers are treated to a panoramic view of the Segara Anak Lake, a crater lake that sits inside the caldera, along with lush forests, cliffs, and the distant Indian Ocean.
2. Segara Anak Lake
The lake at the summit is one of the main attractions of the trek. It is surrounded by volcanic rock and is considered sacred by the local Sasak people. Many trekkers spend a night camping by the lake, making it a perfect rest stop before making the final push to the summit. It’s also a place where trekkers can find serenity amidst the dramatic landscape.
3. Diverse Terrain
The trek to the summit of Rinjani is not just about the volcano but also about the varied terrain. Hikers pass through dense tropical forests, savannahs, and mountain ridges. The range of ecosystems creates a constantly changing experience, making the journey feel fresh at every turn. The trek’s altitude and gradients vary, keeping it physically challenging but rewarding at every stage.
4. Spiritual Significance
For the indigenous Sasak people, Rinjani is more than just a mountain. It is a sacred site, and many locals perform rituals at the summit or the crater lake. This cultural significance adds an extra layer of reverence and awe to the trekking experience, especially for those interested in local traditions and spirituality.
5. Wildlife & Biodiversity
Rinjani is home to a range of wildlife and unique flora. The mountain’s lush forests shelter a variety of birds, monkeys, and even rare plants. The trek is not just a physical challenge but also an opportunity to explore a diverse range of ecosystems.
6. Solitude & Less Crowds
Unlike other famous trekking destinations like Mount Bromo or Mount Rinjani’s neighbor Bali, Rinjani often feels less crowded. While it still attracts trekkers from around the world, it offers a more serene and peaceful trekking experience. This makes it a favorite for those seeking solitude while enjoying the rugged beauty of the mountain.
7. Adventure and Challenge
The trek itself is physically demanding. For most, it’s a multi-day adventure, often taking 2–4 days to complete. The final ascent to the summit is especially grueling, requiring determination and stamina. But for those who are up for the challenge, reaching the top is a memorable accomplishment.
8. Cultural Connections
The local communities around Mount Rinjani are welcoming and proud of their heritage. Trekking to Rinjani provides not only a chance to experience the natural wonders but also an opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their culture, and gain insight into their way of life.
Best Time to Trek:
The best months to trek Mount Rinjani are generally from April to October, avoiding the rainy season, when conditions can make the trail treacherous.
How to Trek:
While it’s possible to trek independently, most people opt to go with guides and porters, who can enhance the experience by sharing local knowledge and ensuring safety on the challenging paths.
Conclusion:
Lonely Planet’s recognition of Mount Rinjani as one of the best treks in the world is well-deserved. It combines natural beauty, a challenging trek, and a rich cultural heritage to create an experience that is hard to match. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, it’s a trek that offers a unique and awe-inspiring journey.
If you’re looking for a trek that combines adrenaline, scenic beauty, and culture, Rinjani is definitely worth considering!
Story of Mount Rinjani
Local people of Lombok believe that the peak of Mount Rinjani is the invisible palace of Queen Dewi Anjani. To the southeast from the peak, there is a dusty and barren area called “Segara Muncar”. This is reportedly the invisible palace of Queen Dewi Anjani and her followers, the good spirits.
According to ancient Lombok legend, Dewi Anjani is the daughter of a king who did not allow her to marry her boyfriend. At a spring on Lombok called Mandala, she disappeared and mysteriously transitioned from the real world to the spirit world.
Where Is Mount Rinjani National Park?
Mount Rinjani (Indonesian: Gunung Rinjani ) is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. Administratively the mountain is in the Regency of North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (Indonesian: Nusa Tenggara Barat, NTB). It rises to 3,726 meters (12,224 ft), making it the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. It is also the highest point in the Indonesian province of West Nusa Tenggara.
Adjacent to the volcano is a 6-by-8.5-kilometer caldera. Which is filled partially by the crater lake known as Segara Anak ( child of the sea ). Because the color of the water is blue as the sea.
Segara Anak Lake is approximately 2,000 m or 6,600 feet above sea level and 200 meters deep. The Caldera also contains hot springs. Sasak tribe and Hindu people assume the lake and Mount Rinjani are sacred. We can see from some religious activities that are occasionally done in the two areas. That is why UNESCO made Mount Rinjani a part of the Global Geoparks Network in April 2018.
How high is Mount Rinjani?
The top of Mount Rinjani is 3.726m / 12,224ft elevation ( AMSL).
When is Mount Rinjani season for the climb?
Mount Rinjani trekking is Open for trekking for only 9 months each year April until December. Mt Rinjani National Park closes from the 1st of January to March due to heavy rains during the monsoon season.
In fact, almost all year mount Rinjani is available for trekking because Lombok Island has a tropical climate. Unless the volcano on Mt Rinjani has been unusually active. The National Park Authority will send us notifications about the current activity level of the volcano. We will keep you apprised of any changes in volcanic activity as needed.
When is the best time to climb Mount Rinjani?
May to October is the best period to climb Mount Rinjani because of the dry season. However, as global climate changes, there is no best time to climb based on the past four years. Before you come please check the weather forecast first. In our experience last 4 years if is rainy during this period normally still safe to hike because rain is not rainy every day.
What is the temperature at Mount Rinjani?
The temperature in the morning before sunrise at the summit of Mount Rinjani (3726m) drops to freezing 0 °C – 3 °C, and in Mount Rinjani crater rim, during the night ( 2,639m) 8-10˚C.
Senaru crater rim ( 2641m ) 8-10˚C, Lake and Torean and camp area 8-12 ˚, and day time: almost in every place: 28 – 35˚.
Is it safe to climb Mount Rinjani?
Yes. Apart from ‘Act of God’ incidents, as long as you listen to your mountain guide’s instructions and stay on track, there is less risk of suffering any injury and/or accident.
There are incidents in Mount Rinjani also, in which climbers lost their way, got injured, or lost their lives. But note that these usually happen when they leave the marked trail on their own and/or deviate from their group.
Which Trekking routes are most popular this year 2025?
After the earthquake in 2018 on Lombok Island. Because of the landslides, the mountain is temporarily close to the climber. Several months after the earthquake, the government, through the management of Mount Rinjani, repaired the climbing route.
The trail is available for climbers, but some parts more steep compared to before the earthquake.
Here 3 different trekking routes Recommended for you:
Mount Baru Jari
Gunung Baru is the name of Lombok’s newest volcano, which emerged in the center of Segara Anak Lake. People believe that after Mount Baru erupted, it would not harm the people of Lombok unless the eruption came from the peak of Mount Rinjani.
Some people said that the 1994 eruption of Mount Baru was caused by spirits who were building something with stones, and arranged them in an orderly and elegant way at the foot of Mount Baru. In September of 2004, Mount Baru erupted again, perhaps for the same reason.
Segara Anak Lake
Segara Anak Lake is so wide, that when you see it, you might think you’re out on the ocean! The name is Segara Anak means “Child of the Sea”. In addition, Segara Anak Lake holds various mysteries and invisible powers.
People feel content to stay a long time in this place because of the large community of the mysteriously calming spirits, which live around the lake. The local people believe that if the lake looks wide when seen at a distance, it is a sign they will live to an old age.
If the lake seems narrow, though, it is a sign of a short lifespan. So in order not to be pessimistic, people quickly purify themselves by lifting up their spirits and calm souls and looking at the lake contentedly.
In the area of the lake, forbidden to have sexual intercourse, complain, or say disrespectful things about other people. As this is a truly sacred place in Lombok, we always try to be respectful to others in this area.
Lombok’s Famous Healing Hot Springs
The hot spring Aiq Kalak means “hot water”, and it is used to cure various diseases. One of the hot springs is also called “pengkereman jembangan”, which means “a place for dipping”. The water which spurts out of this spring is very hot. In ancient times, weapons such as swords, big knives, and lances were dipped in the spring to test their magic powers. If the weapons became sticky, it meant that the weapons were bad and had no magical powers.
However, if the weapons remained unchanged, it meant that the weapon had supernatural powers and that the owner’s strength would be increased. People also used hot springs to create medicine from coconut cream.
After dipping a bottle of coconut cream in the hot spring, if the liquid became clear and oily, it could be used as medicinal oil. Then, the medicinal oil would be used to help heal people from their many illnesses. It is traditionally called “Siu Satus Tunggal”, which means that it can be used to cure thousands of different types of diseases and illnesses.
The Caves of Lombok
There are three famous caves on Lombok. They are called Goa Susu, Goa Payung, and Dan Goa Manik. Another one, Susu Cave, is a good place for self-reflection, and it’s often used as a place to meditate in peace and quiet.
People with sinful or evil minds will have difficulty entering Susu Cave (which has a narrow entrance) because the cave will not let these kinds of people in, but people with noble and pure minds will easily enter the wide entrance to the cave.
Inside the cave, water drips down from the tip of a stone which looks like a nipple, and as a result, people say the water in Goa Susu tastes different from regular fresh water.
Inside Goa Susu the temperature is very warm, and there is a lot of smoke and steam. As a result, people call this place menguku (or hot house), and sometimes people also call it roentgen (the x-ray) as a result of the scorching temperatures inside. It’s truly a magnificent sight to behold, and if you get the chance, you should try and visit at least one of these caves on Lombok.