For Nika and Juraj, an adventurous couple from Slovakia, the decision to tackle Mt. Rinjani was made the moment they saw its striking images online. The volcanic landscape, rugged trails, and promise of a sunrise summit ignited a passion that only seasoned hikers could understand. But nothing could have prepared them for the physical and emotional extremes of the 3D/2N Summit and Lake Trek via Sembalun—a journey through searing heat, biting cold, and breathtaking beauty.
Day 0: Arrival in Senaru
The trek began long before their boots hit the trail. The couple arrived in Senaru, a village nestled at the base of the mighty Rinjani, one day before their scheduled start. They checked into a cozy hotel with a view of the volcano, soaking in the tranquility of the evening. The anticipation grew as they reviewed the itinerary provided by their guide, who walked them through the challenges and highlights of the trek. The calm before the storm was a welcome moment of reflection, accented by a sunset that painted Rinjani in fiery hues.
Day 1: From Sembalun to the Crater Rim
At the crack of dawn, Nika and Juraj found themselves at the Sembalun entry gate, where a brief medical check marked the official start of their trek. The initial leg took them through the savannah, where rolling golden grasses stretched under a blazing sun. Temperatures hovered around 30°C, but the hike remained manageable as they reached POS 2—a popular rest stop—just in time for a hearty lunch.
From there, the real climb began. The landscape shifted, the air thinned, and the trail grew steeper. For the next four hours, they pushed through alpine trees and loose volcanic ash. The final stretch to the crater rim was grueling, with nearly 850 meters of elevation gain in just 2 kilometers. By the time they reached the rim, their legs were shaking, but the view stole what little breath they had left. Below them lay the turquoise waters of Segara Anak Lake, flanked by the rugged crater walls.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, the couple enjoyed a simple Indonesian dinner prepared by their porters. Stargazing followed, with the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. Wrapped in the stillness of the moment, they knew this was just the beginning.
Day 2: Summit Push and Segara Anak Lake
The second day began in darkness. At 2 a.m., Nika and Juraj began the ascent to the summit under a canopy of stars. The trail was nothing short of punishing—a steep path of loose gravel that crumbled beneath their feet with every step. “For every step forward, it felt like we slid half a step back,” Juraj later recalled.
But by sunrise, they stood victorious at the 3,726-meter summit of Mt. Rinjani. The horizon revealed a panorama of neighboring islands, including the pyramid-like silhouette of Bali’s Mount Agung. The couple savored the solitude—only 15 other hikers had reached the peak by then. The descent to the crater rim was much faster, thanks to a screeslide technique that turned the gravel into an almost playful downhill ride.
After a quick breakfast, the trek continued to Segara Anak Lake. The couple’s energy was renewed by a dip in the sulfuric hot springs nearby, where the warm, mineral-rich waters soothed their aching muscles. The lake, shimmering under the midday sun, felt like a sanctuary—a stark contrast to the challenges of the morning.
Day 3: Through the Torean Valley
For the final leg of the trek, Nika and Juraj chose the lesser-known Torean Valley route. It was a decision they would later call one of the best of the entire journey. The valley opened up to reveal towering green cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a winding river that snaked through the lush terrain. “It felt like stepping into Jurassic Park,” Nika said.
The trail was quieter, with fewer hikers and a palpable sense of isolation. They spent the night camping by a river, where the porters prepared a surprise: freshly popped popcorn. The simple treat under a starry sky became one of the trek’s most cherished memories.
By the time they reached Torean Village on the third day, exhaustion and pride mingled in equal measure. The forested trail gave way to farms and plantations, signaling the end of their adventure.
Reflections on the Trek
The 3D/2N Summit and Lake Trek was nothing short of transformative for Nika and Juraj. It pushed their physical limits, rewarded them with unparalleled vistas, and deepened their respect for the porters who carried heavy loads with unflagging energy. Their journey was a testament to the power of determination and the rewards of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
For anyone considering climbing Mt. Rinjani, the couple offers one piece of advice: come prepared, both physically and mentally. The mountain is as unforgiving as it is beautiful, but the memories—of sunrises at the summit, soothing hot springs, and verdant valleys—are worth every ounce of effort.
