The crisp air at 1 a.m. was unrelenting, biting through even the thickest layers. But for Lian Peng Cheng and the 12 other members of NTU’s Outdoor Adventure Club, the anticipation of summiting Mt. Rinjani overshadowed the cold. This was no ordinary mountain—it was a 3,726-meter active volcano on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, known for its grueling trails and breathtaking vistas.
The climb was part of the club’s ongoing mission to explore nature’s extremes, and for Lian, it was a challenge unlike any other. Fueled by marmalade-slathered bread and steaming ginger tea, the group gathered in the dark, their headlamps forming a constellation of determination as they prepared for the ascent.
The Trek Begins
As the group set off, the trail revealed itself as a steep, dusty path illuminated only by the faint glow of their headlamps and the shimmering moon above. The light from other trekkers ahead looked like fireflies dotting the winding trail, a surreal guide to the summit.
For the first hour, the team maintained a steady pace, trekking through loose volcanic ash and jagged rocks. The guides, a constant source of encouragement, ensured that everyone remained safe while skillfully navigating the terrain. At the first break, Lian sat on a volcanic rock, feeling the chill seep through his layers. Looking up at the summit, he realized just how far there was to go. The journey ahead was daunting, but the beauty of the starlit sky made every breath worth it.
The Struggle Intensifies
The trail became steeper, and the air thinner, testing both the body and the mind. Each step forward felt like a battle as the loose volcanic ash caused trekkers to slide backward almost as much as they progressed. For every three steps up, two were lost to gravity and the unstable ground.
Lian’s calves burned with exertion, and his lungs ached from the thin air. The struggle was compounded by the bitter cold—temperatures hovered near zero. “Why am I doing this?” Lian questioned himself as his motivation faltered. The sun began to rise, casting a soft glow across the mountain and signaling that they had missed the sunrise at the summit. For a moment, the thought of turning back loomed large.
But then came the encouragement of fellow trekkers passing by. “You’ve got this, bro!” strangers called out, their words lifting Lian’s spirits. Fueled by their kindness and the unyielding support of his group, he pressed on, one painstaking step at a time.
Reaching the Summit
After what felt like an eternity, the summit finally came into view. Exhaustion gave way to exhilaration as Lian and his team stood atop Mt. Rinjani, 3,726 meters above sea level. The sight was nothing short of extraordinary—a panoramic view of the crater lake below, framed by jagged peaks and a seemingly endless horizon.
The group took turns holding the iconic metal plate that declared their achievement: “Mt. Rinjani 3726m.” Cameras clicked as they captured the moment against the backdrop of the turquoise crater lake and the lush mountains that stretched as far as the eye could see. The fatigue, the cold, the doubts—all of it melted away in the face of such overwhelming beauty.
Reflections on the Journey
For Lian, the trek was as much about personal growth as it was about reaching the summit. The dazzling night sky, the camaraderie among trekkers, and the raw challenge of climbing Mt. Rinjani made it an experience he would treasure forever.
“The real heroes,” Lian noted, “were the guides and porters.” These individuals, often clad in slippers, carried heavy loads and navigated the treacherous terrain with ease, ensuring the safety and comfort of the group. Their resilience and dedication left a lasting impression.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
As the group began their descent, Lian reflected on the lessons learned during the climb. The trek was a test of physical endurance, mental fortitude, and the power of collective support. It reminded him of the simple joys of nature and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
For Lian and his fellow adventurers, climbing Mt. Rinjani wasn’t just a hike—it was a transformative journey. The volcano had challenged them, humbled them, and, ultimately, rewarded them with an experience that would stay with them forever.
