Melissa Hie, a designer by day and a travel blogger by passion, took on one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures of her life: trekking Mt. Rinjani. Her story of summiting the crater rim is not just about the physical feat but also about perseverance, camaraderie, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Here’s how her journey unfolded.
The Journey Begins
Melissa’s trip to Mt. Rinjani started with a long journey to Lombok, Indonesia. After landing at Lombok International Airport, she embarked on a winding, three-hour drive through Mataram and lush countryside. The narrow roads flanked by cliffs and curious wild monkeys hinted at the adventure to come. Her destination? Senaru Village, the starting point for many trekkers tackling the famous Mt. Rinjani crater rim trek.
Arriving in Senaru, Melissa checked into a rustic lodge situated right at the base of the trail. The simplicity of the accommodations—a small room without air conditioning—felt like a fitting prelude to the rugged trek awaiting her. With only a few hours of daylight left, she decided to explore the nearby waterfalls, Tiu Kelep and Sindang Gila. Crossing shallow rivers and walking through shaded trails, Melissa marveled at the serene beauty of Lombok, a calm before the storm of the climb.
Day 1: Into the Clouds
The trek began at sunrise. As the morning light filtered through the rainforest canopy, Melissa and her group set off from the base of the trail. The path started gently, leading them through lush greenery. By the time they reached Pos 1, the first checkpoint, the climb began to demand more effort. The steepness increased with each step, and Melissa found herself frequently stopping to catch her breath and take in the surroundings.
By midday, they arrived at Pos 2 for lunch. The team rested under a canopy of trees while porters prepared a meal of fried noodles and fresh fruit. Despite the energy boost, the afternoon leg of the trek proved to be even more grueling. The dense forest gave way to misty grasslands, and Melissa noticed the air becoming thinner. Her guide, Kecap, reassured her with a smile and words of encouragement.
As they approached Pos 3, the terrain turned rocky and unforgiving. The group had to climb on all fours at times, their walking sticks proving essential for balance. Melissa recalls a particularly steep section, aptly named the “Rock Wall,” as the most challenging part of the trek. Despite the difficulty, she pushed through, motivated by the camaraderie of her group and the promise of stunning views at the crater rim.
Reaching the Crater Rim
By late afternoon, Melissa’s exhaustion was replaced by a sense of triumph as the camp at the crater rim came into view. The porters had already set up their tents, and the team was greeted with warm banana fritters. The crater rim offered breathtaking views of the volcanic lake below, although thick mist obscured some of the scenery. Melissa described the moment as surreal, a reward for every step she had taken that day.
Dinner was a simple yet satisfying meal under the stars. Wrapped in her fleece jacket, Melissa listened to the sounds of the mountain—rustling grass, distant animal calls, and the occasional gust of wind. That night, she fell asleep with the sense of accomplishment that only comes from overcoming both physical and mental barriers.
Day 2: The Descent
The second day began with a sunrise Melissa will never forget. Standing on the edge of the crater rim, she watched as the first light of day illuminated the peaks and valleys of Mt. Rinjani. Despite the fatigue from the previous day, the sight renewed her energy for the descent.
Descending proved to be a different kind of challenge. The steep, rocky paths Melissa had climbed the day before now required careful navigation to avoid slipping. Morning dew made the ground wet and treacherous, and she often found herself on her hands and knees, gripping rocks for stability. Her legs burned with every step, but the lush forest and occasional glimpses of Lombok’s coastline kept her spirits high.
One memorable moment came when the group encountered a group of porters sprinting uphill. Barefoot and carrying heavy loads, they moved with an ease that Melissa could only admire. It was a humbling reminder of the strength and resilience of the local community, many of whom depend on trekking tourism for their livelihood.
A Journey to Remember
When Melissa finally reached the base of the trail in Senaru, she was utterly drained but deeply fulfilled. The soreness in her legs and the dirt on her clothes were badges of honor. Reflecting on her experience, Melissa described the trek as one of the hardest things she had ever done—but also one of the most rewarding.
Through the 2D/1N Crater Rim Trek, Melissa not only conquered Mt. Rinjani but also discovered a deeper appreciation for nature, community, and her own resilience. Her story is a testament to the power of adventure and the incredible landscapes that await those who dare to step outside their comfort zones.
Melissa’s journey reminds us that climbing Mt. Rinjani is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about the people you meet, the challenges you overcome, and the memories you create along the way.
