For Antonette, an avid adventurer and the voice behind We12Travel, climbing Mt. Rinjani in Indonesia wasn’t just another trek—it was the fulfillment of a years-long dream. The seed was planted back in 2011 during a hiking trip in New Zealand when a fellow traveler shared jaw-dropping photos of Rinjani’s rugged beauty. Yet, life, logistics, and timing delayed her plans until September, years later, when the opportunity finally aligned.
This is the story of her 3D/2N Summit and Lake Trek—a tale of grit, determination, and the transformative power of nature.
Procrastination and Preparation
Antonette’s path to Mt. Rinjani wasn’t straightforward. She hesitated, doubted, and nearly let the opportunity pass. Despite a solid preparation routine—gym workouts, hikes in Alaska, and a successful climb of Mt. Batur in Bali—self-doubt crept in. A bout of bronchitis on Gili Air added to her anxieties, and for a while, the beach seemed a much safer, more comfortable option.
But Antonette isn’t one to let fear dictate her adventures. With encouragement from friends and a firm resolve, she booked her trek and prepared for what would be her first solo multi-day trek.
Day 1: The First Ascent
The trek began at dawn, with Antonette joining her group: two super-fit Germans, Renate and Ulrich. The initial climb from the base of the mountain to the crater rim covered 1,500 meters of elevation gain over six grueling hours. The trail shifted between dense forests and steep open inclines, offering glimpses of the daunting crater shrouded in clouds.
By midday, the reality of trekking Mt. Rinjani set in. The altitude gain was punishing, and the temperature dropped significantly as the group ascended. Despite her best efforts, Antonette couldn’t keep up with her companions and decided to pace herself. Her guide, an experienced man with over 20 years of volcano trekking under his belt, stayed by her side, offering words of encouragement: “You can do this, miss. I see your step—you are strong!”
At the crater rim, she was greeted by a sea of swirling clouds obscuring the turquoise Segara Anak Lake below. Though the views were limited, Antonette felt an immense sense of achievement as she crawled into her sleeping bag that night, exhausted but proud.
Day 2: The Push to the Summit
The wake-up call came at 1:49 a.m. It was pitch dark, freezing cold, and the summit awaited. Bundled in her warmest gear, Antonette adjusted her headlamp and began the steep ascent. The first hour felt almost vertical, the second more level, but the third was a relentless grind up loose volcanic sand—a terrain infamous among trekkers for its “two steps forward, one step back” frustration.
Her German companions forged ahead, leaving Antonette to battle the mountain at her own pace. At 3,300 meters, she was ready to give up. The wind howled, her hands were numb, and the loose sand seemed determined to drag her back down. Her guide stayed close, reminding her of how far she’d come.
“Just one more hour,” she told herself. It felt like an eternity, but she pressed on, crawling at times, until finally, the summit came into view.
Reaching the Summit
After four hours of relentless climbing, Antonette reached the summit of Mt. Rinjani. At 3,726 meters above sea level, she stood above the clouds. The euphoria of reaching her goal brought tears to her eyes. “Hi, Daddy,” she whispered to the sky, feeling a profound connection to her late father, as if she were just a little closer to him up there.
The summit was breathtaking. The horizon glowed with the colors of sunrise, and the world below was a canvas of clouds, mountains, and sky. Antonette held the iconic “Puncak Rinjani” sign, a smile spreading across her face despite the biting cold. “I just did it,” she thought. “I’m in heaven.”
The Descent and Day Two’s Challenges
Descending from the summit was a challenge of its own. The volcanic sand created a slipping-and-sliding sensation that Antonette called “volcano skating.” It was dusty, chaotic, and tough on the legs. By the time she returned to the crater rim, she was utterly spent, but the day was far from over.
After breakfast, the group began the trek down to the lake and hot springs. The rocky path provided some relief from the sand, and the promise of soaking in the warm mineral waters kept Antonette moving. At the lake, surrounded by the grandeur of Mt. Rinjani’s caldera, she washed away the dust and fatigue, savoring a rare moment of tranquility.
But the day wasn’t done. The climb to the second campsite was uphill—a test of both mental and physical endurance. Every step sent jolts of pain through Antonette’s tired legs. Tears flowed as she leaned on her guide for support, pushing through sheer exhaustion to reach the secluded campsite just before sunset.
Day 3: The Final Descent
The last day began with a bittersweet feeling. The trek was coming to an end, but the final descent loomed. The trail wound through dense forest and steep, sandy paths. At first, Antonette struggled to find her footing, but as she descended further, a newfound rhythm emerged. She moved faster, bouncing off tree roots and sliding over dirt like a kid on a jungle gym.
The forest offered a sense of solitude she hadn’t felt in days. Monkeys watched curiously from the trees, and the sounds of the jungle replaced the chatter of fellow trekkers. By the time she reached the base, Antonette felt a surge of pride and relief.
Reflection on the Journey
Climbing Mt. Rinjani had been every bit as grueling as Antonette had imagined. The challenges tested her in ways she hadn’t anticipated, but the rewards were unmatched. The summit, the lake, the camaraderie of her group, and the quiet moments in the forest all combined to create an experience she would never forget.
For anyone considering trekking Mt. Rinjani, Antonette’s advice is simple: prepare well, pace yourself, and embrace the journey. It’s not just about reaching the top—it’s about discovering what you’re capable of along the way.
