Martina, a seasoned adventurer and fitness coach, embarked on a journey to conquer one of Indonesia’s most iconic peaks, Mt. Rinjani. Known for its breathtaking views and demanding trails, the 3,726-meter volcano in Lombok promised an adventure of a lifetime. Over three days and two nights, Martina pushed her physical and mental limits, capturing the raw beauty of the mountain and creating memories that would last forever.
Day 1: The Ascent Begins
Martina’s trek started early in the morning in the serene village of Senaru. After meeting her guide and a group of fellow hikers, they were transported in the back of a truck to Sembalun, the trailhead. The cool morning air buzzed with excitement as everyone filled out registration forms and prepared for the challenge ahead.
The day began deceptively gentle. The trail meandered through open grasslands, with gradual inclines that allowed the group to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Martina described this part as almost relaxing, the vibrant green hills stretching out under the warm sunlight. However, the false sense of ease was short-lived.
By midday, after a brief lunch of rice and vegetables prepared by the porters, the real challenge began. The trail steepened significantly, turning into a relentless upward climb. The terrain shifted to loose dirt and rocks, making every step an effort. Martina’s admiration for the porters grew with each passing hour. Carrying up to 60 kilograms of supplies on bamboo poles, many of them barefoot, the porters moved with a determination that inspired the trekkers to push on.
As the group neared the crater rim, exhaustion began to set in. The sandy, slippery surface forced hikers to concentrate on each step. “It felt like a test of willpower,” Martina later said. Despite the grueling effort, she was struck by the camaraderie among the hikers. Encouragement flowed freely, and even the porters found time to smile and cheer everyone on.
Just before sunset, Martina reached the rim. The sight before her erased the fatigue of the day. Segara Anak Lake, with its emerald waters cradled in the vast volcanic crater, glowed in the golden light. Beyond, the summit of Mt. Rinjani loomed, and the distant Mt. Agung in Bali was visible against the horizon. Martina described it as “a moment of pure magic.” As the temperature dropped sharply, she bundled up, enjoyed a warm meal, and crawled into her tent for a much-needed rest.
Day 2: Reaching the Summit
The second day began in darkness, with a 2 a.m. wake-up call. Martina had a quick snack of crackers and coffee before beginning the summit climb. This was the most challenging section of the trek. The trail was steep, narrow, and covered in volcanic ash, making it difficult to maintain footing. For every step forward, Martina felt herself sliding back, the loose scree sapping her energy.
The cold was biting, and the wind was relentless. Martina layered herself with every piece of clothing she had, but the chill still seeped through. She described the climb as “a battle between mind and body.” At times, she wanted to stop, but the encouragement of her guide and the thought of reaching the summit kept her moving.
After three hours of slow, steady progress, Martina finally stood at the summit. The view was worth every ounce of effort. The sunrise painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the island below. Martina could see the Gili Islands, the vast ocean, and the rugged peaks of Rinjani’s crater. Overwhelmed with emotion, she described the moment as “a triumph over the impossible.”
The descent back to the crater rim was quicker but still challenging. Slipping and sliding down the loose gravel, Martina reached the campsite just in time for breakfast. After a brief rest, the group began the trek down to Segara Anak Lake. The descent was steep and rocky, requiring careful navigation, but the sight of the lake kept Martina motivated.
A Refreshing Dip and Hot Springs
At the lake, Martina was struck by the otherworldly beauty of the active volcano, Mount Barujari, which rose from the center of the crater. The group took a detour to the nearby hot springs, where Martina and her fellow trekkers soaked their tired muscles in the warm, mineral-rich water. The sulfuric smell was strong, but the relief it provided was undeniable.
Martina found this moment of relaxation to be one of the highlights of the trek. “It was a rare luxury in the middle of such a demanding journey,” she said. Feeling refreshed, the group began the climb back to the opposite crater rim, a grueling ascent that tested their endurance once more. By the time they reached their campsite, Martina was completely drained but filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Day 3: The Final Descent
The last day was all downhill, but Martina quickly realized it would be no less demanding. The trail was sandy and littered with loose rocks, making footing precarious. Martina and a new friend turned it into a lighthearted competition, counting who fell the most. “I lost count after a while,” she laughed, describing the descent as both exhausting and comical.
The dense forest provided shade, a welcome relief from the sun, but the trek remained physically taxing. By the time Martina reached the end of the trail, her legs were trembling, her knees aching, but her heart was full. Crossing the finish line was a moment of pure joy, shared with her fellow trekkers who had become friends over the last three days.
After the Trek: Reflection and Recovery
Martina spent the next few days recovering from the trek, her sore muscles a constant reminder of the incredible journey she had just completed. Looking back, she described the 3D/2N Summit and Lake Trek as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. “It wasn’t just about reaching the summit,” she said. “It was about every step, every challenge, and every view along the way.”
For those considering trekking Mt. Rinjani, Martina offers simple advice: be prepared, stay positive, and embrace the challenge. The trek is tough, but the memories it creates are worth every ounce of effort.
