Naomi and Julian, the adventurous couple behind TravelSloth, are no strangers to pushing their limits. With a passion for sustainable and immersive travel, they often find themselves in unique and challenging landscapes around the world. When their travels brought them to Lombok, Indonesia, they couldn’t resist the call of Mount Rinjani, one of the most iconic trekking destinations in Southeast Asia. Naomi, determined to see every highlight Indonesia had to offer, convinced Julian to join her for a 2D/1N trek to the Crater Rim—despite Julian’s vow never to climb the active volcano again after his first grueling ascent to the summit.
Their journey to the Crater Rim would become one of their most memorable adventures, marked by stunning vistas, physical endurance, and a deeper appreciation for the rugged beauty of Rinjani’s volcanic terrain.
Day 1: The Ascent to the Crater Rim
The trek began in the village of Senaru, nestled at 600 meters above sea level. After a predawn wake-up call, Naomi and Julian were transported to the starting point, where a modest breakfast awaited them. From here, they joined a group of fellow trekkers, each equally eager yet apprehensive about the challenging day ahead.
The first stretch of the hike was deceptively tranquil. Winding through dense forests, the trail was shaded and relatively gentle. Birds chirped overhead, and the occasional rustle of leaves hinted at the presence of monkeys. Naomi and Julian used this section to acclimate, chatting with other hikers and taking in the lush surroundings. It wasn’t long, however, before the trail began to climb.
The humidity was unrelenting, and the couple quickly found themselves drenched in sweat. Between Positions 1 and 2, the terrain grew steeper, with exposed roots and loose soil adding an element of unpredictability to each step. The porters accompanying the group—barefoot and carrying heavy loads of camping gear—were a humbling sight. Their resilience and cheerful demeanor inspired Naomi and Julian to keep moving.
By midday, the group reached a rest point near Position 3, where the porters prepared a simple yet satisfying lunch of noodles and fresh fruit. The break was brief but rejuvenating, as the trail ahead promised to be even more demanding.
As the couple ascended beyond Position 3, the landscape began to transform. The dense jungle gave way to open savanna, where grasses swayed in the cool breeze. The temperature dropped noticeably, offering a welcome reprieve from the earlier heat. But the relief was short-lived as the trail steepened dramatically. The final push to the Crater Rim was the most challenging part of the day, with loose volcanic gravel making it difficult to maintain footing.
The Crater Rim: A Reward Worth the Effort
When Naomi and Julian finally reached the Crater Rim at 2,641 meters, they were greeted by a view that defied description. Before them lay the immense Crater Lake, its turquoise waters shimmering in the late afternoon light. Rising from the lake’s center was a smaller volcanic cone, a reminder of Rinjani’s powerful and active nature.
The campsite was perched precariously on the edge of the rim, offering panoramic views that stretched to the sea. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Naomi and Julian marveled at the surreal beauty around them. Despite their exhaustion, the sense of accomplishment and the majesty of the moment made every step worthwhile.
Dinner that evening was a communal affair. The porters had prepared a hot meal, which the couple enjoyed under a canopy of stars. Wrapped in warm layers to combat the chilly night air, Naomi and Julian shared stories with their fellow trekkers before retiring early to their tent. The anticipation of a sunrise view kept their spirits high as they drifted off to sleep.
Day 2: Sunrise at the Rim and the Descent
The couple awoke before dawn, roused by their guide for the much-anticipated sunrise. Stepping out of their tent, they were greeted by a clear, starlit sky. The cold was biting, but the promise of the day’s first light was enough to shake off the early-morning grogginess.
Huddled together with steaming cups of coffee, Naomi and Julian watched as the sun began its ascent. The first rays illuminated the jagged peaks surrounding the crater, casting long shadows across the lake. In the distance, they could see Bali’s Mount Agung rising through the morning mist, a breathtaking sight that left them momentarily speechless.
After breakfast, it was time to descend. The journey back to Senaru was quicker but no less challenging. The loose gravel that had been difficult to climb proved even trickier on the way down, and the couple often found themselves sliding several steps at a time. Naomi and Julian took turns laughing at each other’s awkward tumbles, their spirits buoyed by the shared struggle.
By the time they reached the jungle, the heat had returned. The canopy provided some relief, but the physical toll of the trek was evident. Despite their weariness, the couple pressed on, fueled by the knowledge that cold drinks and a warm shower awaited them at the base.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Experience
For Naomi and Julian, the Crater Rim Trek was as much a test of character as it was a physical challenge. The journey demanded resilience, patience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. Yet it also offered moments of unparalleled beauty and a deeper connection to nature.
“This trek reminded us why we travel,” Julian later reflected. “It’s not just about seeing new places—it’s about pushing yourself, finding joy in the struggle, and sharing those moments with the people you care about.”
As they looked back on their time trekking Mt. Rinjani, the couple felt a profound sense of gratitude—for the porters who made their journey possible, for the natural beauty of Lombok, and for each other. The Crater Rim Trek had not only given them incredible memories but had also reaffirmed their love for exploration and adventure.
