For Pete R., an avid solo traveler and photographer with over a decade of exploration under his belt, trekking Mt. Rinjani was a rite of passage. Known for its breathtaking views and grueling trails, climbing Mt. Rinjani tested Pete’s endurance, challenged his limits, and reaffirmed his love for adventure. This is the story of his 3D/2N Summit and Lake Trek, an unforgettable journey through Indonesia’s second-highest volcano.
The Build-Up to the Challenge
Packing for the adventure, Pete adhered to his minimalist ethos, taking only the essentials. His backpack carried hiking shoes, breathable shirts, a lightweight jacket, and his trusty camera gear. While his load was light, it was packed with intent—a reflection of Pete’s years of travel wisdom. But no amount of preparation could brace him for the mental and physical challenges of trekking Mt. Rinjani.
Pete landed in Lombok with his friends, excited yet apprehensive. They stayed overnight at a hotel near the trailhead, and an early morning briefing set the tone for what lay ahead. The guides explained the route’s challenges and gave a stark reminder: Mt. Rinjani isn’t a trek for the faint-hearted.
Sembalun to the Ridge
The journey began at Sembalun with an open grassland ascent. The early hours felt almost leisurely, a deceptive start to what would become an arduous climb. Pete and his group took a brief respite at Pos 1, where the first hints of Rinjani’s formidable terrain emerged.
By midday, the trail steepened, transitioning into volcanic ash that clung to their boots and slid underfoot. The sun bore down relentlessly, making every step a test of endurance. After nearly eight hours of hiking, they reached their campsite at the crater rim. The views from the ridge—Segara Anak Lake below and the summit towering above—momentarily erased the day’s exhaustion.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Pete marveled at the universe above. Despite concerns about the brightness of the moon, the Milky Way revealed itself, a glittering canvas against the inky sky. With his camera and tripod, Pete captured the scene, a reminder of the beauty found in struggle.
The Summit Push
The day began in the dead of night. At 2 a.m., armed with headlamps and layers of warm clothing, Pete and his companions began their summit push. The volcanic scree made each step an exercise in persistence—two steps forward, one slide back. The thin air made breathing difficult, and Pete struggled to maintain his rhythm.
By the fourth hour, just shy of the summit, Pete hit a wall. Exhausted and battling the altitude, he considered turning back. Sitting on a rock, he drifted into a brief, involuntary sleep, only to be awakened by his guide. Encouraged by his friends and driven by sheer willpower, Pete found the strength to push through.
Finally, after five grueling hours, Pete stood atop Mt. Rinjani’s summit. The golden light of sunrise bathed the surrounding islands of Bali and Sumbawa, and the crater lake shimmered far below. It was a moment of triumph and reflection—a hard-earned reward for an arduous climb.
The Decision to Forgo the Lake
Though elated at the summit, Pete’s physical condition deteriorated as the morning progressed. Severe stomach pains forced him to descend ahead of the group. The volcanic terrain exacerbated his discomfort, and every step down felt like a marathon.
Back at camp, the group made a difficult decision. Exhausted and facing collective health issues, they opted to skip the lake and spend another night on the ridge. For Pete, the thought of descending further that day seemed impossible, and he welcomed the chance to rest.
The Final Descent
The final day began with a sense of resolve. Though his stomach issues persisted, Pete was determined to finish the trek. The guides offered to carry his backpack and provided him with trekking poles, which eased his discomfort and allowed him to regain some pace.
The descent to Senaru was a long, grueling journey through dense tropical forests. The steep path tested their already weary legs, and the group took frequent breaks to rest and hydrate. By the time they reached the trail’s end, exhaustion mingled with relief.
Reflections on Mt. Rinjani
Looking back on the experience, Pete described climbing Mt. Rinjani as one of the toughest challenges he had ever faced. The combination of altitude, volcanic terrain, and physical strain made it a trek unlike any other. Yet, the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking vistas made every grueling step worth it.
For Pete, trekking Mt. Rinjani wasn’t just about reaching the summit—it was about resilience, camaraderie, and finding beauty in the struggle. His journey serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale: prepare meticulously, respect the mountain, and embrace the unpredictability of adventure.
As Pete boarded a ferry to Gili Trawangan, his body battered but his spirit soaring, he carried with him the indelible memories of Mt. Rinjani—a journey of grit, growth, and gratitude.
