Florence, an avid traveler and writer behind Reporter on the Road, ventured on a life-changing trek up Mt. Rinjani during her 10-day visit to Lombok. Known for its rugged beauty and spiritual significance, the Rinjani trek challenged her limits while gifting her breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.
Here’s the story of how Florence braved the Crater Rim Trek, culminating in a sunrise climb to Mt. Sangkareang, the volcano’s Second Summit at 3,126 meters.
The Climb to the Crater Rim
The adventure began in Senaru, a small village nestled at the foot of Mt. Rinjani. Rising at dawn, Florence fueled up on a hearty breakfast before meeting her guide, Lim, and the two porters who carried the group’s gear. They were heading for the crater rim at 2,641 meters, the first stop on this two-day Mt. Rinjani 2D/1N Summit Trek.
With just a small backpack containing warm clothes and water, Florence and her group began the ascent. The journey was divided into four sections, each marked by a “POS” checkpoint where trekkers could rest. The first two stages were steep but manageable, with lush greenery and shaded trails providing some relief from the heat. By POS-3, however, Florence began to feel the weight of the climb as the trail grew steeper and the air thinner.
The final stretch was the hardest. The trail turned into a relentless incline that demanded every ounce of her strength. Yet, Florence pressed on, inspired by the camaraderie of fellow hikers and the promise of views waiting at the top.
After 6.5 hours, they reached the crater rim. Clouds obscured much of the landscape, but Florence could sense the vast expanse of the caldera beyond. Tents were pitched along the edge, and the group settled in to rest. As night fell, the temperature dropped drastically, forcing everyone to huddle around a fire. Though the much-anticipated sunset remained hidden behind the clouds, Florence held onto hope for clearer skies at dawn.
A Freezing Night Under the Stars
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the cold intensified. Layered in every piece of clothing she had, Florence prepared for a sleepless night. She lay in her tent, listening to the wind rustling against the thin fabric, her excitement for the summit climb battling the exhaustion in her body.
At 3 a.m., Lim gently woke the group with a cup of steaming coffee. Stepping out of the tent, Florence was greeted by a star-studded sky and the faint outline of Mt. Rinjani’s towering peak. It was a surreal moment that fueled her determination as they strapped on headlamps and began the climb.
Sunrise on the Second Summit
The trek to the Second Summit was unlike anything Florence had experienced. In the dark, the path was unmarked and treacherous, requiring blind faith in Lim’s expertise. With each step, she felt the elevation’s effects, the thin air making her legs feel heavier and her breaths more labored. Yet, she pressed forward, blocking out the cold and fatigue.
After two grueling hours, they reached the summit. Standing at 3,126 meters, Florence felt a wave of emotions: exhaustion, pride, and awe. Before her stretched a 360-degree panorama of Lombok, Bali’s Mt. Agung, and the surrounding islands, all bathed in the soft hues of dawn. Lim lit a small fire to ward off the morning chill, and the group huddled together, soaking in the magic of the moment.
As the sun rose higher, the landscape revealed itself in all its glory. The caldera below, with its turquoise lake and volcanic cone, was a sight Florence would never forget. It was a reward beyond words for the hardships of the climb.
The Journey Back
Descending in daylight, Florence marveled at the beauty she had missed during the night hike. The trail wound through lush vegetation and rocky outcrops, offering new perspectives of the caldera and surrounding islands. They returned to the crater rim for breakfast, where the clear skies finally granted the views they’d hoped for the previous evening.
The descent to Senaru was physically demanding in a different way, with the steep slopes taking a toll on Florence’s knees. Yet, the satisfaction of completing the trek kept her spirits high. By midday, they reached the village, weary but triumphant.
Reflections on the Experience
Florence described the Mt. Rinjani 2D/1N Summit Trek as one of the most intense adventures of her life. The physical demands were daunting, but the emotional and visual rewards far outweighed the challenges. Standing on the summit, surrounded by the beauty of Lombok and beyond, she felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
This trek, she said, wasn’t just about conquering a mountain—it was about discovering the strength within herself and connecting with the raw beauty of nature. For Florence, the Rinjani trek became a defining moment of her time in Indonesia, a memory she would carry with her always.
