Tanya and Adam, seasoned travelers and creators behind a popular travel vlog, embarked on what they describe as the most challenging trek of their lives: Mt. Rinjani. Known for pushing boundaries and stepping out of their comfort zones, the duo’s journey to the summit of this towering volcano is as much about personal growth as it is about breathtaking landscapes.
The trek began in the early hours, with the couple waking in a jungle-clad hillside, surrounded by the promise of adventure. After a quick breakfast, they met their team, including their guide Lim and two porters, Agus and G, whose impressive strength was on display as they carried 30 kilos of supplies up the steep trails. Their starting point, Sambalun Village, provided an initial glimpse of Rinjani’s formidable presence. A mandatory medical check hinted at the physical demands ahead.
The trail started deceptively simple, leading the group to Position One, where a surprise encounter with a scuba diving friend from a past adventure lightened the mood. However, the ease of the early sections was short-lived. Lunch marked the transition to a far more grueling climb, a reality underscored by Tanya’s nervous anticipation of the summit push scheduled for 2:30 a.m.
A Chaotic Beginning
The first day concluded after eight hours of steady ascent, bringing the hikers to Camp One. Their modest accommodations—a tent equipped with a thin mattress and basic sleeping bags—felt like paradise after the effort. Tanya and Adam took in the surreal beauty of the sunset, which cast a golden hue over the crater. Even the rudimentary toilet, a simple hole with a barricade for privacy, became part of the adventure’s charm.
The couple faced a sleepless night as strong winds battered the tent. By 2:00 a.m., they were back on the trail, headlamps illuminating the path ahead. Climbing Mt. Rinjani in the dark introduced a whole new set of challenges. Gravelly paths caused them to slide with nearly every step, turning the ascent into a mental and physical battle. Tanya described the climb as a “mind over matter” experience, with her legs still aching from the previous day. Adam echoed her sentiment, marveling at how much determination it took to keep moving forward.
As the sun began to rise, the hikers were treated to a stunning transformation of the sky, with red hues spreading across the horizon. The view provided a momentary escape from the grueling effort, reminding them why they had undertaken such a demanding adventure. The final push to the summit was the hardest yet, but the reward was spectacular. From the top, they gazed into Rinjani’s massive crater, home to an active volcano and a serene lake.
The couple spent time soaking in the accomplishment, with Tanya reflecting on the emotional weight of the trek. “It’s proof that I can do more,” she said, vowing to take on more adventures despite the physical toll.
But the summit was only part of the journey. The descent was equally demanding. Slippery terrain tested Tanya’s coordination, but trekking poles and Lim’s assistance made the process manageable. Along the way, they encountered unique sights, including a pregnant monkey named Ratu who had found refuge on the hillside. The ever-changing landscape—shifting from volcanic desert to lush forests—served as a reminder of Rinjani’s dynamic nature.
The final stretch was both grueling and reflective. Tanya admitted to moments of wanting to give up but found strength in the beauty surrounding her and the realization that she was capable of enduring more than she had imagined. Adam marveled at the unique experience of walking inside a volcano’s crater, calling it one of the most scenic moments of their lives.
Tanya and Adam’s journey wasn’t just about physical endurance. It was a testament to their respect for nature and commitment to responsible travel. They highlighted the litter problem on Rinjani, praising their tour company for collecting trash along the trail. Their message to fellow adventurers was clear: preserve the beauty of this extraordinary place for generations to come.
Their Mt. Rinjani trek stands as a defining moment in their travel experiences. It tested their limits, strengthened their bond, and left them with a profound sense of accomplishment. As they closed their vlog, Tanya and Adam encouraged viewers to embrace challenges, reminding us all that the most rewarding adventures often come from stepping outside our comfort zones.
