Or so they thought. While many trekkers rise at 1:30 a.m. to conquer the summit and witness the sunrise, the pair made a bold decision: they would skip the Mt. Rinjani summit trek. Instead, they stayed at camp to rest sore knees and thighs and to soak in the serenity of the star-filled night sky. For them, watching the Milky Way stretch across the heavens was an experience every bit as magical as reaching the summit. It was a moment of calm in an otherwise grueling trek, and one they wouldn’t trade.
The second day began with a jaw-dropping sunrise that left them wide awake and in awe. The fiery hues over the caldera lake painted a scene so surreal it seemed plucked from a dream. Breakfast was a humble but satisfying plate of banana pancakes, which fueled them for the trek ahead. Their route led them 600 meters down to the crater lake, a descent that was as slippery as it was stunning. Along the way, they marveled at volcanic landscapes, the result of Rinjani’s past eruptions.
Reaching the lake was a reward in itself. Surrounded by towering cliffs and shimmering water, the hikers were reminded of the raw power and beauty of nature. An hour’s walk from the lake brought them to the natural hot springs—a moment of pure bliss after two days of sweat and dust. They soaked their aching muscles in the bubbling pools, savoring a rare chance to feel clean and refreshed.
But the respite was brief. The trail soon climbed back up toward base camp, and the ascent proved punishing. Slippery dirt paths and constant climbs drained their energy, and the sun dipped low in the sky as they trudged onward. At last, they reached their camp, where the familiar sight of their blue tent offered a sense of relief and accomplishment. The evening ended with a comforting plate of nasi goreng, shared laughs, and the satisfaction of having conquered another day.
By the third and final day, exhaustion had set in. The hikers woke up sore but motivated, knowing they were nearing the end of their journey. Breakfast offered a final boost of energy as the team packed up and began the long descent. The path was no less challenging—narrow, dusty trails tested their balance, and the occasional slip kept them on high alert. Yet, the changing landscapes and camaraderie with their fellow trekkers carried them forward.
As they neared the finish line, their spirits lifted. The sound of children playing and the sight of the sea in the distance signaled the end of their trek. After seven hours of walking, the pair finally arrived at the base, greeted by the smiles of porters and guides who had made the journey possible. Reflecting on their experience, they felt a mix of pride and relief, knowing they had accomplished something extraordinary.
The vlog ends with a heartfelt review of their adventure. They shared the logistical details—two nights, three days, meals, gear, and guides—all for a modest $195 per person. They praised their porters, especially Tono, who carried heavy loads with unwavering strength and humor. They admitted the trek was harder than they had anticipated, likening it to compressing the Himalayas into three days, but they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
The journey up Mt. Rinjani had been grueling, but it was also transformative. For these hikers, the romance of the adventure—the stars, the caldera lake, the camaraderie—far outweighed the hardships. They may not return to Rinjani for a second trek, but their story is a testament to the beauty and challenge of this remarkable mountain.
