For Julian, founder of the travel blog GlobeSlice, scaling the summit of Mt. Rinjani was more than just a trek; it was a battle of willpower, endurance, and a testament to his love for storytelling through exploration. Nestled on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, Mt. Rinjani is no ordinary hike. Its 3,726-meter summit tests even the fittest adventurers, and Julian’s 3D/2N Summit and Lake Trek would push him beyond his physical limits, leaving him with unforgettable memories and a deeper respect for the mountain’s rugged beauty.
A Grueling Start
The journey began with Julian crawling out of his tent at 2 a.m. into the inky blackness of the pre-dawn. The camp, perched at 8,600 feet, was shrouded in freezing air, and his lungs strained to adjust to the altitude. Hot coffee and a fried egg sandwich offered a fleeting comfort as the group prepared for the arduous ascent. Their guide, Sup, explained the route ahead: three sections, each more challenging than the last.
In the distance, a faint string of lights marked the path to the summit—a steep, unrelenting trail that would demand everything Julian had to give. With headlamps cutting through the dark and determination in their hearts, the group began the climb.
The First Push: A Trail of Regret
The first section was a nightmare, a soul-crushing combination of loose, dusty gravel and steep inclines. Every step forward seemed to slide back half a step, and Julian found himself grabbing at roots, rocks, and anything within reach to pull himself upward. The cold, dry air was thick with dust, coating his throat and lungs despite the paper facemask Sup had provided.
By the time they reached the first checkpoint, Julian’s legs were shaky, and his lungs felt like they had inhaled a desert. The group paused briefly, catching their breath, before tackling the next section—a flatter, windier stretch that brought its own set of challenges.
The Second Stretch: Battling the Wind
The second section was mercifully less steep but equally punishing. Fierce gusts of wind howled through the path, threatening to knock the group off balance with each step. Julian focused intently on his footing, bracing against the relentless blasts. Despite the exhaustion and cold, the promise of the summit kept him moving forward, step by step.
The faint glimmer of dawn began to light the sky as they approached the final section of the climb. Julian could see collapsed hikers huddled behind rocks, some too exhausted to continue. It was a sobering sight, but he pressed on, clinging to the thought of the view waiting at the top.
The Final Ascent: Left Foot, Right Foot
The last stretch was a cruel hybrid of the previous two—steep inclines paired with shin-deep gravel and unforgiving winds. Every step forward felt like a monumental effort, and Julian could feel the toll on his body. Yet, driven by sheer determination, he trudged on, repeating the mantra that had become his lifeline: “Left foot, right foot.”
As the sun rose, casting its golden light over the mountain, the summit came into view. The final thirty minutes felt like hours, but Julian refused to give up. With one last push, he stepped onto the summit, greeted by a breathtaking panorama that made every grueling step worthwhile.
A View Unlike Any Other
Standing at the peak of Mt. Rinjani, Julian was rewarded with a sight that few get to experience. Below him, a sea of clouds stretched endlessly, with the surrounding islands of Indonesia dotting the horizon. The curvature of the earth was visible, a humbling reminder of just how high he had climbed. The crater lake, Segara Anak, shimmered in the morning light, its turquoise waters cradling the smaller, still-active volcano, Mt. Barujari.
Julian barely had time to soak in the moment before reality set in: the descent awaited.
The Descent and a Hot Springs Respite
Descending Mt. Rinjani proved nearly as challenging as climbing it. Gravity turned every step into a controlled slide, and Julian’s tired legs struggled to keep him balanced. By the time they returned to camp, he was utterly spent. But the day wasn’t over yet. Sup proposed an optional hike to the crater lake and hot springs—a prospect too enticing to pass up.
The trek down to the lake was steep but manageable, and the sight of the steaming hot springs was a welcome reward. Created by mineral deposits and the volcano’s active core, the springs were a surreal place to rest and rejuvenate. Julian let the warm water ease his aching muscles, marveling at the strange beauty of the landscape around him.
A Reflection on Responsibility
As much as Julian enjoyed the hot springs, he couldn’t ignore the litter scattered around the area. The pristine beauty of Mt. Rinjani was marred by trash left behind by careless visitors. Sup explained that much of the waste came from locals, a frustrating reality for someone who had spent much of his life guiding others up and down the mountain.
For Sup, Rinjani wasn’t just a workplace; it was home. He shared how he had been working as a guide since the age of 14, enduring the mountain’s challenges daily to support his family. His son, fittingly named Rinja, was born while Sup was mid-climb, a testament to the deep connection he felt to the mountain.
The Final Day: A Triumphant Return
The next morning, Julian packed his gear and began the long descent back to the base. The path, though familiar, was no less exhausting. Every step brought him closer to a hot shower and a soft bed, luxuries he hadn’t appreciated fully until now.
As the group reached the park entrance, vans waited to whisk them back to civilization. Julian felt a pang of bittersweet emotion. The trek had been grueling, but the camaraderie, the breathtaking views, and the sense of accomplishment made every moment worth it.
A Journey Worth Taking
For Julian, summiting Mt. Rinjani was more than just a physical challenge; it was a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the strength that lies within us all. As he looked back on the journey, he felt a profound gratitude—not just for the experience but for the stories he could now share with others.
If you’re considering climbing Mt. Rinjani, Julian’s advice is simple: prepare for the challenge, respect the mountain, and embrace every moment. It’s a journey that will test you, but the rewards—both personal and panoramic—are beyond measure.
