Alex, the vibrant travel blogger behind Alex in Wanderland, isn’t a stranger to pushing her boundaries. From scuba diving in exotic waters to chronicling her journeys in far-flung locales, she’s built her life around exploration. However, her recent trek on Mt. Rinjani, Indonesia’s sacred volcano, pushed her physical and mental stamina to new heights, creating a story worth telling—and remembering.
Arrival and the First Steps
The day began with a chaotic ferry ride from Gili Trawangan to Lombok, followed by a bumpy horse-cart journey to the trailhead. Despite starting the day early, Alex’s group—comprising Anders, two friends, and couples from Spain and Italy—didn’t hit the trail until mid-morning due to the usual logistical delays that seasoned Southeast Asia travelers have come to expect.
The trek began with a steady ascent through lush rainforests, where towering trees offered shade but couldn’t mitigate the sweltering humidity. The trail was alive with energy; porters sped past with heavy loads balanced on bamboo poles, their flip-flops slapping against the dirt trail as they climbed effortlessly.
Into the Clouds
As the group climbed higher, the rainforest gave way to a mystical cloud forest. Visibility shrank as fog rolled in, and Alex often lost sight of Anders, who was just a few feet ahead. The trail, though steep, was manageable, but every step upward carried the promise of thinner air and aching muscles.
Lunch came as a welcome reprieve. By the time Alex reached the clearing, the porters had already set up a makeshift kitchen and prepared steaming plates of fried rice. She marveled at their efficiency, their ability to transform a bare patch of earth into a bustling kitchen in minutes. Her own snacks—a stash of banana bread and cashews—became cherished energy boosters for the road ahead.
Reaching the Crater Rim
The day’s final push was the most grueling. The trail became steeper, and the once-shaded forest transitioned into open savannah, exposing the group to the harsh sun. Just when Alex thought her legs might give out, the trail broke through the clouds, revealing an awe-inspiring panorama. Ahead lay the crater rim, their campsite for the night.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Alex stood at 8,665 feet above sea level, looking down at the turquoise expanse of Segara Anak, the crater lake, and the tiny volcanic cone of Mt. Barujari rising from its center. Beyond, she could see the Gili Islands and Bali’s Mt. Agung in the distance. The sheer beauty of the view erased the day’s exhaustion—if only momentarily.
The Bitter Chill of Night
Camping on Mt. Rinjani was both magical and challenging. While Alex was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the tents and sleeping mats, the freezing temperatures were a shock. Wrapped in every layer she had brought, she huddled in her tent, grateful for the rental jacket she’d insisted on negotiating into the trekking package. Nighttime brought a mixture of awe and anxiety—awakened by the occasional rustling of the wind, Alex often dreamt of stumbling too close to the crater’s edge in the dark.
Descending to the Crater Lake
The next morning, after a simple breakfast of toast and pancakes, the group began their descent into the crater. The steep, loose terrain demanded precision, and every step was a careful negotiation with gravity. After two hours of knee-straining effort, they arrived at Segara Anak, the lake nestled within Rinjani’s crater.
The lake was a balm for their tired bodies. Alex soaked her feet in the cool waters, letting the surrounding tranquility wash over her. But nature had more surprises in store; as the group relaxed, a dense fog rolled in, transforming the landscape into a surreal, dreamlike scene.
Hot Springs and Monkey Mayhem
Nearby hot springs provided a welcome chance to wash away the grime of the trail. The warm, sulfuric waters felt like a gift after hours of trekking. Alex couldn’t help but marvel at how Indonesia’s geothermal wonders reminded her of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, a surprising comparison she couldn’t stop making.
The tranquility was short-lived, however, as mischievous monkeys began circling the group, drawn by the scent of food. While Alex loved their antics, she kept a vigilant eye on her camera, unwilling to let it become a casualty of their curiosity.
The Final Ascent
After a lakeside lunch, the group faced their biggest challenge yet: the climb back up to the opposite crater rim. This stretch, marked by relentless switchbacks and loose volcanic gravel, tested Alex’s limits. With every step, she fought the urge to stop, relying on music from her phone to block out the mental and physical strain. By the time she reached the rim, she was utterly spent but overwhelmed with pride.
A Night Under the Stars
The second campsite, perched at the base of the summit trail, buzzed with anticipation. Fellow trekkers gathered around, exchanging stories and psyching themselves up for the next day’s pre-dawn summit push. Exhausted yet exhilarated, Alex settled into her tent, her mind racing with doubts about the grueling climb ahead.
Reflections on the Journey
For Alex, trekking Mt. Rinjani was one of her most challenging and rewarding experiences. The Crater Rim Trek pushed her beyond her comfort zone, testing her endurance while offering some of the most breathtaking views she had ever seen. It was a journey of extremes: blistering heat and freezing nights, physical strain and emotional triumph, serene landscapes and chaotic moments. Yet, as Alex reflected on her time on the mountain, she knew it was an adventure she would carry with her forever—a reminder of her resilience and her unending love for the wild beauty of the world.
