Rinjani Crater Rim Camping: A Candid 2D1N Review

Okay, so you’re thinking about doing the Mount Rinjani 2-day, 1-night camping trip to the crater rim, are you? Maybe you have scrolled through loads of pics and thought, “Wow, I want that view!”. Well, I went, I saw, and I gasped a little. I’m going to share how it all went, just what to watch out for, and if it’s really something you’d be up for.

What’s the Big Deal About Rinjani Anyway?

You see, Mount Rinjani isn’t just a heap of rocks in Indonesia. That’s true, you see. It is the second highest volcano. What is interesting, is that inside the volcano is a beautiful lake that they call Segara Anak. It has a little volcano inside of that. Local people think it’s very special. Also, to go hiking there is hard but awesome. The views from the top, on a good day, go forever. It’s kind of magical when you think about how powerful the earth is. Pretty cool.

Choosing the Right Trek: Why 2 Days, 1 Night?

Well, to be honest, you might wonder why I went for just two days. Longer treks that get to the summit exist. Time was short, too, it was just a slice of my bigger trip. I felt that a quick go at the crater rim would still show me the awesome stuff, and it fitted my plans very nicely. Plus, a heads-up, so the trek to the top needs way more preparation and, certainly, a ton of energy. It’s super hard, is that true. So, if you aren’t that experienced, a quick go to the crater is much kinder.

The Nitty-Gritty: Day 1 on Rinjani

So, the morning starts off pretty early, that’s right. Imagine, I’m sipping warm tea, trying to fully wake up as the guide gets the last bits ready. In reality, what followed that first sip was just climb, and then some more climbing. I’ll break it all down:

Sembalun Lawang: Starting Point Feels

Typically, the trek usually starts from Sembalun Lawang, but just in case you are planning this out, it’s an area up high, way above sea level. What happens, you start hiking with loads of fields around, giving you views for miles around. It’s great to get your eye in, very nice. The happy start fades as the uphill parts increase, yet it is also the start that seems easiest once you are almost at the top!

Lunch with a View, Literally

What is awesome is, that after going up for what feels like forever, stopping for lunch comes as such a relief! Basically, the porters make everything. How good does hot food taste when you have been working really hard? Fantastic, you know. This is usually when you will see other walkers too, which is a nice boost when you think that you have so far to go.

The Painfully Beautiful Ascent to the Crater Rim

Let me just say, that this hike that afternoon seemed endless, yeah. I mean, my legs were killing, and so, the sun seemed to think it was funny to try to burn me to a crisp. Seriously, that last go up to the crater rim is killer. What you have to do, is trust that seeing what is coming will be really worth it. Just a little bit more! Just keep going, even if you don’t like it. What happened to me, is that other walkers cheered me on as they headed down.

First Glimpse: That Crater Rim View

Right, you’ve really done it now. You haul yourself over what seemed like the last rise. What is waiting for you? It’s Segara Anak in all its glory! What happens is the sun makes it sparkle like something magical. The little volcano almost looks like it’s smoking to say hi. Well, anyway I dumped my rucksack and took too many photos. That view! The air seems different up there.

Camp Life: Dinner and Stargazing

Once you are done snapping all of those photos, then you notice where your tent will be. Basically, the camping spots on the crater rim aren’t that flat, it is also often busy, just a heads-up. What is great is to settle in with other hikers, swap funny stories while you are drinking hot chocolate, then eat food. That first night, too, I lay looking up, staring at the mass of stars way up in the sky, so big it feels as though you could hold them. Unreal.

Day 2: Sunrise and Heading Down

Basically, waking up early has some seriously good points, trust me. Okay, it could be very chilly, and climbing from a warm sleeping bag isn’t fun, yet, seeing that sunrise on the rim… whoa. It kind of turns the lake gold. Now I’m off again…

Sunrise Spectacle: Worth the Early Wake-Up

Is that, honestly, I couldn’t imagine missing that sun rising above the clouds. The colors moved around constantly. And so, standing up there with my coffee was heaven.

Breakfast and One Last Look

Now, quickly wolf down the food as the guides take down the tents. The porters pack everything up really fast, is that right. But, before heading off, have one really good, final look at what you will be walking away from. Take it all in and keep it safe as a great memory.

The Descent: Just as Challenging?

Do not think that getting back down is easy, oh no. You have to concentrate really well with every step, seriously. You will, arguably, feel it in your legs and your knees, specifically if, like me, going downhill is not your best move. However, with no uphill struggles, you might make very good time.

Back to Sembalun: Sweet Relief

What a point it is when you finally see the gate that means you’ve done it. You might ache everywhere, so too will you likely feel incredibly pleased with what you’ve just done, is that a fact. Give yourself a high five, okay.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Trekking Rinjani

So, here are my thoughts, when I was heading back, things I now know and will always remember!

Fitness Level: Be Realistic

I want to be very truthful here, even just hiking to the rim needs that you have some level of walking fitness. Get those hill walks in before you arrive, okay. Being ready is always very good thinking.

What to Pack: Keep it Light and Smart

Okay, so, you’ll see how to do it once you look. Keep clothing light, and use layers because it’s cooler at the top than at the base, it’s almost as though they’re two different worlds. What is important are brilliant, tough boots, ideally ones you’ve used before. Blisters are the worst.

Altitude Sickness: Listen to Your Body

Alright, as you will be climbing very high, keep an eye on how you are feeling, for real. Okay, going slower will always help. What some do is think about having some tablets with you if you are often ill when up high.

Choosing a Trekking Company: Do Your Homework

This is definitely important, isn’t it? Research many local trekking experts, find out if they use happy porters who are well looked after, specifically. That’s very good manners. I am glad I asked loads of questions, too, before putting down the deposit.

The Porters: They’re the Real Heroes

Let’s just take some time to appreciate just how vital and amazing these guys (usually guys) really are. What they do, is head up and down the mountains time and again, they carry the tents, the food, usually also other people’s bags, I guess they literally help to keep everyone afloat. Tip them well.

Is the Rinjani Crater Rim Trek Right for You?

Okay, it is now decision time. Would I recommend doing the Rinjani trip of two days and one night? It might be very dependent. It depends on:

• Are you fit? Be honest about this, alright?
• What are your plans? Getting to the summit could be a better aim, so you should look at tours for longer.
• Can you rough it? So, it is camping. At its heart. The basics. Can you cope?

With those points in place, absolutely go. Yes do it. However, go in fully aware and very well-prepared. So what are you doing? Get walking.

Alright, these are my points about that hike. It’s epic, seriously, yet make sure you have checked it out. See it all. Now I want to go and see what other hiking spots there are to look at…

Here’s a breakdown:

• Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano, that is really very stunning, in Indonesia.
• The hike to the crater rim in two days and one night is doable if you are a walker.
• Porters make the tour work – make sure they’re treated well, you see.
• Going slowly, planning well and having the right gear is a no-brainer for an awesome experience.

These were my tags. I hope you like it and it helps!:

#Rinjani #Trekking #Lombok #Hiking #Indonesia #VolcanoAdventure