This is a guide to the Mount Rinjani hikes in Lombok: why hike, how to get there (with prices), how to select an agency (with prices), and where to go next.
Why hike Mt Rinjani?
Mount Rinjani is the one of the biggest volcanoes in Indonesia. At 3,726m (12,224 ft) it dwarfs central Lombok and its majestic views are magnificent. Hiking Mt Rinjani is the top things to do for trekkers coming to Lombok. A major accomplishment, which you can then celebrate in Senggigi or Kuta on Lombok, or the Gili islands.
In addition to the rice fields, jungle and volcano views, your guide might show some interesting local culture and the animist beliefs. He might show you a sacred place where the village is gathering to honor the Spring spirits. The ceremonial sacrifice with chickens is taking place here.
How to get there?
Mt Rinjani is located in the centre of the northern part of Lombok. It is easily reachable from the Lombok airport, Mataram (the capital city), Tetebatu (traditional village in the south of the volacano), Senggigi (beaches on the western coast) or Bangsal (harbor to the Gili islands).
A recommendation when going around the eastern coast (e.g., from Tetebatu or the Lombok airport). Instead of just going directly to Senaru, stop in Sembalun (lovely village with excellent homestays), Bayan (a traditional village, the oldest mosque in Lombok at 300 years with the unique mix of the Islamic and animist beliefs), and finally Senaru. If negotiated in advance, the taxi price will be similar and you will have a few interesting places on the road and eat some delicious food (e.g., in Bayan).
Overall, you can scale Mt Rinjani from two major starting points: Sembalun or Senaru. Both sites have their supporters, Senaru might have slightly better views. In both places there are numerous trekking agencies and all homestays also organize tours.
Taxi prices to Mt Rinjani
All prices are for a whole car, one way:
Tetebatu – Sambulan (east of Mr Rinjani): IDR300,000 (1.5 hours)
Tetebatu – Senaru: IDR500,000-600,000 (3 hours)
Tetebatu – Bayan: IDR500,000-600,000 (3 hours)
Senaru – Bangsal: IDR 250,000 – 350,000 (1.5 hours)
Senaru – Singgigi: IDR 350,000 – 500,000 (2.5 hours)
IMPORTANT. If you book a 3 days / 2 nights Mt Rinjani hike in Senaru, many homestays or agencies will INCLUDE the transportation BOTH ways from the Lombok airport or Mataram in the hiking price.
How to select an agency?
(1) Selecting The Hike
The hiking path is relatively fixed with all agencies following a similar route. The difference comes in the quality of the guide, porters, their equipment and the food. Overall, there are budget, standard and luxury hikes.
Each hike usually includes use of agency’s equipment (e.g., tent), the luxury hikes also include tables or chairs. The luxury hikes offer also better food, and some even bring beer to the mountain!
In my opinion, this is all interesting. However, the biggest differentiator if a hike is successful, safe and enjoyable is the quality of the guide and the trekkers.
It is absolutely a reasonable request to meet the guide before deciding on an agency. The best guides are not only knowledgeable and experienced with a few years of guiding experience, and probably a few of the porter’s experience before. They are friendly and realistic during the hike how to (a) reach your target, (b) do it safely, and (c) do it in an enjoyable way for the tourists.
(2) Prices
The prices below are “good / negotiated” prices for a standard tour (NOT luxury). Some agencies will quote much higher prices initially. You can reduce them by negotiating or finding other tourists to participate in the same group.
(1) Mt Rinjani top: 3 days / 2 nights: IDR 2,500,000 including the permits, all food, and Lombok airport transportation both ways. Per person in a group of up to 8 guests.
(2) Mt Rinjani crater rim: 3 days / 2 nights: IDR 2,000,000 including the permits, all food, and Lombok airport transportation both ways. Per person in a group of up to 8 guests, 1 guide. Approximately 70% of the views of (1) but significantly easier.
(3) Mt Rinjani lake: same as above for the Mt Rinjani crater rim (2)
(4) “Panorama walk”: 6 hour walk around the rice fields, jungle forest and to the Tiu Kelep waterfalls. Usually offered by the homestay, price: IDR 50,000 – 200,000 depending on the number of guests. Similar to the Tetebatu (Lombok) walk.
Final Mt Rinjani Hike Thoughts
No matter which hike you select, it will probably be a good workout and might push you (quite a bit). The views will be spectacular and you will return with a strong sense of achievement.
Regarding the weather, the weather is getting more unpredictable on Lombok. Historically the dry season runs until September or October, with September a great dry, sunny and warm month for hiking. In 2022 the rains started early and the hiking in September was already muddy and slippery.
Where to go next?
Your body has absolutely earned. Reward it in the traditional village of Tetebatu (Lombok) or the Gili (How to get to Gili islands), Singgigi or Kuta beaches.
Beyond Lombok, consider Flores. A Komodo tour, an authentic settlement (for example, Bena Traditional Village (Flores)) or a mini-Komodo boat tour on deserted islands in Riung (Flores) are great options.
