Mount Rinjani National Park — Attraction in Lombok

It has been 3 years since our last "serious" volcano trek, so we knew we would suffer. Well, it was hell, especially the part before the summit (the "E"path) . Is it worth the pain? A 1000 times. We were lucky to have great weather, no wind, so conditions were optimal, we did great pictures, our guides Fatan and Heri and our porter Cana, are Supermen, supercool, and super cool. This park is a national treasure, and Indonesians are so lucky to have such beauty at home. That brings me to the second part of the review, which is the trash problem. Although there are rules and systems telling people to bring back their trash (which some dutifully do, like our guides ), there are countless others who don't give a sh_t about it. Every campsite has mounts of trashes spread around. You can't walk without seeing plastic cups here and there. The lake campsite is especially bad, with the edges of water littered with plastic half burnt (cup noodles, plastic glass, wrapping). There is not a single spot along the trek, that is pristine. Why can't there be some rangers, stationed on site, to enforce that people keep the area clean? We hear that some people are banned because they don't being back their trash , but for 10 people that are banned, you have 1000 people who escape .

When we were at the lake, the tent beside us was roasting fishes on some fire lit with plastic trash. Of course the black smoke was blowing in our direction. Nobody seem to care.

It's a national treasure, a world unique park . People who throw any trash should be ashamed of doing so.

Well, my anger is that big because it's such a splendid wild site, with views that you can't have anywhere else in the world. My eyes are watering when I think about this carpet of clouds lingering below the summit, or the mist covering the surrounding peaks and suddenly disappearing at the Sembalun camp site when it's sunset.

All this pain in my legs are forgotten. Only great pictures and memories...

This is not an easy hike, don't take it lightly!

Yes, you have a guide as it's mandatory (even though I don't think someone will stop you if you want to go alone, compared to Batur or other mountains in Indonesia) but he will not carry you down the mountain, not does anyone warn you how demanding this hike is.

Keep in mind that you climb and descent 2700 m in more or less 24 hours and that above 3000 m the lack of oxygen will get to you. The last hundred meters are a mental battle as you ascent really slowly, one step at a time.

We were the fastest group that morning and we could see everyone struggling and only few people reaching the top. Had it been a windy day I'm pretty sure we would have turned back as we weren't properly equiped, the temperature easily gets below 0 and nobody warns you about this (it's pretty obvious given the altitude but we've seen people that have never hiked before so I thought it was worth mentioning).

Warnings aside, the mountain is very beautiful and the view from the top breathtaking.

Unfortunately it is full of trash, I've never seen so much trash on a mountain and the guides and porters keep saying that it the local's people fault. However, they don't do anything to clean the place and I'm afraid they also contribute, even if they claim they take all the trash down. It's such a shame that such an amazing place visited by so many tourists, both local and foreigners is in such bad shape.

Also, the tour companies charge a fortune for what they offer and I really wish there was a way that the money we pay be used to conserve this beautiful...

Mount Rinjani National Park is a breathtaking destination located in Lombok, Indonesia. The park covers an area of 41,330 hectares, including Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, which is 3,726 meters tall. The park's unique features include a stunning caldera lake, hot springs, caves, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. The park offers an incredible experience for visitors who love nature and adventure.

One of the most popular activities in Mount Rinjani National Park is hiking to the summit of Mount Rinjani. The trek is challenging, but the reward is breathtaking views of the sunrise and the surrounding landscapes. The park has several trekking routes with different levels of difficulty, allowing visitors to choose the most suitable one for their fitness level and preferences. Besides hiking, visitors can also enjoy other activities such as camping, bird watching, and swimming in the caldera lake. The park's unique and diverse natural beauty is sure to leave visitors feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

In conclusion, Mount Rinjani National Park is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. The park's unique features, including the stunning caldera lake, hot springs, caves, and waterfalls, offer visitors an unforgettable experience. The challenging trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani is worth the effort for the breathtaking views. The park's diverse flora and fauna, combined with the opportunity to camp and swim in the caldera lake, make Mount Rinjani National Park an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable...