Rinjani Samalas Tour & Trekking — Attraction in Lombok

What can I say other than that we had an amazing time with Samalas. I believe it is fair that I write an extensive review as it is impossible to put it shortly.

You’ll read about (1) the initial contact and service level, (2) the hotel stay, (3) food and snacks, (4) equipment quality, and (5) overall experience and price rating.

(1) Initial contact and service level: The initial contact was smooth and the company reacted quite promptly to our emails (we sent the first email at 10 pm and received a response around 15 min later). Upon arrival, there were several young man that help you with your luggage. You’re welcomed with a fruit juice. The route is explained and an opportunity given to ask questions. Everything is quite smooth, even though we did not get to meet the owner of the company/our email contact at the beginning. After the hike and back at the hotel, we were given the opportunity to shower and freshen up before our drop off at the harbour. What’s nice is that the pickup on Lombok prior to booking, and delivery to a private (!) boat after a hike in case you’re heading to another (Gili) island, are included in the package. You won’t have to think about logistics while enjoying the trip. Overall, the staff provides great services and are interested in who you are and your stories. The English level depends a little on the person you’re talking to but is sufficient in my opinion. Overall, 5/5 star is deserved!

(2) hotel stay: Hotel room is clean and the beds are comfortable. Unfortunately, there was no AC or anything to cool the heat during our stay. There was also no mosquito net. This has been provided as feedback for the hotel. The bathroom was simple but provided everything that you need during your stay. Overal, I will award it 3.5/5 stars. When an AC is available and a mosquito net is added, it will go up to 5/5.

(3) food and snacks: The food is great and there are snacks in case you need them. During the way up, you can expect fresh fruit platters, a plate full of freshly prepared food; meat, veggies and rice are prominent. Fresh bottles of sauce and unfiltered coffee are also included. On the top, we received local foods and snacks when needed. Bottled water was also available. Generally, I believe that it will not have been too different from other operators but it still worth 5/5 stars.

(4) equipment quality: Although rented, all the equipment used is of sufficient quality. You get what you expect and what you are paying for. Facilities included a two-person tent, warm sleepingbags, tiny pillows, a 10cm-thick matras (fine for sleeping), fishing-chairs, a aluminium roll-up table, good cutlery, and a toilet tent. I would give it 4.5 stars out of 5 due to the fact that it’s rented and not company-branded. There are others that do have that. But that’s a matter of personal taste rather then quality.

(5) As far as expectations go, Samalas provides the full experience that you expect and are looking for when climbing Rinjani. The crew leaves earlier and they walk fast. So that when you arrive, the table is ready and food is almost served. Same for the camping site at the campsite. The guide speaks English properly and everyone is generally open and friendly. The crew made a small bonfire where we could shelter from the cold wind. We would be offered tea or coffee when cold or tired. The camp set-up is also fine. Eventhough the view was a bit less (your camped a few meters lower than other operators) but you are more sheltered against de wind. The sunset and sunrise provide a stunning view with the summit in the background and you feel like your on top of the world when overlooking the clouds. At night, the sky is filled with beautiful stars and galaxies like you’d expect them. It’s truly breathtaking. All-in-all, I would rate the experience a 5/5. I’m very happy that we decided to go and would recommend you to do the same!

Hopefully this review will make your choice a bit easier. And hopeful this review will provide Samalas some deserved...

I recently embarked on a trekking adventure with the renowned company Rinjani Samalas, for 4D3N and it turned out to be the best time of my life.

From start to finish, their top-notch service, professionalism, and passion for the mountains made this journey truly incredible. First and foremost, the communication with Rinjani Samalas prior to the trek was impeccable. Their team promptly answered all my inquiries and provided all the necessary information. They ensured that we were all well-prepared and had a clear understanding of what to expect during the trek, including the itinerary, required equipment, and other important details.

Upon embarking for the trek, I was greeted by their friendly and knowledgeable guides. They reassured me and the rest of the group, offering valuable advice and guidance throughout the trek. Their expertise and familiarity with the terrain instilled a sense of confidence in me, allowing me to fully enjoy the journey.

The trek itself was an awe-inspiring and challenging experience. The beauty of Mount Rinjani and its surroundings cannot be put into words. Every step I took unravelled breathtaking landscapes, from lush green valleys to majestic waterfalls and stunning views of the crater. The highlight was undeniably reaching the summit, an accomplishment I'll cherish forever. I even cried at the summit.

Rinjani Samalas spared no effort in ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the trek. We had 2 drop outs for the summit push and some of guides went back and made sure the 2 of them were safe while they had extra support for those who are summitting. Shoutout to one of our porters, Atib, for climbing to the summit with us! The support team was outstanding, providing delicious and energizing meals along the way. They always had a warm cup of tea or coffee ready to soothe our tired souls, and their attention to hygiene and cleanliness was commendable.

What truly sets Rinjani Samalas apart is the genuine care and respect they have for the environment. They actively promote eco-friendly practices and showed great concern for preserving the pristine beauty of Mount Rinjani. They promoted responsible trekking, encouraging us to leave no trace and respect the local communities.

Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough the camaraderie and pleasant atmosphere created by Rinjani Samalas. Our guides, Apri, Sinjan, Sanaji(trainee guide), other porters and fellow trekkers formed an instant bond, sharing laughter, stories, and encouragement along the way. It felt like we were part of a close-knit family, making the experience even more memorable. I highly recommend you to get hold of Apri and Sinjan to be your guides. Their ability to create a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere added immeasurable value to our trekking adventure.

In conclusion, my trekking adventure with Rinjani Samalas was nothing short of extraordinary. From their excellent communication to their experienced guides, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to environmental sustainability, they exceeded all expectations. If you're seeking an unforgettable trekking experience, I highly recommend Rinjani Samalas. I am already looking forward to embarking on another adventure with them...

I was very thankful to the team who helped, supported and encouraged me for my attempt to summit Mt Rinjani.

Though it was our team-lead who made most of the arrangements for the trip, Mr Azmi, who is our contact point for this trip was very friendly to every one in our team. The villa stay before the hike was nice and comfortable. The staff tried to communicate with their basic English to make us feel at home. The live band at the restaurant in the nite was a nice touch to end the evening. Even when we returned frm our hike, Mr Azmi and his team were thoughtful and kind to offer help and support for our second leg of the trip.

My heartfelt thanks and loads (x3000) of appreciation to my guide, Naz and his team of porters-cum-chef, who made the entire 4D3N adventure a very memorable one. The entire journey was not easy for most, and this is the first time I ever wanted to give up and not to summit. But my very supportive guide, Naz, encouraged me and I finally made it! At one point, seeing me in desperation, he wanted to hold my hands to pull me along, but the stubborn me still wanted to do it myself. Hence, he silently walked beside me, always keeping a lookout for me when we were ascending. Being a slow hiker, and wanting to enjoy the scenery, I happened to be always the last person, but Naz will always paused at some point to ensure I was within sight. Being a very attentive guide, he noticed each of our team-members’ characteristic and personality and he remembered our preferences, likes/dislikes. He was also a very fast learner, picking up new English words, ways to take REALLY NICE photos for each of us, and able to crack a joke when we needed that motivation. His thoughtfulness came in many small areas like always checking whether we had sufficient water and snacks along the way.

The amazing porters-cum-chef were equally attentive to our needs and preferences. They took noticed that our portions of food, our preferred choice of food, and even tried to communicate wit the very minimum English they can speak. Most of them were shy but very happy to welcome us. Their meals were like luxuries to us esp. after a long walk. Even a basic instant fried noodle/noodle soup, they made sure it was a balanced meal wit protein and vegetables. The amazing thing is they can even cook pasta on the trail! every plate of fruits and every meal were nicely plated, and they even surprised us wit cold drinks like coke and pocari! The meals were more than just basic food, but refuel us wit lots of energy! The little treats like fried banana and pop-corn brought us joy when our energy level was zero! The porters were very resourceful, always able to setup tents at ideal and scenic spots that we wow-ed every time we returned to the tents!

Overall, I strongly recommend Rinjani Samalas Tour & Trekking if you want to have a memorable experience at Rinjani, and ask...