Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani — Attraction in Lombok

We climbed Rinjani 8 years ago and had great memories of our climbing adventure, so when we heard that rinjani is back open, but could only be booked by an app called e rinjani we were very excited to say the least. This app only works for Andriod Phones which made a booking difficult to say the least, after securing an old phone and downloading the app i could finaly make a booking. At the moment they only allow one night 2 days with all this Covid Restrictions, which was not ideal but we still went for it. We booked as Indonesians as me and my friend lived here more then 30 years and have our own KTP and KITAP, after organising our porters via a friend we are all set to go. The day we arrived in Sembalun we checked into the Hotel next door to the National Park Office, since we wanted to start early the next day we thought we better check in the day before. We had to wait 2,5 hours until some officer finaly came, and thats there the trouble all started. Our Porters were already with us and ready to assist, but as soon as the officer saw as ,and we showed our booking he said it was not valid but will check with his boss.After a while he came back to us and said, because we are foreigners this booking is not valid and we have to book as tourists which is a 150 k a day compare to 5 k for Locals per day. Ok i thought this is a little dicriminating but still Ok as we really wanted to hike this beautiful mountain again. But after we agreed to pay the higher fee he then instisted that all foreigners have to book through a trekking organiser, which we did not need as we booked our own porters and had all our food and gear ready to go. On top of that he also demanded to get another local health certificate which was not mentioned anywhere in the app, we already had to do the covid test were the certifacte was provided according to the new regulations. After about 10 minutes a trekking oraganizer arrived and the first thing he said was i can help you, but I am expensive 350 USD per person as mentioned on the internet, compare to not even one Dollar what locals would pay. Of course we did not go for his rip off, and left the office immediately. They have no business and all the locals are struggeling due to the earthquake and pandamic. It makes me sad and angry at the same time, sad for the locals as they would really need our salary to survive asit was only there second job all year according to them, and extremely angry at the officals of this nationalpark as they were not willing to help and interested to honor our booking as local residents.They are part of Unesco now, maybe they don t even want any hikers there anymore and they have enough funding already. So as a foreigner even if you lived in Indonesia for over 30 years and pay your taxes and employee 130 staff, you will never ever be a local in there eyes. This authorties at the office are discriminating to say the least. We spent our 3 days climbing some surrounding hills, and met some great local people and none of them could understand why we got denied to climb Rinjani. Its a shame because it is a beautiful place but can not be recommended anymore...........thanks for...

My 4-day, 3-night trek of Mount Rinjani in early September 2025 was an incredible adventure. The journey was a mix of challenging climbs, breathtaking views, and serene moments that I'll never forget.

The Challenging Trek We started our journey through the Sembalun route, which is known for its challenging ascent. The first day was a long and grueling hike, mostly on an open savanna with little shade. It was a test of endurance, but the reward was the stunning panoramic view of the vast green hills and the surrounding landscape. The trail became much steeper as we neared the rim. Reaching Pelawangan Sembalun just before sunset was a relief and an absolute highlight.

Breathtaking Scenery and Sunset at Pelawangan The sunset from Pelawangan was nothing short of magical. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it painted the sky with vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple, casting a warm glow over the entire landscape. From this vantage point, we could see the stunning crater lake, Segara Anak, and the summit of Rinjani towering majestically above it all. The night sky was just as spectacular, filled with countless stars that felt so close you could almost touch them.

The Serene Segara Anak Lake The second day took us down a steep and challenging path to Segara Anak. The descent was tough on the knees, but the view of the lake below kept us motivated. When we finally arrived, the atmosphere was incredibly peaceful. The crystal-clear lake, surrounded by towering cliffs, felt like a hidden paradise. We spent the morning resting, soaking in the natural hot springs, and simply enjoying the tranquility.

The Long Descent to Torean On our last day, we began the long journey down through the Torean route. This trail is famous for its natural beauty, with waterfalls and lush forests, but it's also incredibly long. The path was challenging, sometimes slippery, and seemed to go on forever. We hiked for hours through thick jungle, crossed rivers, and navigated rocky terrain. While the scenery was beautiful, it was a physically demanding descent. By the time we reached the village, we were completely exhausted, but the sense of accomplishment was immense.

Overall, the Rinjani trek was an unforgettable experience. It pushed me to my limits physically and mentally but rewarded me with some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The challenging paths, the stunning sunset at Pelawangan, the peaceful serenity of Segara Anak, and the long, scenic trek down to Torean all made for an...

Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani is an absolute must-visit for any nature lover or trekking enthusiast. The park is home to the towering Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most majestic and challenging volcanoes, and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

From lush forests to dramatic volcanic landscapes, the variety of terrain is incredible. The trek up Rinjani is no small feat, but the rewards are more than worth it. As you ascend, the views get more and more spectacular, and reaching the summit feels like an achievement in itself. The sight of Segara Anak Lake, nestled in the crater, is truly awe-inspiring – one of those moments where nature just leaves you speechless.

The park is well-maintained, and the trails are clearly marked, making it accessible even for less experienced hikers, although a guide is definitely recommended. Along the way, you’ll find camping spots like Pos 3 Padebalong, where you can rest and take in the natural beauty around you. The experience of sleeping under the stars at such a high altitude is unforgettable.

Whether you’re trekking to the summit or just exploring the lower areas, the park offers an immersive experience in Indonesia’s natural wonders. The combination of challenging hikes, serene landscapes, and the sheer scale of Mount Rinjani makes Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani one of the most incredible places we’ve visited in Indonesia.

In summary, Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani is a must-do for anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty. The trek is challenging but rewarding, and the views are some of the most stunning you’ll ever see. Highly recommended for those up for an unforgettable...