Mount Rinjani in Lombok is the second highest volcano in Indonesia right after Mount Kerinci in Sumatra and one of the most popular trekking spots in Indonesia. For inexperienced trekkers, the hike will come as a surprise, with uneven terrain and steep inclines. Even experienced hikers have said the hike was challenging. To begin the journey, a 1,500-metre climb across 8 kilometres will be a great warm-up. With little trail maintenance, this makes the walk slippery, steep and hard to grip. Prepare to push yourself to the limit and endure the struggle, as the views from the summit will be worth it. After you have overcome the first day, the second day brings an early start to watch the sunrise. Another 1,000-metre of elevation on a narrow trail is to come, all to reward you with the finish line! Bring your warm clothes as the height brings chilly temperatures, dropping all the way down to freezing. One of the best rewards is being able to swim in Lake Segara Anak, showcasing views across the island as its backdrop. The incredible blue colour of the water will keep you in awe. The lake is a mix of four natural hot springs with a natural waterfall falling into the lake. Stretching out over 11 kilometres and reaching up to 230 metres in depth. Many travellers climb Mount Rinjani purely to experience these “healing waters”. Once you have reached the top and rejoiced, the descent is just as steep and can be quite harsh on your knees and hamstrings.

If you are still convinced and fearless, the next thing to know is that there are two entrances to Rinjani National Park. One from Sembalun and the other from Senaru. Longer hikes will start in one village and take you to the other.

Will I need to train for the hike?

While the hike across Mount Rinjani is tough, if you are fit, then you will not need to train for the hike specifically. However, if you have not exercised for months, then preparing for the hike might be a good idea. With treks stretching out for 6 to 8 hours and an intense incline, it will be a rewarding challenge.

What about the time of year?

Timing is also essential when it comes to hiking Mount Rinjani. Organise your trip over the dry season from April to November, as when the rainy season begins the trails close. Hiking up the mountain can only be completed with a local guide, and many tours also offer porters to carry certain items. You will still be required to carry your own daypack with your personal belongings.

If you are ready for the adventure, then begin by planning your holiday around this incredible hike. Ask yourself: are you prepared to endure steep and challenging heights? The reward of swimming in Lake Segara Anak—azure hot springs overlooking the island

Lake Segara Anak

The walk up Mount Rinjani will take you past the scenic crater lake Segara Anak (Lake Segara). Formed in 1257, this blue lake is made up of volcanic water with hot thermal pools sitting within it. To reach the lake, you’ll need to join in on one of the many hiking tours up to Mount Rinjani, with an accompanying guide.

Lake Segara sits cradled between the rugged peaks like a refreshing retreat tucked away from the elements. This crescent-shaped lake is set 600 metres below the crater rim of Mount Rinjani.

The hike up to the lake takes about two days and one night, and it will bring you past a diverse range of landscapes; from lush rainforest to rocky terrains and dare dropping cliffs. Waterfalls run directly from Segara Anak, and there are four natural hot springs within the lake. These healing properties are enough to encourage locals to climb up the mountain solely to experience these waters. While high altitude brings colder temperatures, the lake’s water isn’t as cold as expected. The water temperature sits at between 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, which is much higher than the mountain’s average of 14 to 15 degrees. Researchers have found the warmer temperatures are linked to leaks from the magma chamber seeping into the water of Segara Anak. The water is composed of sulphate, potassium, chloride and sodium, which is then thinned by rainwater entering the lake.

Each year, the Balinese visit Segara Anak, which is considered to be a very spiritual place and a ceremony is performed. Rinjani Volcano Eruption

2015 Eruption Rinjani volcano on Lombok, Indonesia erupted on 25th October 2015. The eruption occurred at Barujari cone. Ash emissions reached an altitude of 10,000 ft and extended 40 nautical miles southwest of the volcano. The alert status at Rinjani volcano has been increased to level 2 (waspada). A 3-km radius exclusion was placed around the Rinjani caldera.

2013 Closure to Climbers Rinjani volcano, was declared closed to climbers for 3 months from 10 Jan 10 to 31 March due to bad weather. Heavy rain had made the track dangerous for trekkers. Closing the volcano to visitors was also designed to let the ecosystem recover.

2009 Eruption An increase in seismic activity was reported at Rinjani volcano in Indonesia on 2nd May 2009. There were three explosion earthquakes, and a white plume was emitted 1000 m above the eruption point. The alert level at the volcano was raised from Normal (Level I) to Waspada (Level II). The summit was closed to climbers. Residents were warned of possible lahars. On 4th May 2009 ash emissions rose 700 m above the cone. During June 2009 ash emissions reach a height of 3 km above sea level and drifted 55 km from the volcano.

2004 Eruption Hikers were banned from climbing Mount Rinjani in October 2004 after the volcano after renewed volcanic activity. The volcano is a popular destination for mountain climbers from all over the world. Despite the warning for the hikers, it was not necessary to evacuate villagers living near the volcano. Between 1-5 October eruptions ejected ash columns 800 m above the summit.

1994 Eruption On 3rd June 1994, Barujari cone erupted and sent ash 500 m high. Between 3rd and 10th June, up to 172 explosions were be heard each day from Sembalun Lawang volcano observatory, located 15 km NE of the volcano. On 3rd November 1994, a cold lahar from the summit area of Rinjani Volcano travelled down the Kokok Jenggak River. Thirty people from the village of Aikmel who were collecting water from the river were killed.

1944 Eruption A lave dome formed in the crater lake at Rinjani volcano in the second half of 1944. Two islets appeared above the lake surface in its northeastern part, where formerly a depth of 160 meters had been measured.

Great 1257 Eruption of Samalas volcano Ice core samples of sulphate and tephra recorded an eruption of Samalas volcano between May and October 1257 AD. The eruption produced the largest release of sulphur to the stratosphere in the past 7000 years. This was one of the largest holocene eruptions with 40 cubic km of dense rock equivalent erupted