1. When is the best trekking season for Mount Rinjani?
Any time during the dry months from April to November. The mountain is closed for hiking during the rainy season from December to March. During the rainy season, we offer Panorama Walk (Half Day Hike) and Sasak Hill Trek (2D1N Hike) at the foothills of Mount Rinjani.
2. What are the different Rinjani trekking packages offered by Iwannatravel?
We offer two main Rinjani packages; a 5D4N program (with 3D2N trek) and a 6D5N program (with 4D3N trek). Both programs cover exactly the same route, except that for the 4D3N trek you will camp for additional night at Senaru Crater Rim before descending back to Senaru Village where the trek ends. This helps to space out the trek into more days so that it is more manageable for inexperienced or weaker trekkers. For both programs, the actual trek starts on the second day and ends on the second last day of the programs.Above two programs are for trekkers who want to complete the whole loop of the Rinjani trek; i.e. to visit both crater rims, summit and lake. For trekkers who want a shorter itinerary, it is also possible to opt for a 2D1N Rim + Summit trek where you will trek back directly to the trailhead (via the same route where you trek up) after the summit climb.
3. What is the difficulty level of the trek?
Climbing Rinjani is tough; but anyone in reasonable shape should be able to manage. Porters will be provided throughout the climb but you are expected to carry your own personal daypack of less than 5 kilograms. Normal trekking throughout except for some scrambling towards the summit. No rock climbing or technical climbing skills are needed. Summit sunrise climb is entirely optional, climbers who would like to conserve their energy instead could choose to have a longer rest and wait for their teammates at the crater rim.
4. How long is the trek and how many hours do we trek each days?
The typical route which covers the crater rims, summit and lake takes 3D2N to cover. The trekking durations are: Day 01 ~ 8 hrs; Day 02 ~ 11 hrs; Day 03 ~ 10 hrs. (Timings are estimated and depends on the individual trekker’s physical stamina and conditions).
5. When is the summit day and how is it like?
The summit day is on Day 02 of the trek. You will wake up around 2-3am for the summit climb. It takes about 3-4 hrs to reach the summit (for sunrise if you can reach on time) and another 3 hours to descend back to the camp site. If you do not wish to attempt the summit climb, you may stay at the camp site to wait for the summiteers to return.
6. What is the temperature like in the mountains?
The temperature in the day is around 15 – 25 degree Celsius at and below the rims. At night, the temperature at the Rim is usually below 10 degree Celsius. At times, it can be near freezing especially towards the summit.
7. What clothes should l wear for the trek?
A quick dry synthetic material shirt (can be either short or long sleeve) as the base layer, a good quality fleece jacket/woollen pull-over as the middle later and a thick wind proof jacket as the outer layer. A waterproof and windproof trekking pants is desirable and a pair of woollen gloves, beanie and scarf for additional cold protection.
8. What types of footwear are recommended for the trek?
A pair of trekking shoes (that you have worn before) with good traction. Mid or high-cut shoes are preferred over low-cut ones for better ankle grips and to prevent loose soils from getting into the shoes.
9. Do I need a trekking stick for the trek?
A hiking stick is highly recommended for the summit climb as the terrain towards the summit is very steep and consists of very fine and loose volcanic soil that may cause one to slip down easily.
10. Do I need any specialized equipment for the trek?
This is a relatively straightforward trek along well defined path except towards the summit where some scrambling is required to gain your foothold over sandy ground. Except for a set of cold wear, a good pair trekking shoes, a headlamp and trekking sticks, you do not need other specialized equipment for this trek. Upon booking confirmation, a detailed packing list will be provide to you to help you pack for your trip.
11. What is the accommodation like on the Rinjani trek?
You will be camping in a tent with sleeping bag and sleeping mat provided.
12. Is high altitude sickness a problem for the climb?
Rinjani is high enough for altitude sickness to be a concern. Refer to below link for more info on high altitude sickness; its symptoms, prevention and treatment: http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm
13. How much drinking water will be provided during the trek?
Each person will be allocated 3 litres of drinking water (mineral water) for each day of the trek. The bulk of the water will be carried by the porters. Topping up of water into your water bottle/bag will be done at each resting point or anytime during the trek when your water supply runs low.
14. Do the guide and porters speaks English?
Our guides are conversant in English but most porters can only understand simple English.
15. Will porters will be provided for the trek?
Porters will be provided to carry communal luggage like tents, sleeping bags, food, drinks, cooking utensils etc. You may hire additional porters to carry your personal belongings at IDR 20,0000 each day per day per porter. Each porter can carry up to 25kg, therefore the cost of the porters can be split among the group.
16. Where can I leave my extra luggage during the trek?
You can either hire additional porters to carry your extra luggage during the trek or deposit them at the guesthouse/hotel in Senaru before the trek. After the trek, the driver will drive you back to the guesthouse/hotel to collect back your luggage before your onward journey.
17. How much tips is appropriate for the guide and porters?
Tipping is highly encouraged especially for good services as the porters are local villagers who work as porter during the hiking season to earn extra cash. A ballpark figure would be around IDR 300K to the guide and around IDR 100K to each porter for the whole group.
18. What are the meals like during the trek?
Breakfast: Toast with jam, scramble egg, cereal, pancake etc.
Lunch: Sandwich, fried noodle, noodle soup, Gado-gado etc.
Dinner: Chicken curry and rice, spaghetti, fried rice with egg and chicken etc.
Others: Fruits, coffee, tea, chocolate drink, Coca-Cola etc.
19. Is mobile phone signals presented in the mountains?
Mobile signals are generally strong in the mountains and even at the rim. However, signals will get weaker as you trek down towards the lake (as it is located inside a crater) and totally non-existent at the lake.
20. How much is the airport departure tax at Lombok Airport?
The international departure tax at Lombok Airport is IDR 150K per pax (as of May 2015).
21. What happens if I get injured during the trek?
The mountain guides possess basic first aid skills and will assess the injury and perform emergency response to the injured. If evacuation is required, they will coordinate with National Park, police and local village head. The nearest clinic or health center is at Sembalun, Jln Pariwisata, Desa Sembalun Bumbung, Kecamatan Sembalun (Sembalun Sub-district), Lombok Timur (East Lombok). The nearest hospital is Dr. R. Soedjono Hospital located at Jl. Prof. M. Yamin, SH, no: 55, Selong – East Lombok (telephone: 0370 – 21118). It is important that trekkers bring their supplies of medications and purchase adequate insurance coverage.
22. Is travel insurance provided in the package?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend you to procure your own travel insurance before embarking on the Mount Rinjani trip. You may also procure travel insurance through us: http://iwannatravel.com.sg/world-nomads-travel-insurance
23. Is it possible to arrange trip extension to other places of interest in Lombok after the trek?
Yes, we can help to organise and arrange free and easy packages (accommodations, destination/airport transfer, speedboat transfer) to other places of interest like Gili Islands, Senggigi Beach, Kuta Beach etc. Let us know your preferences and we would be happy to provide you with your personalised itinerary.
24. Can I rent a coat?
Yes, you can rent one at IDR 50,000 which will be passed to you at Crater Rim 2.