Rinjani Mountain, Indonesia: A Trekking Adventure

Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, with an elevation of 3,726 meters above sea level. A massive eruption caused a caldera to form, which is now filled by a lake called Danau Segara Anak. Subsequently, a smaller volcano, Barujari, erupted within the lake.

The itinerary is for 3 days and 2 nights. The hiking route is as follows:
Day 1: Start hiking from Sembalun, passing through the Sawana grasslands. There are not many tall trees, so it will be extremely hot from the sunlight. Sunscreen is a must. On this route, you will pass through a post, which is a resting point. You can have lunch at post 2 before continuing your hike. From post 2 onwards, the terrain becomes very steep. If you have been practicing squats, this is where you will put them to use. You will reach the crater rim camp, where you will rest and wake up at 1:00 or 2:00 am to hike to the summit.

The initial section of the trail traverses an open grassland, which can be scorchingly hot. Be prepared for intense heat.

Our first rest stop is a popular spot for people from other teams to take a break.

Day 2: Summit Ascent and Descent

Waking up early, we embarked on the challenging ascent to the summit. The trek from the crater rim camp to the peak typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on individual fitness levels. The path is arduous, characterized by loose rocks and soil. The final 700 meters to the summit, known as "Zombie Hill," is particularly grueling, with each step forward often followed by a slide backward, resembling the蹒跚 gait of a zombie. Reaching the summit just as the sun began to rise, we were rewarded with breathtaking views and ample opportunities for photography. After soaking in the atmosphere, we commenced our descent in the late morning, aiming for the lakeside camp. Our itinerary spanned three days and two nights. Following lunch, we continued our trek to the lakeside camp, where a hot spring awaited us for a relaxing soak.

Our first night's rest stop offered stunning views of the lake below, with clouds of mist constantly drifting by.

View from the top of the Summit or the highest peak of Mount Rinjani

Day 3: We woke up at 4:00 AM to hike to the Seneru crater, located on the other side of the volcanic crater rim. The trail was extremely steep. Once we crossed over, we planned to descend towards Senaru village. However, an unexpected earthquake struck while I was ascending. The tremor, later reported as a 6.4 on the Richter scale, was strong enough to make me lose my balance and caused rocks to fall. We took shelter under trees for a long time, but ultimately, we were unable to continue due to continuous rockfalls blocking the ascent route. We returned to the lake and spent the night at a safe point above it. Unfortunately, the return path was also affected by falling rocks, leaving us stranded in the middle of the volcanic crater for another night.

Day 4: We woke up and ate the remaining snacks and water. We then started walking back along the old path to reach the crater rim. Taking advantage of a lull in the rockfall, we quickly crossed over and continued our ascent. We reached the crater rim after a two-hour non-stop hike. We then continued our descent, returning via the same village path, Sembalun.

*Essential items:
- Headlamp: We will be hiking from early morning or even at night, and the trail can be dangerous.
- Trekking poles: These will help reduce the strain on your knees.
- Gaiters: These will prevent small rocks from entering your shoes, which can be dangerous on a volcanic mountain.
- Prescription medication: Essential.
- Wet wipes: The natural toilets provided are just holes in the ground with a curtain, and there is usually no water.
- Hat, arm sleeves, and sunscreen: The sun is very strong during the day and can cause sunburn.
- Durable shoes: You will be walking for a long distance, and damaged shoes can directly affect your feet.
- Energy-giving snacks and mineral salts: The trail is long and has some steep sections. Snacks will provide you with much-needed energy.

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Travel
I got a one-way ticket from Donmueang to Kuala Lumpur, then connected to Lombok from Kuala Lumpur.
On the way back, I flew directly from Lombok to Donmueang, which was arranged by the Thai embassy. We were caught in an earthquake and missed our flight.

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This journey was a truly remarkable experience. I am grateful to have survived the earthquake and witnessed the incredible unity and compassion displayed by both Thai and foreign nationals. It was an unforgettable and life-changing event.

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