Mount Rinjani: 2-Day Senaru Crater Rim Trek & Camping

Summary

Senaru trekking adventure to Rinjani crater rim with sunrise camp

You’ll hike from Senaru through rainforest to camp overnight on Mount Rinjani’s crater rim, guided by locals who know every twist in the trail. Watch sunset over Bali and wake for sunrise above Lake Segara Anak before trekking back down. Meals, camping gear, porters, and guide are all included—just bring your legs (and maybe an extra pair of socks).

What’s the experience like?

You don’t really know how green can smell until you’re halfway up the trail from Senaru, sweat mixing with the sharp scent of wet earth and leaves. Our guide, Pak Agus, set a pace that felt easy at first — but by Pos 2 I was already questioning my breakfast choices. He laughed and handed me a wedge of pineapple, sticky sweet in my hand. “Slowly,” he said, “the mountain is patient.” I liked that. The forest was thick and noisy with birds I couldn’t name, and sometimes you’d catch a glimpse of sunlight flickering through the trees, just enough to remind you how high you’re climbing.

The climb gets steeper after lunch at Pos 3 — not gonna lie, my legs were jelly by then. But the view when we finally broke through the last patch of grassland? Wild. The crater rim just opens up out of nowhere and suddenly there’s this huge blue lake below and Gunung Baru puffing quietly in the middle like it’s no big deal. Dinner tasted better than it should have (maybe because I didn’t have to carry any of it — porters are actual superheroes). We watched the sun drop behind Bali’s Mount Agung and the Gili Islands turned gold for a minute. Couldn’t really talk much; everyone just kind of sat there wrapped in jackets and silence.

I woke up before dawn because someone’s phone alarm went off (not mine for once). The cold bites up there — even with all those layers — but sunrise from Senaru Crater Rim is something else. Light creeps over the edge slow and pink, and suddenly you remember why you bothered hauling yourself up here in the first place. Agus brewed us some coffee that tasted half like smoke, half like victory. Going down was quieter; maybe tiredness or maybe nobody wanted to leave just yet. My boots are still muddy as I write this — haven’t washed them on purpose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek from Senaru to crater rim

• Have early breakfast
• Register at Rinjani Trek Centre
• Trek through tropical forest
• Rest at Pos 1 and Pos 2
• Lunch break at Pos 3
• Continue trek to crater rim
• Camp overnight at Senaru Crater Rim

Day 2 — Return trek to Senaru village

• Watch sunrise at crater rim
• Have leisurely breakfast
• Begin return trek to Senaru
• Rest and snack breaks en route
• Lunch break at Pos 2
• Arrive back in Senaru
• Transport to next destination

Top questions

How difficult is the Senaru crater rim trek?

This Rinjani trekking package is recommended for beginners or families with kids who have moderate fitness.

Are permits or tickets included in the price?

No, permits/tickets for Rinjani must be paid separately after booking via PayPal invoice.

What is included in the trekking package?

The trek includes an English-speaking guide, professional porters, camping equipment, meals, drinking water (3L per day), and luggage storage.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Pickup isn’t specifically mentioned; transport from Senaru to your next destination is included after finishing.

What time does the trek start and end?

The trek starts after early breakfast in Senaru; return is around 1pm on day two.

Is this suitable for people with health issues?

No; not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, poor cardiovascular health or low fitness.

Do I need to carry my own camping gear?

No; porters carry all cooking gear and camping equipment for you.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes; public transportation options are available near Senaru village.

What’s included

Your trek includes an experienced English-speaking guide plus professional porters who handle all cooking gear and camping equipment. You’ll get tents (with sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows), toilet tent with paper provided, daily meals along with three liters of mineral water per person each day, plus luggage storage at Lombok VolcanoTrekkingTrekking office before your hike begins.