Mount Rinjani Trek: 3D2N Summit, Lake & Hot Springs

Summary

Summit sunrise, crater lake swims and hot spring aches fading away

You’ll start early in Sembalun village with your guide, trek across meadows and steep ridges to camp above Mount Rinjani’s crater rim, then climb to the summit for sunrise views stretching to Bali. Swim in Segara Anak Lake, soak tired muscles in natural hot springs, and finish by hiking down through rainforest to Senaru village—aching but kind of proud.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sweating before breakfast in Sembalun—there’s something about the way the air sits heavy here, like it knows what’s coming. Our guide, Pak Dedi, handed out bananas and grinned at my boots (“new ones always hurt,” he said). The first stretch through open meadow felt almost easy—birds darting low, grass brushing our legs—but by Pos 3 I was counting every step. Lunch was rice wrapped in a banana leaf. I remember the smell of lemongrass and fried shallots more than the taste. That night on the crater rim, we watched clouds burn pink over Rinjani’s shadow. I didn’t sleep much; too much wind flapping the tent and my legs twitching from the climb.

At 2am, nobody talks much. Just headlamps bobbing in the dark, boots crunching volcanic gravel. The summit push is brutal—three steps up, two sliding back—but then you’re there at 3726 meters, sun cracking open over Lombok and Bali floating in haze. My hands shook pouring coffee from a battered thermos. Going down to Segara Anak Lake felt endless but then suddenly you’re by water so blue it looks fake. We dunked aching feet while porters set up lunch again (I tried to say “terima kasih banyak” but probably butchered it—Dedi just laughed). The hot springs nearby are sulfurous and weirdly soothing; steam curling around everyone’s tired faces.

The last morning on Senaru rim was all golden light and sore knees. Breakfast with instant noodles never tasted better—I swear that view makes everything taste different. The trail down into rainforest was slippery from last night’s rain; monkeys watched us from high branches (black ones, rare apparently). Five hours sliding and stumbling until suddenly you’re back among motorbikes and warungs in Senaru village. I kept thinking about that first cold wind on the summit—and how small everything looked from up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek from Sembalun to crater rim

• Wake up at 6:00 and have breakfast
• Drive to Sembalun village and register
• Start trekking from Sembalun at 8:00 am
• Climb to Post 1 (1300m)
• Continue to Post 2 (1500m)
• Reach Post 3 (1800m) and have lunch
• Climb steeply to Sembalun crater rim (2639m)
• Camp overnight at crater rim

Day 2 — Summit and descend to Senaru rim

• Wake up at 2:00 am with hot drink and light breakfast
• Climb to summit (3726m) by 6:00 am
• Enjoy sunrise and panoramic views
• Descend to crater rim and have breakfast
• Continue descending to Segara Anak Lake
• Rest and swim at the lake
• Soak in hot springs near the lake
• Have lunch prepared by porters
• Climb to Senaru crater rim (2641m)
• Camp overnight and watch sunset

Day 3 — Descend from Senaru to village

• Have breakfast with sunrise view
• Descend through rainforest to Senaru village
• Look for rare black monkeys
• Take lunch along the way
• Arrive at Senaru village (601m)

Top questions

How difficult is the Mount Rinjani 3D2N trek?

This trek is challenging and best for experienced hikers or those comfortable walking up and down hills for around 8 hours per day.

Does this Mount Rinjani trek include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Senaru is included before starting the trek.

Are meals provided during the Mount Rinjani trek?

Yes, food and drinking water are included throughout the trek.

What is included in the Mount Rinjani trekking package?

The package includes professional guide & porters, camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag), meals, national park entry fees, hotel pickup & post-trek transport.

Where does the Mount Rinjani 3-day trek start and end?

The trek starts at Sembalun village and ends at Senaru village on Lombok island.

Is swimming allowed in Segara Anak Lake during this tour?

Yes, there is time to swim in Segara Anak Lake during the second day of trekking.

Can you visit hot springs on this Mount Rinjani tour?

Yes, you can bathe in natural hot springs near Segara Anak Lake after reaching it on day two.

What should I bring for this trek?

You should bring suitable hiking clothes/shoes; tents & sleeping bags are provided by guides/porters.

Are there any health restrictions for this trek?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pickup from Senaru before dawn each day out on Mount Rinjani’s slopes with a professional local guide and porters who handle tents, sleeping bags, meals (think rice packets eaten cross-legged beside a lake), all drinking water along the way plus entrance fees for every day inside Rinjani. After finishing at Senaru village they’ll drive you back to Senggigi or Mataram—or even Bangsal harbor if that’s where your next boat leaves from.