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Want to hike Mt Rinjani in Indonesia, but don’t know how to choose among the plethora of trekking companies? Want to avoid the crowds and trek a route not everyone does? You’ve come to the right place. We chose Green Rinjani for a private hike away from the popular Sembalun Summit route, and we can highly recommend not only the route but the company as well. Here is our detailed review.
If you want to learn more about the route we chose (or another far less busy route on the southern slopes of Mt Rinjani), head here first.
In case you're wondering: We paid for this experience ourselves, and we did not disclose (until much later) that we might be writing about it. So you can be sure that the experience we had is what anyone else is likely to experience too.
Choosing the right trekking route and company on Mt Rinjani can make our break your experience
What is it like hiking Mt Rinjani?
Mt Rinjani was hands-down the hardest hike I’ve ever done (and I’ve done some pretty hairy ones). Not for the steepness of the trail, the climate, temperature or my lack of fitness (though there was a bit of the latter), but for the difficulty of the trail itself:
- Loose sand on hard-packed soil made some sections incredibly slippery (and dangerous).
- Many parts of the trail were very narrow with steep drop-offs on one side, requiring an enormous amount of willpower (and thus energy) from someone with a fear of heights (that’s me) to just keep going.
- There is hardly any safety equipment on the trail itself. The very few ropes, ladders and steel steps that are in place were mostly along the almost vertical crater rim wall, where it would have been impossible to traverse the terrain otherwise.
Hiking Mt Rinjani is one of the hardest things I've ever done - the trails are steep and slippery, with near vertical drops
All the struggles though were absolutely worthwhile:
- The scenery was mind-blowing every step of the way: from stunning waterfalls and otherworldly landscapes in the Torean Canyon to beautiful panoramic views from the Senaru crater rim of Segara Anak Lake and Mt Rinjani’s summit and a dazzling sunset over the Lombok Strait with the Gilis and Bali’s Mt Agung.
- After an arduous first day of hiking, a cleansing hot spring bath on a sunny plateau above the Torean Canyon helped re-energise our tired bodies and made for a refreshing start to day 2 of our hike. Who would have thought that a simple bath could make such a difference?
- On the trail, we were lucky to observe not only several groups of feisty long-tailed grey macaques, and a variety of birds and butterflies but also (much rarer) black ebony leaf monkeys and even a palm civet.
All the struggles are worthwhile though when you get to enjoy views like this
How was our trekking experience with Green Rinjani?
The route we chose took us from the village of Torean on the northern slopes of Mt Rinjani (at about 600 metres above sea level) to Lake Segara Anak (2,000 metres) and the Senaru Crater Rim (2,640 metres) before finishing at Senaru village (800 metres).
We did the 3D/2N Torean/Senaru trek with Green Rinjani and have only good things to say about our experience
Is the 3D/2N Torean/Senaru trek with Green Rinjani a good value for money?
We paid USD$620 for our private trek (USD$310 per person). This price included:
- Pick-up from Mataram (2h15min), transfer to the starting point of our trek in Torean (30minutes) and post-hike drop-off in Tetebatu (2h15min) – each time in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Private guided hike to Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls on the day of arrival (entry fees of IDR20,000 per person were extra)
- Pre-trek accommodation at the Green Rinjani Guesthouse in Senaru (1 night)
- Welcome drink and snack, dinner and breakfast before the trek at the Green Rinjani Guesthouse
- Luggage storage during the hike at the Green Rinjani Office
Among many other features, the price of our trek included a comfortable night's accommodation at the Green Rinjani Guesthouse in Senaru
- National Park entrance fees (IDR150,000 per person)
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and three porters
- All camping equipment (sleeping tent, privacy tent, mattresses, sleeping bags, foldable dining table, chairs and first aid kit)
- All food and drinks during the hike
- One small tree per person (planted on our behalf during the wet season).
During the trek, our porters prepared delicious, varied and substantial breakfasts, lunches and dinners - giving us the energy needed for the trek
While it may seem like a lot (if compared with the lowest prices you can find for 2-Day/1-Night Summit Group treks by other companies), we believe it’s fair: The trekking guides and porters need to earn a living wage, as do guesthouse, restaurant and office staff, as well as drivers. Equipment needs to be bought, maintained and replaced. Food, drinks and fuel need to be bought. All of that adds up.
That said, the prices charged by Green Rinjani are higher than those charged by other companies for the same trek. We contacted all three companies offering the route we wanted to take and decided to go with Green Rinjani (and pay more) because of their focus on sustainability and safety.
We chose Green Rinjani (over other companies offering the same trek for a lower price) for their focus on sustainability and safety
How to book the 3-Day/2-Night Torean/Senaru trek with Green Rinjani
Make sure you book well in advance, especially if you want to hike during peak season (June to August), as visitor numbers on the mountain are limited and experienced trekking companies like Green Rinjani are very busy during that time.
Booking the trek via the Green Rinjani website is straightforward: complete the booking form at the end of the page. Ensure you select the correct route from the drop-down menu (3-Day Torean Senaru Trekking).
Also note: This route is not (yet) offered as a group trek, which means you’ll only be able to do it as a private trek (3 Days Trekking Deluxe Service). Select the number of people making up your group from the drop-down menu.
Once your booking is confirmed via email (make sure you check all the details, including the route and dates), you’ll be required to send a digital copy of your passport to everyone in your private group. This is to get the required National Park entry permits. A deposit (equivalent to 16.67% of the tour price) is also payable at that point. The remainder is charged upon check-in at the Green Rinjani Guesthouse. Payments via PayPal attract a 5% surcharge, and credit card payments a 3% surcharge.
If at any point you have trouble reaching Green Rinjani via email, contact the owner (Ariee) via WhatsApp.
What is not included in the tour price?
The following items are not included in any of the tours conducted by Green Rinjani:
- Flights to/from Lombok
- Tips for guide/s and porters
- Extra porter/s to carry your luggage (USD22 per day/per porter)
- Travel insurance.
How much should you tip your guides and porters?
The price for your trek does not include tips for your guide/s and porters. If you are happy with their service, expect to pay a minimum of IDR50,000 per person/day (recommendation of the National Park) and up to 10% of the overall price of your trek (found in other sources) – divided equally between the guide/s and porters. If unsure, err on the side of paying more rather than less (we hadn’t done our research and with the benefit of hindsight, wished we had given more).
Also worth knowing: The guides and porters are employed by the National Park and (sub)contracted to the trekking companies. While many work mostly for one trekking company, you may encounter the same guide or porter working for different companies throughout the year.
Your guide/s and porters are working hard to give you the experience of a lifetime - Tips are customary (and in addition to your tour price)
What to pack for your Mt Rinjani hike
Carrying appropriate gear, including warm clothing and rain gear, is important for any hike. No matter which trail you choose, the temperature range on your hike will be immense: from 30-35 degrees Celsius (86-95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the sun during the day to 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit) on the crater rim at night (and even lower at the summit). Layers are essential (our sleeping bags were not warm enough). Ensure your backpack accommodates a 1.5-litre water bottle (or two).
Below is my recommendation based on our experience.
| Quantity | Item | Recommendation for women | Recommendation for men | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hiking Pack | Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack | Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack | |
| 2-3 | T-Shirt | Unbound Merino Womens Merino V-Neck T-Shirt | Unbound Merino Mens Crew Neck T-Shirt | One per day Wear the clean one overnight |
| 2 | 3/4 Pants / Shorts | prAna Koen 5" Short | Patagonia Mens Quandary Shorts | To wear during the day |
| 1 | Comfortable Long Pants | Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Pants | Patagonia Mens Quandary Pants | To wear in the evening/overnight |
| 3 | Underwear | Boody G-String Underwear | Unbound Merino Mens Boxer Briefs | |
| 1 | Bra | Boody Lyolyte Triangle Padded Bralette | N/A | |
| 1 | Long-sleeve T-shirt | Unbound Merino Womens Slim Merino Long Sleeve V-Neck | Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Crew | To wear in the evening/overnight |
| 1 | Jumper or Cardigan | Unbound Merino Mens Compact Travel Hoodie | To wear in the evening/overnight and early morning | |
| 1 | Leggings or Long Johns | Macpac Women's Traverse Trail Tights | To wear under your pants overnight | |
| 1 | Rain Jacket | Patagonia Womens Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket | Patagonia Mens Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket | |
| 1 | Hat / Beanie | Icebreaker Pocket Hat | Icebreaker Pocket Hat | Wear hat during the day and beanie at night |
| 1 | Neckwear | Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear | Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear | Optional - to protect against the sun, dust and cold |
| 1 | Gloves | Icebreaker Unisex Merino 260 Quantum Gloves | Icebreaker Unisex Merino 260 Quantum Gloves | Optional - to wear at night |
| 1 | Towel | PackTowl Personal Towel | PackTowl Personal Towel | If your trek includes a stop at a hot spring |
| 1 | Bathing Suit | Cupshe Green Halter Slim and Sculpt One Piece | Patagonia Men's Wavefarer Boardshorts | If your trek includes a stop at a hot spring |
| 1 pair | Hiking Shoes | Salomon X Ultra 360 | Xero Shoes Scrambler Trail Low WP | Good profile/grip - DO NOT wear road running shoes |
| 3 pairs | Hiking Socks | Macpac Merino Rouleur Sock | Fox River Basecamp 2.0 Lightweight Quarter Crew Hiking Sock | |
| 1 pair | Sandals | Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV | Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV | Optional, but recommended to wear around the campsite |
| 1 pair | Sunglasses | Rudy Project Rydon Sunglasses | ||
| 1 | Headlamp | Nitecore NU20 Classic Headlamp | Nitecore NU20 Classic Headlamp | |
| 1 set | Hiking Poles | Leki Ultratrail FX.One Trekking Poles | Leki Ultratrail FX.One Trekking Poles | Highly recommended - we hired ours from Green Rinjani |
| Trail Snacks | For example: muesli bars, dates and nuts | |||
| 1 | Small Garbage Bag | To collect own rubbish (tissues, wraps etc) during the hike | ||
| Basic toiletries and wet tissues | You won't be able to shower for a few days | |||
| 1 | First Aid Kit | Include at least pain killers and adhesive bandages | ||
| 1 bottle | Magnesium Chloride Spray and/or Diclofenac Gel | Optional | ||
| 1 bottle | Sun Screen | Apply daily prior to commencing your hike (and reapply during the day as needed) | ||
| 1 bottle | Insect Repellent |
Still on the fence about hiking Mt Rinjani with Green Rinjani?
Do you have any questions I haven’t answered? Please let me know. I’m happy to help.
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