Mount Rinjani

There are few experiences as breathtaking or momentous as gazing over the cloud-brimmed crater of Mount Rinjani as a rising sun breaks past the peak of Mt. Barujari in the distance. Epic mosaics of pinks, oranges, and blues make up the early morning skies as the crater below brims with soft white, wispy clouds. Standing at an impressive 3,726 meters (12,224ft), Mount Rinjani is Indonesia’s second highest volcano. By the time you’ve reached the summit, you’re sure to be out of breath from not only the spectacular sunrise view, but also the 2am wake-up call and harrowing 1,000 meter final stretch in the dark. The only way to reach the summit of Rinjani is to embark on a 2-3 day guided trek complete with an overnight stay on the edge of the volcanic crater. After your night camping on the crater, you will encounter uphill, ashy terrain all the way up the summit’s narrow pass. The hike itself is not for the faint-of-heart as it requires hikers to traverse narrow and sometimes unstable terrain in the early hours of morning. Reaching the top is worth the multi-day grueling adventure as you take in the majestic hues of the sunrise lighting up the mountain. Keep an eye out for the monkeys on the way up too!

Lombok is no stranger to volcanic activity–in 2019, the island experienced a massive eruption on nearby peak Barujari that fissured the local community. Many people’s homes and livelihoods were destroyed and the island’s geography was physically changed by the plumage. Rinjani is one of Indonesia’s many active volcanoes, so while the chances of encountering seismic activity during your visit is very very small, it is always a possibility.