Our Crater Rim Hike is a 2 day / 1 night trek is best for travelers wanting to see the beautiful views on Mt. Rinjani, but possibly find the summit to be a little too challenging. This day starts at your homestay in Senaru Village in North Lombok. You will have breakfast & coffee at your homestay before this day starts.
There are 2 ways to hike to the crater rim. One way is to leave directly from Senaru, and the other is to take 1 hour drive (island style) to Sembalun. The drive is a memory in itself as you ride in the back of a truck, wind in your hair, through the villages of Lombok.
If you journey directly from Senaru, you will hike through the heart of Gunung Rinjani National Park (a UNESCO geopark). On day one, you will ascend through thick rainforest that covers the lower slopes of Mt Rinjani. In the afternoon, you will exit the treeline to the more exposed area of the mountain and follow grassy ridgelines up to Senaru Crater Rim. The campsite at Senaru Crater Rim (also known as Plawangan Senaru) has beautiful views! To the North East is Mount Rinjani’s summit, and just below is Segara Anak & Mt Barujari (an active volcano). On a clear day it’s possible to see the Gili Isles to the West – Gili Trawangan, Meno and Air. Behind these three tiny islands, Bali’s Mt Agung sits high above the horizon.
If you decide to journey from Sembalun, the trek is equally beautiful, but more direct. This is the same route that we offer our Summit Hike travelers, and is a little more steep yet not as long. Both options have you to the crater rim in the afternoon.
Since most travelers prefer to go all the way to the summit, please ask ahead about this hike. We require a minimum of 2 people for this hike.