Sotravel

An unexpected beginning

As the founder of Sotravel, I’ve always been drawn to high-octane activities like diving and skiing. Hiking never quite sparked the same excitement. To me, it seemed like a leisurely stroll compared to the adrenaline rush of skiing down snowy slopes. I just thought it wasn’t a fun thing.

I had originally planned a trip for Mt. Kinabalu, but a mix-up led me to Mt. Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia. Little did I know, this unexpected turn would become a transformative journey of my life.

Let me take you back to those days and moments that forever altered my perspective on hiking.

Day 1: Settling in

On the first day, my friend and I arrived in Lombok from Bali. While you can fly directly from Singapore to Lombok, we had opted for the scenic route, taking a ferry from Bali. Upon arrival, we found ourselves at an infinity pool, where we experienced a small earthquake! Later that day, our guide gathered everyone for a trip to a nearby waterfall. It was the perfect way to break the ice with our fellow travelers, as the cool water and strong currents made for a refreshing start to our journey.

Day 2: The ascent begins

We piled into a lorry, everyone squeezed tightly as we made our way towards Mt. Rinjani. Despite the cramped conditions, the windy ride turned out to be surprisingly fun, marking the beginning of our adventure. After a quick medical check-up, we passed through the gates of Rinjani National Park. The initial views were pleasant, but nothing mind-blowing. I was still unsure if this was my kind of adventure.

But after lunch, everything changed. We began our ascent to the crater rim, climbing vertical ladders and ropes. The effort was challenging, but also thrilling. And when we finally reached the rim, the view took my breath away. It felt like stepping into another world, where we were surrounded by a panoramic sight of lakes and tiny volcanoes. For me, the crater rim is the heart and soul of Rinjani.

We arrived around 5 pm, and very quickly the sun just started to set. That evening, we watched one of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen. It was an incredible feeling that we all shared. You can just grab a nice cup of hot coffee or sit down on the camping chairs and simply enjoy the beautiful sunset. To top it off, we were served some food and there was this banana chocolate cheese — it was the most delicious thing.

So in just a few hours, my perception of Rinjani completely changed. I had just witnessed the most beautiful sunset of my life, followed by a night sky filled with the most incredible stars, I could even see the Milky Way. It was at that moment that I started to realize… hiking might not be so bad after all.

Day 3: The grueling summit and a personal revelation

We managed to get some sleep around 10 pm, but had to wake up again at 2 am, groggy and freezing, the climb to the summit was grueling. It was two steps up, one step down in loose volcanic ash. It took us 15 minutes just to walk 50 meters uphill. But when we finally reached the top, it wasn’t the view that struck me. It was the realization of what I had achieved.

Standing at the peak of Rinjani, I finally understood why people do marathons, why they push their bodies to the limit. It’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself, the sense of accomplishment that comes from setting a goal and giving it your all. It’s a testament to your own strength and determination.

My friend was in tears at the summit, having wanted to give up so many times along the way. The peak became a place of reflection for many of us, some realizing they were capable of more than they ever thought possible.

As we made our way back down to the crater rim, we took a well-deserved lunch break before embarking on the next leg of our journey down to the lake. It was at this point that the exhaustion of the summit climb started to catch up with some of us. But this is why I love traveling with Sotravel and being part of a group; in times of doubt, we rallied together, supporting each other to push forward. Here’s a pro tip: The most rewarding parts of Rinjani lie beyond this point, and once you’ve conquered the initial challenges, everything else will be smooth sailing. So please don’t give up here!

Day 4: Relaxing lakeside and campfire night

Waking up beside the serene lake was another highlight of the trip. Picture this: opening your tent to a breathtaking panorama of mountains reflected in the glassy water, while sipping hot coffee in the crisp morning air. It felt like something straight out of a movie! We spent our morning swimming in the refreshing, chilly lake and exploring the surrounding area.

Later in the day, our journey took us through lush valleys, a stark contrast to the volcanic landscapes we had encountered on the previous days. Sandwiched between towering mountains, this new terrain offered a completely different kind of scenery.

Thanks to Rinjani’s volcanic activity, there are many natural hot springs in the area. Some even offered a cliff-jumping experience! It was a wild experience plunging from two stories high into steaming water, and after days of hiking, it was pure bliss — a reward well earned.

By nightfall, we gathered around a campfire, sharing stories, laughter, and personal highlights of our adventure under a sky full of stars. With no city lights or traffic sounds, it felt like we had traveled back in time to a simpler era.

Day 5: back to civilization

By the last day, we were all ready to return to civilization. We packed up and began our descent. After a couple of hours, we emerged from a trek through dense jungle, where the only paths were carved by nature and the ground was a mix of soft soil and tangled branches. It’s over. We are back in civilisation. Our phones started buzzing and this serene adventure came to an end. 

Mount Rinjani changed my life. It opened my eyes to the beauty and challenge of hiking. My journey is proof that the greatest rewards often come from the challenges we least expect. So if you’re looking for an adventure that will test your limits and reward you with unforgettable experiences, I highly recommend this incredible hike.

Tips for making the most of your hike

• Train for endurance. While physical preparation is key, it’s more about endurance than speed, so focus on building up your stamina with activities like regular jogging or hiking.
• Pack extra portable chargers. There’s no electricity on the mountain, so bring multiple portable chargers to make sure your devices stay powered throughout the hike.
• Bring a large hat & waterproof everything. This will help protect you from the intense sun at high altitudes, which can quickly lead to sunburn, and unexpected rain showers.
• Extend your trip. Don’t end your adventure at Rinjani! Ask our guide to drop you off at Gili Island, a perfect paradise to unwind on the beach after your challenging hike. Or if you have extra time, consider a boat trip to Komodo Island to spot whale sharks and marvel at the famous pink beach.

Come hike with us!