Mount Rinjani: Day Trips and Tours from Lombok

Those looking to challenge themselves while on vacation or simply tick off a bucket list experience should book a multi-day trip to Mount Rinjani from Lombok.

Among South East Asia’s highest volcanoes, Mount Rinjani is firmly on the tourist trail as one of the most incredible natural phenomena in Indonesia. The volcano is home to numerous crater rims, which you can camp along if you dare, as well as a colossal crater lake, perfect for jumping into its sparkling waters and cooling off from a hike.

Here's all you need to know about Mount Rinjani, one of the most exciting multi-day trips from Lombok.

How to get to Mount Rinjani from Lombok?

Mount Rinjani is located in the center of North Lombok. It is approximately 100 kilometers north of Kuta, where many tourists choose to stay on the island, or just over 100 kilometers northeast of Sengiggi, located on the west coast.

From Lombok to Mount Rinjani by car

The journey to Mount Rinjani by car from Kuta is simple. You’ll leave Kuta in a northerly direction along the Jalan Raya Praya - Kopang, followed by Jalan Raya Mataram - Sikue. You’ll then continue along Jalan Raya Anjani to travel up the island, utilizing Jalan Wisata Gn. Rinjani to complete your route. The whole journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Alternatively, if you’re making the jaunt to Mount Rinjani from Sengiggi, you’ll follow the coastal road north out of the beach town as far as Desa Anjar where you’ll head inland along Jalan Raya Sembalun Lawang, which leads you to the national park.

Guided tour to Mount Rinjani from Lombok

Public transport on Lombok is limited, which is why those without access to a car should consider booking a guided excursion to Mount Rinjani and allowing someone else to take care of the transportation details for them.

These typically last 2 or 3 days and usually begin at the tour provider’s office where you’ll participate in a briefing before starting your journey to the volcano. You can expect to start early in the morning on the first day of your trip — between 6 AM and 7 AM — and once your adventure is over, you’ll be dropped back to the meeting point.

You can find out the exact address for each tour’s meeting point in advance so that you can plan your route ahead of time and arrange any necessary transportation.

If you have less time to spare, you can opt for a day tour to Mount Rinjani, which includes a complimentary hotel pickup service.

How much does the entrance ticket to Mount Rinjani cost?

The entry fee for Mount Rinjani National Park, where the mountain is situated, is IDR150,000 (US$10) per person, which goes towards maintenance of the reserve. Bear in mind that this admission fee is charged per person per day, which means that you may need to pay double or triple this when participating in a multi-day tour.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Mount Rinjani day tour is unique, every excursion shares similarities. After meeting your guide, either at the tour operator’s office or in the lobby of your hotel, you’ll set off toward Mount Rinjani National Park where you’ll typically begin hiking.

The route you take up the volcano depends on the amount of time you have to spare and if you choose a day trip, you’ll generally only ascend to the Senaru crater rim. However, if you select a longer, multi-day trip to Mount Rinjani, you’ll have the flexibility to visit more of the area, gaining a more thorough understanding of the active volcano.

These additional sites include Sembalun Crater, as well as Segara Anak Lake. On one of these multi-day tours, you’ll usually have your belongings carried for you by a team of porters who accompany the group and you’ll camp overnight in tents prepared for you by the same team.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Mount Rinjani?

There are several different types of day tours and multi-day trips to Mount Rinjani. You should choose one based on the time you have to spare and your own travel style.

Day trip to Mount Rinjani from Lombok

Those who are limited on time can explore Lombok’s natural wonders in just a few hours on this day trip to Mount Rinjani. You’ll start early in order to ascend the volcano and catch a blazing sunrise from the Senaru crater rim, before planting a tree on Rinjani as part of an eco-friendly initiative to protect the environment.

This is a great way to gain an introduction to the region if your itinerary simply doesn’t allow for a multi-day tour, and is suitable for those with trekking experience.

2-Day trekking tours to Mount Rinjani from Lombok

The most popular type of tour to Mount Rinjani lasts more than 24 hours and enables you to take your time admiring the volcano's spectacular views over this 2-day trip.

While challenging, the route you’ll take up the mountain is among the easiest, making it suitable for most types of travelers. You’ll experience the rugged charm of camping overnight in the national park after taking in majestic views that stretch across the Gili Islands, and as far as Bali, during sunset.

4-Day tour to Mount Rinjani from Lombok

Those with a less rigid itinerary can select a 4-day tour to Mount Rinjani and really take their time getting to know this breathtaking region of Indonesia. You’ll begin in Sembalun Village where you’ll don your hiking boots after spending the night and start your steep trek up to the Sembalun Crater, which is located more than 2,600 meters above sea level.

Camp along the crater rim for an unforgettable experience before continuing on early the next day to reach Rinjani’s astounding summit. After being awed by the sunrise views from this spot, you’ll enjoy cooling off in Segara Anak Lake, before making your way to Senaru Crater, where you’ll enjoy a restful night under the stars.

Day four begins with another beautiful sunrise before making the winding journey down to Senaru Village.

How much does a day trip to Mount Rinjani from Lombok cost?

If choosing a day trip to Mount Rinjani, you’ll pay between US$150 and US$160 per person aged 16 and over. This includes breakfast and lunch, and you’ll enjoy the personalization of a private tour. You can book for up to 10 individuals at a time.

Alternatively, participate in a 2-day trip to Mount Rinjani, which is also a private affair. These also cost between US$150 and US$160 per person, and include all camping equipment, meals and the services of both a guide and porters who carry all luggage so that you can have the most comfortable experience possible. However, you should bear in mind that the overall tour price does not include admission fees for the national park.

Mount Rinjani 4-day tours operate in hiking groups of between six and nine guests. You’ll pay approximately US$210 per person to participate and benefit from having all meals and basic accommodation provided. You can, however, choose to upgrade your experience to a private tour, which costs just under US$330 per person, during which you’ll benefit from additional comforts.

What will you see and do?

With a height of over 3,700 meters, Mount Rinjani is the second-tallest volcano in Indonesia, beaten only by Mount Kerinci, located in Sumatra.

The volcano was formed during the explosion of Mount Samalas in the 13th century and has erupted numerous times since records began in the 19th century, the last of which was in 2016. Geology buffs will notice that Rinjani is a stratovolcano, formed of alternate layers of ash and lava, and its crater lake — Segara Anak — is over 200 meters deep.

Segara Anak Lake is also home to a hot spring, which is a favorite spot among tourists on a Mount Rinjani day trip. The slopes of the volcano are home to numerous species of fauna, including rusa dee, ebony leaf monkeys and leopards.

What are the opening times?

Mount Rinjani is open to travelers between April and January each year.

When is the best time to visit Mount Rinjani?

The best time to visit Mount Rinjani is during the dry season, typically between April and November, with May to July being considered the most ideal months. During this period, the weather is usually dry and less humid, making the hiking conditions more favorable.

What other day trips can you do from Lombok?

• Pink Beach day trips from Lombok
• Benang Kelambu Waterfall day trips from Lombok
• Sasak Village day trips from Lombok
• Benang Stokel Waterfall day trips from Lombok
• Tiu Kelep Waterfall day trips from Lombok

Travel tips

• Consider your physical condition and fitness level as trekking Mount Rinjani is challenging.
• Bring appropriate trekking gear, including a good pair of hiking boots, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and suitable clothing layers for varying weather conditions.
• Pack a high-quality, waterproof jacket, and warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles. Carry out all waste and avoid disturbing the local flora and fauna.