Mount Rinjani Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below is a list of answers to some of the most common questions asked by people looking to subscribe to Rinjani Samalas trek packages. However, if your question is not answered in this FAQ list, kindly get in touch with us, and we will answer you shortly.
Q: When is the best time of the year to climb Mountain Rinjani? And when is it open?
A: The best time of the year to climb Mountain Rinjani is between April till December. The Mountain Rinjani National Park is usually closed from the 2nd week of January to the end of March (3 months) due to heavy rain. However, it is possible to trek all year round, due to the tropical climate of Lombok, except when there is a rise in the activity of the volcano. In this event, the National Park Authority will send a notification about the current activity level of the volcano.
Q: Is Mt Rinjani difficult to climb?
A: Climbing Mountain Rinjani is not easy, but anyone with considerable physical shape should be able to manage it. There will be porters on the ground throughout the climb. You will experience normal trekking throughout, except for some scrambling toward the summit. There is no need for rock climbing skills or any other technical climbing skills. For climbers who are interested in conserving their energy, they could choose to have a longer rest, while waiting for other climbers at the crater rim. read also how to train for mount rinjani
Q: Are there any extra charges in the package price?
A: Other than your personal needs, all other things required are provided in the package. There are no hidden charges, except where stated. Check our package details to see what is included and what is not.
Q: Do porters carry my backpack?
A: Your guide will serve as your partner throughout the trek. He will guide you, give you the right information as and when due, and provide other help when needed. Our porters load all of the logistics and camping equipment, set the tent, cook for you, and assist you in some other ways. However, they will not carry your day pack.
Rinjani Samalas offers special packages. whether it's a private package in the form of a partner, with family, or with friends. In addition, we also offer special packages at a more affordable price. You can create your group with a maximum limit of 10 people or more. The more people who participate, the cheaper the package price will be.
Q: How do I prepare to climb Mount Rinjani?
A: Mount Rinjani is neither high-grade nor technical, hence, you are responsible for bringing personal gear and equipment. We will provide camping equipment and food (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, toilet tents, pillows, and cooking items). However, other personal items like technical clothing (jacket, long and short sleeve shirts, hiking pants, fleece pants, shorts, briefs, underwear, sports bra, etc.), headwear (brimmed hat, knit hat, Balaclava, bandana), hand-wear (gloves and glove liners), footwear (hiking boots, gym shoes, socks and sock liners), accessories (sunglasses, backpack cover, poncho, towel, plastic bags etc.), and equipment (trekking poles, headlamps, daypack). Others are toiletries, prescriptions, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellant, hand sanitizer, snacks, and cameras. You may also need relevant paperwork like the trip receipt, passport, and insurance documents. You can check for a more detailed description of how to prepare to climb Mount Rinjani
Q: What foods and drinks are served on the trek?
A: Breakfast and lunch are constant, and sometimes Dinner. However, specific offers as regards foods and drinks depend on which trekking package you opt for. See our detailed rinjani food and drinks arrangement here.
Q: Do the guide and porters speak English?
A: Yes, all our mountain guides speak English and not always to our porter.
Q: Is mobile phone signals available in the mountains?
A: While there are strong mobile signals in the mountains and at the rim, they get weaker as you trek down towards the lake. It is however totally absent at the lake.
Q: Is hiking insurance provided in the package?
A: Yes. Hiking Insurance is provided by us in collaboration with Mount Rinjani National Park.
Q: Can I leave my extra travel luggage at base camp on departure day?
A: Yes, you can. If you have more luggage than would be needed for the trek, you can leave the extra luggage at the departure point at the offices of our partner agencies. It is recommended that you take only what you need for the trek, and leave everything else at departure. This will make you have a much easier and better trekking experience.
Q: What is the temperature like in the mountains?
A: In the day, the temperature is around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and below the rims. However, the temperature at night at the Rim is usually lower than 10 degrees Celcius, and at times, it can be near freezing especially towards the summit.
Q: Why should hike with Rinjani Samalas?
A: Rinjani Samalas has a rich knowledge of the Rinjani mountains and their vicinity. Also, we offer professional tour and trek guides that have the needed expertise to make sure participants and explorers have a safe and satisfactory experience throughout their participation. Our packages are flexible and affordable, and we make the best provisions regarding equipment and food for our participants during and after the trek.
Q: When is the Park of Mount Rinjani Close?
A: The Mountain Rinjani National Park is usually closed from the 2nd week of January to the end of March (3 months) due to heavy rain.
Q: How long is the trek and how many hours do we trek each day?
A: Usually, taking the usual route that covers the crater rims, summit, and lakes, only takes 3D2N. On the first day, there are 8 hours of the trek. the second day, there are 11 hours while the third day comprises 10 hours of trek.
Q: Do I need Physical Training?
A: Anyone planning to climb Mount Rinjani summit should have an excellent physical frame. In addition to this, the person should try to hike as much as possible on smaller hills and mountains to have an idea of the demands for climbing Mount Rinjani. Physical training might be in the form of embarking on day hikes or taking relevant gym classes. Likewise, it could be extended walking on weekends. It is better to start at a slow rate and increase the pace as time goes on.
Q: What are the differences between trekking via Senaru and Semablun?
A: Senaru and Semablun are the two main points of entry to the Rinjani National Park. Trekkers can climb from each village. For three days and four days of hikes, trekkers will depart from one village and descend to the other. However, it is highly recommended that trekkers should start in Sembalun because of the configurations of the trails.
Q: What clothes should l wear for the trek?
A: Just like any other mountain trek, climbing Mount Rinjani requires special dressing. Climbers can wear such clothes as a hood jacket, soft jacket, long and short sleeve shirts, hiking pants, fleece pants, shorts, long and short underwear, and sports bra. Others are brimmed and knit hats, bandanas, balaclavas, and gloves.
Q: What types of footwear are recommended for the trek?
A: Footwear includes Hiking Boots, Gym shoes, and socks. The hiking boots should be warm, waterproof, broken-in, and must come with spare laces. Gym shoes are not compulsory, and different types of socks are allowed, including thick, wool, or synthetic socks as well as sock liners.
Q: Do I need a trekking stick for the trek?
A: Yes, a good hiking stick would be needed for the summit climb. This is because the terrain close to the summit is steep and is made up of very fine and loose volcanic soil. Such terrain easily causes climbers to slip, hence the need for trekking sticks to offer extra support.
Q: Do I need any specialized equipment for the trek?
A: Apart from your backpack that contains your personal needs, all other specialized equipment will be catered for by Rinjani Samalas. However, you may need a headlamp and good trekking sticks.
Q: Is high altitude sickness a problem for the climb?
A: For any mountain as high as Rinjani, altitude sickness will be a concern. For more information on high altitude sickness, its symptoms, prevention, and treatment, you can check out the link below: http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm
Q: How much drinking water will be provided during the trek?
A: For every person climbing, there will be three liters of drinking water daily. Our porters will be responsible for carrying the bulk of the water, and they will fill everybody’s bottle or bag at each resting point or anytime during the trek when there is a low water supply.
Q: Will porters will be provided for the trek?
A: Yes, we provide porters for the trek to carry all the necessary items and equipment for the trek. However, climbers interested in hiring personal porters are free to do so.
Q: How many Guides and Porters are there for each program?
A: The number of guides and porters depends on the number of climbers present in a group. For private treks, at least a guide and porter are provided per climber.
Q: How much tip is appropriate for the guide and porters?
A: Yes, it is proper to offer guides and porters tips. They are mostly local villagers who are on the job during the hiking season to make some extra money. However, how much you give them is at your discretion, but anything around IDR 300K for each guide and IDR 100k for each porter to cover the whole group is fine.
Q: How much is the airport departure tax at Lombok Airport?
A: As of May 2015, the International Departure tax at the Lombok Airport was set at IDR 150k.
Q: What happens if I get injured during the trek?
A: In the case of any injury, our mountain guides are capable of assessing the extent of such injury and providing emergency responses to the injured. If the situation warrants an evacuation, we will reach out to the National Park, police, and local village head to facilitate such evacuation. However, trekkers must come with supplies of medications and purchase adequate insurance coverage.
Q: Is it possible to arrange a trip extension to other places of interest in Lombok after the trek?
A: Yes, trekkers who are interested in a trip extension can have it organized and arranged. Such places as Gili Islands, Senggigi Beach, and Kuta among others are available and open to visit by trekkers who have such preferences. We are capable of providing you with a customized itinerary that will include accommodations, destination/airport transfer, and speedboat transfer.
Q: How to directly book the package?
A: To book or inquiry about your package, kindly email us directly at: rinjanisamalas@gmail.com
Q: How do I pay for the trek?
A: On receiving your booking confirmation. The accepted payment methods include a debit card or credit card via Paypal as a secure payment.
Q: Do I get a certificate of appreciation after the trek?
A: Yes, we offer a Certificate Of Appreciation to our customers who have climbed and reached Mount Rinjani summit 3.726 m with our team.