Rinjani in 5: Summit, Soak, and Snooze

Day 1 – Arrival & Rest in Senaru I flew from Singapore to Lombok and made my way to Senaru. It was a chill day for rest, gear check, and meeting the trekking crew. I stayed near the trailhead and visited Sendang Gile Waterfall for a light warm-up. Early sleep to prep for the climb ahead! Day 2 – Trek to Segara Anak Lake We started our Mount Rinjani trek from Sembalun in the early morning. The climb took us through grassy savannahs, then up to the crater rim before descending into the crater. We camped by Segara Anak Lake — surrounded by towering cliffs and misty peaks. Magical vibes. Day 3 – Summit Day! We woke up in the dark and started our summit push from the lake around 2–3am. The climb was steep, sandy, and mentally tough — but reaching the Mount Rinjani summit (3,726m) at sunrise made it all worth it. Watching the clouds spill over the crater rim with the lake below was absolutely breathtaking. After descending back to the lake, we spent the rest of the day resting and preparing for the hike out. Day 4 – Hot Springs & Descent via Torean Route This was our final day on the mountain. We started the morning with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs beside the lake — the best way to soothe post-summit legs. After that, we hiked out via the Torean route, which was incredibly scenic: waterfalls, bamboo bridges, river crossings, and lush jungle all the way. By late afternoon, we returned to civilization and checked in to Swiss-Belcourt Lombok — clean, modern, and so comfy after 3 nights of roughing it. Day 5 – Recovery & Return to Singapore I had a slow morning at the hotel, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, then made my way to the airport for my flight home. Rinjani was physically tough, but spiritually so rewarding. ⸻ 🏨 Where I Stayed: • Night 1: Guesthouse in Senaru • Night 2 & 3: Camping by Segara Anak Lake • Night 4: Swiss-Belcourt Lombok – highly recommend for post-trek comfort ⸻ 🍴 What I Ate: • Pre-trek: Local warungs in Senaru — basic but tasty • On the mountain: Meals were cooked by the porters (fried rice, noodles, eggs, veggies) — simple but warm and filling • Post-trek: Rewarded myself with local dishes like Ayam Taliwang and Sate Rembiga, plus solid hotel food ⸻ 📌 Tips from My Experience: • Summiting from the lake is very challenging — be ready for a tough, long climb with little rest • Soaking in the hot springs on Day 4 was a game changer — do not skip it! • Torean route is long but gentle, with some of the most beautiful jungle scenery I’ve seen • Essentials: headlamp, gloves, layers, trekking shoes with grip, and wet wipes • Hydrate well and pack snacks with electrolytes • Book a comfy hotel for the last night — Swiss-Belcourt was a great choice for a warm shower, soft bed, and solid recovery