Indonesia | Precautions before climbing Mount Rinjani
Don't forget, it's an active volcano.
Before climbing, you must know that Mount Rinjani is still an active volcano, and the small volcano in the volcanic lake is still smoking and restless. In the 20th century, the volcano erupted four times, with the most recent one in 2018. However, with the development of modern technology, volcanic activity is now being monitored in real time. And with the improvement of disaster prevention and emergency response mechanisms, hiking on the volcano is now less dangerous.
Don't underestimate it, prepare your physical strength.
Linjiani volcano is suitable for light hiking. Compared with other peaks, it is relatively easy and safe, but you still need to understand and respect this great mountain and be prepared for the hardships. You will pass through loose gravel, steep and slippery trails, sharp turns, knife-like winds... and the most difficult part - going down the mountain. Hiking is not about watching the sunrise from the mountaintop or breaking someone else's record, it's about experiencing it within your ability, and nature will reveal its true beauty.
Don't try to go it alone.
Organized hiking is by far the easiest, safest, and most popular way to climb Mount Rinjani. Solo hiking is highly discouraged as the danger level is very high. Rinjani National Park requires hikers to hire certified guides and porters (people who carry luggage and supplies for tourists) for the climb.
Not reaching the summit is also completely fine.
Remember, even if you're not at the mountaintop, the sun will still rise. Don't be ashamed to say "no" to a mountaintop sunrise, it depends on your own situation. You should know that the most difficult and steep part is the last 4 kilometers, which takes about 4 hours. Reaching the summit to see the sunrise means waking up at 2am, hiking for 4 hours in pitch darkness and extreme cold, with temperatures around 0 degrees at the summit. Moreover, looking at the three-dimensional volcano map, the road to the mountain ridge even has a 70-degree steep slope, which is an extraordinary test of physical and mental strength. Therefore, please remember: safety first, and it's completely okay not to reach the summit!
Take away the garbage, eco-travel.
As more and more people hike to the Linjani volcano, we don't want this sacred mountain to be littered everywhere. Everyone should travel responsibly! It is recommended to carry a self-sealing bag with you to take your personal garbage away, and make sure that the travel company you choose can assist in taking away the garbage. If the travel company or porter cannot do so, it is recommended not to travel with them. Currently, the garbage removal work on the mountain is done by non-profit organizations and tourism companies.
Opening hours
Linjiani volcano opening hours: April to December every year, with May to October being the best season. This is the dry season in the southern hemisphere with less rain. January to March is the rainy season, and trekking during this time is not only dangerous, but rock and mudslides are also common. To ensure safety, do not secretly climb the mountain with local unregulated small companies during the closure period.