Guides and trekking agencies in Mount Rinjani
At times it seems that everyone in Lombok is a trekking guide for Mount Rinjani, especially on the main tourist strip in Senggigi.
Take most of what you are told with a pinch of salt and you will find the most experienced and reputable guides at the main trekking centres at Senaru and Sembalun Lawang. It does happen that tourists who are highly experienced hikers or climbers may find themselves far better prepared and skilled for mountain conditions than the local guides. Codes of conduct have been developed for the local trekking support community that include climbing safety, environmental awareness and responsible use. Some of the guides and trekking organisations are better than others at respecting these agreements and guidelines. It is also a good idea to independently check for any volcanic alerts that may have been issued for Mount Rinjani.
Many visitors have found it is preferable to avoid package deals purchased away from Senaru, and instead negotiate either with one of the four trekking providers listed below or with the guides themselves to ensure that they are actually competent. If there is a problem, you can then find a different guide company in Senaru or Sembalun.
To help you judge the experience, abilities and equipment provision of a potential guide and support team it may assist to consider the following:
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Use of pre-booking services for Rinjani treks
The use of pre-booking services and travel agents for the booking and pre-payment of Mount Rinjani treks should be approached with considerable caution.
One active booking agent uses names and logos that mimic established and legitimate providers and utilises multiple misleading and deceptive websites to redirect bookings and pre-payments to their own booking services.
The inadvertent use of an unscrupulous booking service may lead to your booking and any pre-payments being redirected to an alternative provider. This may result in the non-fulfilment of arrangements for pre-booked accommodation, transfers and mountain treks.
It is recommended to either use one of the providers listed in this article or to make arrangements directly with a provider after arriving in Lombok.
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preparation for rain squalls such as waterproof covers for equipment and supplies, personal raincoats or emergency ponchos
ensuring that all trek participants are provided with clothing suitable to the conditions and provided with a thermally protective layer such as polypropylene
first aid equipment and training including treatment for exposure, provision of supplies such as emergency splints for fractures and space blankets
provision of a trowel or fold-away shovel for burying human waste and the provision of toilet paper
if the guide team are cooking or handling food are they going to wash and clean their hands, all plates and utensils using detergent/soap
ensure that the guides and porters understand how to pitch their supplied tents and can demonstrate that the tents are complete.
ensure it is demonstrated that the tents can be pitched using adequate pegs and with the fly sheets secured away from the tent so that moisture does not seep in even if it is windy and raining.
provision of a route map detailing emergency assembly points and demonstrate a capacity to communicate a position to a rescue party
that an emergency management plan is in place in case of accident or other emergency during the climb
availability of a working mobile phone for emergency calls and provision of a SIM card that has sufficient credit to deal with communications in an emergency
availability of a serviceable VHF hand held radio with two fully charged batteries and a capacity to use it in case of emergency.
availability of a satellite phone in serviceable condition, in service, with active network reception and supplied with a fully charged battery
Guide fees are generally negotiable. Only the Rp 150,000 park entrance fee is set by the park authority. A sensible package price range would be:
2 days, 1 night trek to the crater rim only: Rp 1,500,000-2,000,000 per person.
4 days, 3 night trek: Rp 2,500,000-3,000,000.
These trekking fees will vary though according to how busy the guides are, how many people are in your party and if a commission is due to a referring person or agency. Some guide companies will charge as little as Rp 900,000 per person for a 2-night trek in the off-season, but it is important to check they are properly experienced, equipped and provisioned. Ensure your trek price is all-inclusive of any extra charges for transportation, provisions, porter fees and the park entrance fees.
The following all offer organised treks with accommodation, transport to the mountain, return to your accommodation and can also help with hiring a private guide if required:
Adventure Rinjani, ☎ +62 818 036 27365 ( ), . Mount Rinjani information and trekking packages. �
John’s Adventures, ☎ +62 817 57880182 ( ), . Well established agency who offer a full range of trekking packages. John has been guiding climbers up Rinjani for 17 years. �
Lombok Rinjani Trek Organisation, Hotel Lombok Raya, Mataram, Lombok, ☎ +62 370 641124, . An official patnership between the national park authority and local communities with support from NZ AID. Offer a full range of trekking packages and an excellent source of advice. A city office in Mataram and one at each of the two trek departure points. �
Rinjani Trekking, ☎ +62 821 4619 8683 ( ), . Trekking packages for Sembalun, Senaru, Timbanuh and Torean trekking routes. �
Rinjani Trekking Club (Rinjani Club Tour & Travel Service), JL. Raya Senggigi Km 08, Senggigi, ☎ +62 370 693202 ( , fax: +62 370 693860), . 24hr +62 817 5730415. Team of young biologists and naturalists providing experts in mountaineering survival and tropical rain forest. Teams trained & licensed in search & rescue technique (SAR-Lombok), use local porters and promote a code of environmental good conduct. This provider has a stated policy of environmental respect and sustainable use of the trekking routes. The manager of Rinjani Trekking Club is Imron Rosadi (Ronie). Provides ascents using the Senaru, Sambulan Lawang and Benang Stokel routes. Rinjani Trekking Club may also be contacted through No Roads Expeditions in Australia . �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Mount Rinjani
