My girlfriend and I chose Halomi Trekker company to organise our trip, we are experienced hikers but found Mount Rinjani to be our toughest hike ever. Some words of warning for those thinking of doing this trek. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker but you do need to be relatively fit or you will really suffer. We saw many people quit and even 1 girl who had to be carried off the mountain due to exhaustion. You also need to go with a right company to organise your trip or the trek will not be as enjoyable. We saw people with the cheaper companies and they were in larger groups (some as big as 15!) with poorer quality food and kit. Our group contained just 4 people and our porters brought adequate food & water not to mention folding chairs and a toilet tent (welcome luxuries). The cheaper companies don’t so, be aware of this. Also ensure that you bring proper hiking boots or trail shoes or you will get blisters & ankle injuries. Bring warm clothing as it gets very cold at night and near the summit. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, anti-malaria pills, anti-mosquito cream/spray, proper walking pants (not jeans like some people we saw) + waterproof gear and a first aid kit. These items are obvious to experienced walkers/hikers but many of the people I saw on Mount Rinjani lacked these standard items and suffered as a result.
This trek is definitely worth it for the breathtaking views and the sense of achievement but the amount of litter along the trail is both sad and disgusting. Part of it is down to the ignorance of locals and porters from the less well run companies but I suspect some of it is also down to the many inexperienced people doing the trek (clearly unaware of the standard pack it in pack it out philosophy). This trek is no picnic and has claimed many lives but if you are prepared physically, mentally, bring the right equipment and respect the advice and knowledge of the guides (we witnessed 2 very foolish Canadian guys who wanted to ignore their guide by skipping lunch and attempting to run up the mountain on day 1) then you are in for one very memorable experience.
