Part 1
A Journey from Vietnam to Mount Rinjani, Lombok 🇻🇳🇮🇩
From Vietnam to Lombok, Embark on an Unforgettable Journey
On August 15, 2026, a woman named Ly, a tourist from Vietnam, came to Indonesia with one purpose, experiencing firsthand the adventure of climbing Mount Rinjani in Lombok.
Ly opted for a 3 days 2 nights hiking package with Mount Rinjani Eco Trails. For Ly, this journey is not just about reaching the top, but also about enjoying nature, getting to know the local culture, and testing herself on a solo trip.
August 15, 2026 — Arrived in Lombok
The clock showed around 17.30 WITA when Ly arrived at Lombok International Airport. We were already waiting for him to pick him up and drive him to Senaru Village, where Ly would spend the night before starting the hike.
The journey from the airport to Senaru takes approximately 3 hours using a private car. after a long journey, Ly and I started to feel hungry. I then offered to stop for a while in Mataram City so that we could enjoy dinner.
I invited Ly to try Lombok’s typical food. Happily, Ly agreed to the invitation.
The evening was a pleasant start. On the way to Rinjani, Ly not only got his first experience of enjoying Lombok’s specialties, but also began to get to know a little bit of the atmosphere and hospitality of the local people.
After dinner was over, we continued our journey to Senaru Village.
Around 22.00 WITA, we finally arrived at the inn that had been prepared for Ly.
I helped Ly with the check-in process so that everything went smoothly. After that, Ly rested because the next day was the first day of the trip to Mount Rinjani.
August 16, 2026 — First Day of the Climb
In the morning at around 06.00 WITA, I returned to the inn to pick up Ly.
When I arrived, Ly was already ready. All of his gear has been prepared and he looks excited to embark on the adventure.
But before going on the climb, we first did a medical check-up as part of the preparation for the climb. This examination is important to ensure that Ly’s health condition is good enough before starting the trip.
After everything was declared ready, we departed from Senaru to Sembalun Village using an open-top car.
The journey from Senaru to Sembalun takes about 45 minutes.
Along the way, I saw Ly looking quite nervous. Perhaps because this was his first experience facing the famous Rinjani climb with challenging terrain.
I continued to encourage and assure him that he could go well on this journey.
And apparently, Rinjani gave the first surprise to Ly.
The weather this morning was very sunny. The clear skies made the scenery along the way look very beautiful. The mountains, hills, and natural expanses of Lombok seemed to be a special welcome for Ly’s first trip to Rinjani.
After about 45 minutes of travel, we finally arrived at Sembalun Village.
Registration at Sembalun Resort
Arriving in Sembalun, we went straight to the Sembalun Resort to do the climbing registration process at Mount Rinjani National Park.
We didn’t have to wait too long. The officers on guard serve the registration process well so that all administration can be completed smoothly.
After the registration process was complete, we returned to the vehicle and continued our journey to the Cowshed, the starting point of our climb.
Getting Started
When we arrived at the Cowshed, we didn’t walk right away.
We first double-checked all the equipment that will be carried during the trip. We make sure that food, camping equipment, personal equipment, drinking water, and other needs are complete.
On this trip, she was also accompanied by two porters, namely Acuk and Sariati. They are in charge of helping to carry equipment and ensure that necessities during the trip can be properly prepared.
Once everything is ready, the journey finally begins.
For the first day, Ly and I decided to walk from the Cowpen to Pos 2, where we planned to have lunch.
The atmosphere of the path is quite crowded. Many other climbers are also heading to Pos 2. Interestingly, along the way we saw quite a lot of climbers who chose to use motorcycle taxi services to pass the first part of the trail.
But Ly chose to walk. Step by step, he began to enjoy the journey. Although he still looked a little nervous, his enthusiasm slowly began to grow.
For a climber who came alone from Vietnam, this trip is certainly not something simple.
But this is precisely where the story of Ly’s solo trip begins.
It’s not about how fast he arrives.
It’s not about who’s stronger.
But it’s about having the courage to step up, enjoying every sight, and believing that every little step will bring him closer to the goal.
10.30 AM local time — Arrive at Post 2
Around 10.30 WITA, we finally arrived at Post 2.
As soon as we arrived, we were immediately greeted with warm smiles from our two porters, Acuk and Sariati.
They had already prepared lunch for Ly. After walking quite far from the Cowshed, this lunch became a highly anticipated moment.
Acuk and Sariati then served the food attentively.
Today’s lunch menu is mixed rice, accompanied by Coca-Cola, fresh fruit, and ginger tea.
For a climber, a simple meal served after a few hours of walking can feel very special.
Ly enjoyed her lunch while resting and enjoying the atmosphere of Pos 2. The smile on his face showed that the tiredness that was starting to appear was not able to overcome his pleasure in Rinjani.
After lunch was over and the power started to return, we again prepared our equipment to continue the journey to Pelawangan Sembalun (camping area), where we would set up camp for the first night.
Pos 2 Towards Pelawangan Sembalun
The journey from Pos 2 to Pelawangan Sembalun takes about 4 hours, depending on the physical condition and speed of each climber.
From Pos 2 to Pos 3, the path is still quite sloping. This part is perfect for warming up before facing more challenging terrain.
Ly walked with a pretty good rhythm. I kept an eye on his condition and his steps, making sure he wasn’t pushing himself too much.
Arriving at Pos 3, we decided to rest for a while.
In front of us there is still a steeper part of the path.
From Pos 3 to Pelawangan Sembalun, the terrain began to change. The climb is getting steeper and some parts of the trail are filled with rocks.
Before continuing the journey, I explained to Ly a brief overview of the path we were going to pass.
I want him to know what to face so that he can prepare mentally and manage his energy better.
I told him that the next trip would require more energy, but we would go through it slowly.
There’s no need to rush.
The most important thing is to keep your pace, manage your breathing, and enjoy the ride.
From Post 3 to Post 4
About an hour after leaving Pos 3, we finally arrived at Pos 4.
This post is one of the most well-known parts of the Sembalun hiking trail, especially because of the existence of the Cemara Siu area and the path to Pessalan Hill.
Arriving at Pos 4, I invited Ly to rest for a while.
We sat down while enjoying the atmosphere. I gave Ly a drink and a few biscuits that I brought with me to help restore his energy before facing the next climb.
Ly was silent for a moment.
He sighed as he looked at the vast landscape that opened up before us.
From this place, the view feels so vast. The hills and natural expanses of Sembalun look more beautiful from a height.
I then asked her,
“Are you okay, Ly?”
She is smiled and replied casually,
“Very good, Ben.” 😊😊
Hearing the answer, I was relieved.
It turned out that even though the trip started to feel heavy, Ly was still in good shape and still enjoyed every moment.
Facing the Hill of Regret
After getting enough rest, I again gave Ly an explanation about the path we were going to take.
I told her that the next trip was to the Hill of Regret.
The trail has a very steep slope in some parts. The surface is also quite dry and sandy so the footing can feel slippery and shift easily.
I again reminded Ly to be careful, keep his balance, and not to rush when she walks.
But what surprised me quite was Ly’s response.
She didn’t look nervous at all.
There was no fear visible on her face.
She actually looks ready to face the next challenge.
We then started climbing Sorrow Hill.
Step by step, Ly passed the climb very well.
I kept a close watch, making sure the pace was safe and the pace wasn’t too fast.
But the further we went up, the more I realized that Ly turned out to have very good endurance.
She passed through the steep slopes with confidence, as if he was used to facing such terrain.
In fact, Ly managed to pass through the Sorrow Hill section in less than an hour.
I was really impressed.
The woman who a few hours earlier looked nervous on the way to Sembalun now walked through one of the quite challenging parts with confidence.
At that moment I thought:
“It turns out that Rinjani is not only testing Ly. Rinjani is also showing Ly that she is much stronger than she imagined.”
And the journey to Pelawangan Sembalun is still not finished.
There are still steps we have to go through.
There are still sights waiting.
And there is still a story that we will take home from Mount Rinjani.
From the Hill of Regret to Pelawangan Sembalun
After successfully passing through the Hill of Regret in less than an hour, Ly’s journey was not finished. In front of us there are still several climbs to pass before finally reaching the first destination of the day, which is Pelawangan Sembalun, where we will spend the night.
I kept the rhythm of the trip so that Ly wouldn’t put too much pressure on him. We walked slowly, enjoying every step and occasionally stopping to take a breath.
The higher we walked, the more incredible the view behind became.
The Sembalun hills that previously looked so big are now starting to look smaller. The expanse of the valley opened wide below us, while the clear sky made the view of Mount Rinjani feel even more magnificent.
Ly stopped several times and looked back.
She looked so much enjoying the scene.
I then said to her,
“Take your time, Ly. We don’t need to rush. Enjoy the view.”
Ly just smiled and resumed her steps.
The Last Step Towards Pelawangan
After passing through the Sorrow Hill section, the path began to feel even harder because we had been walking for quite a long time.
However, Ly still maintained her spirit.
I kept an eye on his physical condition. Every now and then I ask if he needs a break or a drink. Meanwhile, Acuk and Sariati continued to carry out their duties as porters, bringing the necessary equipment for camping and Ly’s needs during the trip.
This trip really shows the cooperation between the guide, porter, and climber.
There is no need to rush.
We just need to make sure every step is done safely.
The last few climbs felt quite draining. But whenever Ly started to feel tired, he always found a reason to smile again when he saw the scenery behind him.
It was as if the sight of Rinjani became an additional energy for him.
I could see Ly’s change from the first time we met at the airport.
When he arrived in Lombok, she looked a little nervous.
Now, after hours of walking on the Rinjani path, he actually looks more confident.
Finally, Pelawangan Sembalun!
After a long journey from the Cowshed, we finally saw signs that our first day’s trip was almost over.
Pelawangan Sembalun is getting closer.
Ly’s steps are getting steadier.
Not long after, we finally arrived at Pelawangan Sembalun, our first camping area.
When Ly arrived at the camp area, I could see a relieved and happy expression on his face.
She succeeded!
The first day that started with nervousness finally turned into a great achievement.
Ly had walked from the Cowshed, passed Post 2, Post 3, Post 4, Post 5, faced the Hill of Regret, and finally arrived at Pelawangan Sembalun.
For me, moments like this are one of the most enjoyable parts of being a guide.
It’s not just seeing a guest reach a place.
But seeing how someone who initially felt doubtful was finally able to prove that he could.
First Camp in Pelawangan Sembalun
Arriving at the camp area, Acuk and Sariati immediately prepared a place to rest.
Tents began to be erected, camping equipment was prepared, and necessities for the night began to be prepared.
Ly was finally able to sit down and let go of his fatigue after a long journey.
We gave Ly time to rest and enjoy the atmosphere of Pelawangan Sembalun.
From this place, the scenery is completely different.
Mount Rinjani feels so close.
The sky began to change color as the afternoon slowly turned into night. The mountain breeze feels colder, but the open scenery makes the tiredness seem to pay off.
Ly looked back at the scene.
I then saw her smile.
Perhaps it was then that he began to realize that the decision to come alone from Vietnam to climb Rinjani was one that he would always remember.
Dinner and Preparation for the Next Day
After Ly had enough rest, Acuk and Sariati began to prepare dinner.
The first day is quite long.
The body was already expelling a lot of energy and we still had a long way to go the next day.
Therefore, the evening is not only a time to enjoy the food and the scenery, but also a time to recharge.
I again reminded Ly to get enough rest because the next trip would be one of the most important parts of his adventure in Rinjani.
We will face a journey to the top of Mount Rinjani.
And of course, the journey to the top is not an easy one.
The night was getting late.
The atmosphere of Pelawangan Sembalun became more and more calm.
In the cold mountain air, Ly finally rested in her tent.
The first day is over.
The summit day awaits.
To be continued…