Is Climbing Mt Rinjani Worth It In 2024? (By A Travel Expert)

Are you traveling to Indonesia this year and wondering, Is climbing Mt Rinjani worth it? Well, I recently visited Lombok to climb the mountain myself, and can say with certainty that yes, climbing Mt Rinjani is absolutely worth it!

In 2023 I backpacked around the world for 8 months visiting 5 continents, and out of everything I experienced over countless countries, Mt Rinjani remained the best thing I did on the entire trip.

The hike is difficult and incredibly mentally challenging. But for those who love a big adventure, the diverse landscapes, lush forest, crystal clear water, and otherworldly mountain views make the difficulties inconssequintial.

Is Mt Rinjani Worth It?

Yes, without a doubt. Climbing the beautiful mountain is a once in a life time experience, and is one of the best things I’ve ever done. That being said, though I believe the experience is 100% worth it, there are people who would disagree.

The Pros Of Climbing Mt Rinjani

• The views are otherworldly: The views on Mt Rinjani are unbelievably beautiful. The view from the crater rim was by far the most ethereal landscape I’ve ever seen! Not to mention the absolutely magical heaven-like sunsets.

• The landscape and animals: Along the hike you’ll pass through 4 or 5 amazing landscape changes. From rolling green foothills, to lush rainforest, wild and barren plains, crystal lakes, and up to volcanic rock and sand. You’ll also pass countless monkeys, birds, and native animals.

• It’s incredibly rewarding: How many people can say they summited a mountain? Let alone a mountain regarded as being more challenging than the famous Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. And even if you don’t summit, even the difficult hike to the crater rim is immediately made worth it by it’s views.

• You can go as far as you want: Not everyone attempts a summit, and you don’t have to to have an amazing time! Packages come in 2 days (summit and back), 3 days (the most challenging, includes lake), and 4 days (summit, lake, but more relaxed). But many people choose not to summit and spend the morning on the crater rim!

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The Cons Of Climbing Mt Rinjani

• Not everyone summits: While Mt Rinjani is not an expert climb or mountaineering expedition, it is still difficult. There are many tough and highly experienced hikers who have failed to summit the mountain. On average only 30% of climbers reach the top, either because of exhaustion or bad weather.

Personal experience: One of the toughest parts of Rinjani’s summit is the mental challenge. You start climbing at 1:25am, and climb straight up at a 45 degree angle for 4-5 hours. I was incredibly sick but still managed to summit even with average fitness, because of a determination to reach the summit, It’s completely possible!

• It can be quite expensive: Rinjani packages are not cheap, I payed $110 USD for my 3 day hike (with very basic ammenities and food). Most people however, pay closer to $250 USD for their hike.

• Camps are dirty: No, it’s not luxurious. There’s some rubbish at camp sites, and toilets are literally holes in the ground. That being said, It’s easy to look past when you look up and see the view. (But please always pick up after yourself and try to keep your camp as clean as possible!)

• The weather can be wild: A big reason people don’t summit is the weather, and it’s hard to predict how it’s going to pan out. The biggest problem they face with weather is extreme wind on the last stretch of the summit. Make sure you check the official website for timing before you book!

Personal Story: 3 hours into my first day of hiking it thunder-stormed, meaning my shoes and clothes were wet for the next 2 days! The clouds also meant we couldn’t see the view from the summit (very much still worth it). You can read more about my experience in the full story here.

Is Mt Rinjani Dangerous?

No, Mt Rinjani is not considered dangerous. It’s not a technical mountain, It has an easy to follow path and you’re always accompanied by a guide. However there have been a couple of reported fatalities on the mountain, so it’s important to stay alert.

The most important things you can do to stay safe are to always hike with a guide (it’s illegal to hike alone), wear good walking shoes, and stay wary of edges and drops.

Mt rinjani FAQ’S

How Long Does It Take To Climb Mt Rinjani?

It takes a minimum of 2 days and 1 night, but if you want to climb down into the valley to experience the lake and hot springs, it’ll take a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights.

Is Mt Rinjani Difficult?

Yes, although it is not technical and doesn’t require any expertise, Mt Rinjani is a very mentally and physically challenging hike. That being said, the most difficult aspect of the hike is persistence, so a beginner could definitely summit if they were committed enough!

How High Is Mt Rinjani?

12,224ft/ 3762m above sea level.

When To Hike Rinjani

The best times to hike Rinjani are May- July. You can also hike in April through to December, but these are shoulder seasons and you could experience a bit more rain. (Though it rained on us in July, so it can be unpredictable.

May- July is also the best time to visit Bali or the Gili Islands, so you can spend the time after your hike relaxing in paradise!

Conclusion: Is Climbing Mt Rinjani Worth It?

In conclusion, yes, it is absolutely worth it. The dirty campsites, expenses, and sometimes unpredictable weather are all made inconsequential when you see the first glimpse of the view from Rinjani’s crater rim.

Though it’s a very challenging route, even a beginner could summit the mountain with enough determination. So what’re you waiting for, get hiking!