A stay on Gili Trawangan does not have to end at the shoreline. Across the water in Lombok stands Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano at 3,726 metres and part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Its crater lake, Segara Anak, hot springs and sunrise views draw trekkers from across the region.
Rinjani is sacred to the people of Lombok, so the climb carries a cultural weight alongside the physical one. Reaching it takes a boat from Gili Trawangan to Lombok, then a drive from Bangsal Harbour to Senaru or Sembalun village — around three to four hours all up. Operators run packages covering transport, guides and equipment.
Treks come in three lengths. Two days and one night takes you to the crater rim. Three days and two nights reaches Segara Anak Lake and the hot springs. Four days and three nights is the full summit climb, and it is a serious undertaking.
The season runs April to December; the trail usually closes from January to March for heavy rain. Book ahead in July and August, prepare physically, bring proper trekking shoes, a jacket, a torch and plenty of water, and always walk with a licensed guide.
Come back to Natya Hotel Gili Trawangan afterwards — a beachfront room and a bicycle are exactly what tired legs want.
