Hi
My friend and I were hoping to hear from anyone who had been on the Bali and Lombok Explored tour. We particularly wanted to find out about the Gunung Rinjani trek and how strenuous it is.
We also wondered what season of sleeping bag to take (we are going in July).
We would be grateful for any info on the tour and would also love to hear from anybody else going (have seen a post from two people already).
Thanks in anticipation.
Lyn and Kate
Hello Lyn and Kate,
Thank you for posting!
The difficulty of the trek really depends on the fitness of the group. Here is some information about the trek and sleeping/resting schedule.
The groups normally camp at the rim itself expect in bad weather when the route may be amended (generally January to March), so by the time you travel in July you should expect to summit and wake to the sunrise.
If the normal program is being run (which it would be in July) the trek is sectioned into five resting places, the time walking from one rest place to the other takes between one and two hours. To the first three rest stops the walk is quite a gradual incline in the shade of the trees. We then have an hour and half for lunch, then we go up. The next two sections are in the open with fantastic views but it is steep and can be a little slippy because of the volcanic stones, coming down this part can take just as long as going up it.
If the weather is windy we stop at the last rest stop and set up camp, from here it is 30mins to the top of the rim. If it's calm we camp at the rim.
Feedback from one of our tour leaders is that on their last trip they had a lady of 69 years and she made it all the way. Every person walks at their own pace stopping as often as needed and there is always a guide at the front and the back.
Doing the trek is not just for the view at the top; the scenery throughout the whole walk is brilliant whether you make the top or not.
I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Kelly
Thanks Kelly - that's really helpful :)
Hello again Lyn & Kate,
Just as a follow up - a 3 season bag would be fine.
It is possible to rent a sleeping bag from the trek centre if you preferred.
Thanks
Kelly