Mount Rinjani Safety: What Every Trekker Should Know

Yes, and I’ll be honest with you — Mount Rinjani is not a “walk in the park.” In late June 2025, a 26-year-old Brazilian hiker, Juliana Marins, fell into a ravine near the summit and could not be saved. Earlier that May, a Malaysian climber died in a fall, and another Malaysian trekker was injured in June. Then in mid-July 2025, two foreign hikers – one Swiss and one Dutch – suffered serious falls on the same trail within 24 hours of each other. The Dutch climber fell around Segara Anak Lake on July 17, just a day after the Swiss hiker’s accident in the same area, prompting authorities to temporarily close that route for safety. These incidents underscore how challenging Rinjani can be for even experienced trekkers.

Most of these accidents were preventable. Rinjani’s steep volcanic terrain and loose scree are often underestimated by tourists. In some cases, hikers have also ignored park regulations – for example, sneaking onto trails during the off-season closure or straying from designated paths. Such risky decisions greatly increase the chance of mishaps. In short, many recent incidents could have been avoided with better preparation, by following safety guidelines, and by trekking with experienced guides who know the mountain well.

At Rinjani Dawn Adventures, we take that responsibility seriously. In over 10 years of operation, we’ve never had a serious accident that required outside assistance or rescue. The most significant incident we’ve dealt with was a broken ankle in 2016, and even then, our team managed the evacuation entirely in-house, assisting the guest safely off the mountain and personally escorting them to hospital care. It’s not luck – it’s the result of proper planning, experienced staff, and putting safety ahead of everything else.

In response to recent incidents on the mountain, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Forestry has announced new efforts to improve Mount Rinjani safety, including tighter supervision, better trail signage, and mandatory first aid training for local guides. These steps are part of a broader initiative to ensure trekking remains both adventurous and responsible. You can read more about the government’s safety plans here.

Yes. The park was closed on 17th July 2025 following a series of serious accidents, including multiple falls on the same trail section near Segara Anak Lake. However, the closure was not widely publicised at first, which led to confusion — some travel blogs and news sites incorrectly claimed that existing tickets were still being honoured. That was not the case; all treks were suspended from the date of closure.

A formal announcement followed later, stating that the park would remain closed from 1st to 11th August to allow for trail assessments and urgent repairs. As of now, the park authorities are working to improve safety infrastructure, inspect high-risk areas, and upgrade signage and support systems along key routes.

We recommend all trekkers check directly with licensed operators or the official TNGR website for the most accurate updates. And of course, if you’re booking through us, we’ll make sure you’re informed and looked after every step of the way.

Mount Rinjani’s emergency services are relatively limited, especially compared to mountain rescue operations in more developed countries. The national park authority does not have a large dedicated rescue unit or helicopter standing by. Instead, rescues rely on a combination of local resources and Indonesia’s general search-and-rescue infrastructure. Here are the key points to understand:

• Primary on-foot evacuations: In most cases, if a trekker is injured or ill on Rinjani, the immediate response is handled by the guide and porters on the scene. The norm is “self-rescue,” meaning the team will attempt to bring the injured person down the mountain themselves. If the casualty can be moved without causing further harm, they will be carried off the mountain by porters using a makeshift stretcher. The goal is to transport the casualty to the closest trail exit or road access, where an ambulance can take over. This manual evacuation can be arduous and take many hours, but it’s often the only option given the terrain and lack of immediate helicopter support.

• Limited official rescue teams: The national park rangers and local volunteer groups (such as the Rinjani Squad) form the backbone of rescue efforts. In a serious incident, a joint operation will be organized involving park officials, the local police and military, and Basarnas – Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency. Basarnas has an office in Mataram (the capital of Lombok) and can dispatch ground rescuers. These teams, together with volunteer guides and porters, coordinate to locate and stabilize the victim. However, their equipment is basic and not on par with specialized mountain rescue teams in places like the Alps, so the response may be slower and less technologically equipped.

• Helicopter rescue (new but rare): Up until very recently, there was no helicopter rescue service based on Lombok. If a helicopter evacuation is needed, one must be called in from elsewhere – typically from Bali or even Java. For example, during a 2025 incident, park authorities worked with a private company through the injured hiker’s insurance to dispatch a helicopter from Bali for evacuation. This kind of aerial rescue only started happening in the past year in extreme cases, and it’s not guaranteed. Any helicopter mission depends on availability, insurance coverage, and crucially the weather conditions. Rinjani’s crater area is often cloaked in fog or clouds, and strong winds plus loose volcanic ash can make helicopter operations very dangerous. In the Brazilian hiker’s case, a helicopter was sent from Jakarta but had to abort due to bad weather, forcing ground teams to continue the rescue on foot. In summary, there is no on-demand helicopter stationed at Rinjani – aerial rescues are exceptional measures that face many challenges.

• Rescue delays: Given the factors above, emergency response on Rinjani can be time-consuming. It may take rescuers many hours (or even days in harsh conditions) to reach and evacuate a victim from high on the mountain. For instance, the recovery of the Brazilian climber in 2025 took about four days of effort due to weather and terrain difficulties. This is why prevention and quick action are so critical – help is available on Lombok, but it is not instantaneous. Trekkers should always carry a means of communication (a phone or radio) to call for help, but be aware that outside assistance could be several hours away at best. The limited resources of the park and local authorities make it essential that climbers rely first on their guides and group’s capabilities in an emergency.

Choosing a trusted trekking company with a strong safety record is one of the best decisions you can make for a Mount Rinjani adventure. Given the mountain’s challenges and the limited public rescue resources, having an experienced team on your side can literally be life-saving. Here are a few reasons why it’s so important to use a reputable, licensed operator:

• Experienced guides and proper preparation: A quality trekking company will provide professional, seasoned guides who know the mountain intimately and are trained in first aid and emergency response. Rinjani Dawn Adventures, for example, emphasizes minimizing risk through thorough planning, good equipment, and employing highly experienced guides. Such guides can assess weather and trail conditions, keep you on the safest route, and make prudent decisions (like turning back if conditions deteriorate). This dramatically lowers the risk of accidents. Many incidents happen when inexperienced trekkers go without a guide or with an unqualified one, missing the warnings signs of danger.

• Safety protocols and support: Reputable companies have established emergency action plans in case something goes wrong. They equip their teams with radios/phones, first aid kits, and even satellite trackers in some cases. If an accident occurs, a good operator will coordinate quickly with park authorities and rescue services on your behalf. For instance, they can call the national park office, summon Basarnas, or facilitate a helicopter evacuation through insurance if needed. You essentially have a safety network in place, rather than being left to fend for yourself. This kind of organized response can make a huge difference in an emergency.

• Quality equipment and logistics: Trusted operators ensure you have proper gear (tents, sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.) and sufficient supplies. They also manage logistics like park permits, so your trek is “legal” and registered with park authorities (this matters for accountability and rescue access). Using a licensed company means no cutting corners on safety – you won’t be pushed to trek at unsafe times or overload your itinerary. Everything is planned with your well-being in mind, which helps avoid preventable mishaps like exhaustion or getting lost due to poor planning.

• Local knowledge and hazard awareness: The top-rated trekking companies hire guides who often have years of experience on Rinjani. They understand the mountain’s unique hazards – from sudden weather changes to the effects of altitude and even the psychological challenges of a tough climb. As one expert noted, Rinjani’s volcanic terrain can cause disorientation or panic in those not used to it. A veteran guide provides calm leadership and knows how to handle those situations. They will ensure you acclimatize properly, stay on the marked paths, and avoid known danger spots where people have slipped in the past. This insight can prevent the kinds of mistakes that lead to accidents.

• Endorsed by authorities for safety: Even Indonesia’s government stresses this point – the Tourism Ministry urges all hikers to use certified guides and licensed trekking operators when climbing Rinjani. Licensed companies must meet certain standards, and their guides are officially registered. By choosing a reputable operator, you are following the safety recommendations of those who manage the mountain. In contrast, going with an unlicensed “budget” tour or attempting the trek solo might save a little money, but it greatly increases your risks. Most of the recent tragedies involved people trekking without proper guidance or ignoring rules, which a good company would not allow.

In summary, trekking with a trusted company gives you experienced guidance, better equipment, and a support system if anything goes wrong. It means you’re far less likely to get into trouble in the first place, since most accidents are avoidable with the right precautions, and you’ll have help at hand if an emergency does occur. Given Rinjani’s remote location and the national park’s limited rescue capabilities, having a professional team looking out for your safety is absolutely essential for a worry-free adventure.

Absolutely – and we recommend it often, especially for guests who want the Rinjani experience without tackling the full summit push. The Senaru Crater Rim trek is shorter, less technical, and a bit more forgiving than the summit route from Sembalun. You’ll still camp high above the crater with incredible views of the lake, the volcano cone, and the sunrise — but without the need to start hiking at 2 AM.

If you’re feeling strong and want to take it one step further, we can also guide you to Puncak Sangkareang (also known as the “Second Summit”), which sits just above the Senaru Crater Rim at around 3,200 metres. It’s a great alternative to the main summit at 3,726m — especially for beginners, school groups, or families. You’ll still get breathtaking panoramic views, but avoid the steep, exposed scree slopes that make the final summit section so challenging.

It’s still a proper mountain hike — don’t get us wrong — but it’s far more accessible for first-time trekkers or those who prefer a slower, safer adventure.

It surprises a lot of people, but yes — Rinjani gets cold, especially at the crater rim and summit. Temperatures can drop below 5°C (41°F) at night, and with wind chill it can feel close to freezing. During summit climbs (which start around 2 AM), you’ll definitely feel that chill in your bones — especially when you’re resting or exposed to wind.

We recommend packing:

• A proper insulated jacket (puffer or down)

• A windproof outer shell

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

• A warm hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter or buff

• Warm, dry socks (plus spares in case yours get wet)

• And yes — a beanie for sleeping is a game-changer.

Rinjani Dawn Adventures has a stock of jackets, waterproofs and other things that can be borrowed, if necessary. But we strongly recommend bringing your own thermal layers and equipment. We will provide you with a packing list during the booking process.

Your footwear can make or break your trek. We strongly recommend mid- to high-ankle hiking boots with a grippy sole (like Vibram) and good ankle support. The trails are volcanic, dusty, and often steep — especially near the summit where loose scree can make descents tricky. A firm, supportive boot helps protect your ankles and gives you better control on uneven ground.

That said, trail running shoes can also be a good option — if you’re used to hiking in them. They should have an aggressive tread, breathable but durable uppers, and enough cushioning for long descents. We’ve had plenty of fit, experienced trekkers complete the route in trail runners with no issues. But if it’s your first big mountain, or you’re unsure about your footing, boots are still the safer choice.

Whatever you choose, make sure your footwear is well broken in — blisters are not your friend at 3,000 metres. And don’t forget a pair of comfortable socks and backups in case your feet get wet.

In our experience, about 30–40% of trekkers feel some mild effects of altitude — things like shortness of breath, headaches, or trouble sleeping. The summit is 3,726m (12,224 ft), which is high enough for symptoms to kick in, especially if you’ve flown in from sea level recently.

That said, serious altitude sickness is rare on Rinjani — we plan our itineraries to allow for gradual acclimatization, and our guides are trained to spot early signs. We always encourage guests to go slow, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol or heavy meals the night before the trek.

If you’re particularly concerned about altitude, we recommend spending a night in Senaru or Sembalun before your trek — this helps your body begin to adjust to the elevation. You can also opt for one of our 3- or 4-day itineraries that start in Senaru and finish in Sembalun. These longer routes give your body more time to acclimatize naturally, with a gentler climb and more gradual elevation gain across the first two days. It’s one of the best ways to increase your chances of reaching the summit comfortably.

It’s definitely one of the more demanding parts of the trek, especially on the knees and thighs. The trail from the crater rim down to Segara Anak lake is steep, rocky, and technical in sections. You’ll be descending nearly 600 vertical meters, often on loose volcanic gravel. It’s beautiful, but you need to take it slow and watch your footing.

We always pair guests with guides and porters who can assist on tricky sections, and we highly recommend using trekking poles to ease pressure on your knees. If you’ve had past joint injuries, just let us know — we can recommend alternate routes or shorter itineraries that still offer incredible views without the demanding descent into the crater.

There are a few sections on the final push to the summit where the trail gets narrow and drops off steeply on one or both sides — especially in the last hour of the climb. We wouldn’t call it full-on “exposure” like you might get on alpine ridges, but it can definitely feel airy if you’re not used to heights.

That said, the summit route is a well-trodden trail, not a scramble or a cliff-edge hike. There’s no technical climbing involved — just steep, loose volcanic gravel that can be tiring and slippery underfoot. What catches people out is often the combination of fatigue, darkness (we hike before sunrise), and altitude. That’s why we keep the pace slow and group size small, so we can guide each person carefully and give extra attention where needed.

If you’re nervous around heights, let us know — we can walk you through what to expect and, if needed, help you choose a route like the Senaru Crater Rim or Second Summit, where the terrain is a little more forgiving.

There’s no official list of “safest” operators on Mount Rinjani, but there are clear indicators that set certain companies apart when it comes to safety:

• A strong, documented safety record over many years of operation

• Experienced, first-aid trained guides with deep local knowledge

• Small group sizes and a high guide-to-guest ratio

• Clear communication around emergency protocols, equipment standards, and evacuation planning

• Experience working with schools, families, and private groups, not just casual tourists

One example is Rinjani Dawn Adventures, which has been operating for over a decade without a single serious incident requiring outside rescue. They’re known for their structured approach, careful pacing, and attention to detail — especially when it comes to group safety and preparation.

Before you book with any operator, it’s worth asking a few questions: How experienced are their guides? What happens in an emergency? Do they conduct gear checks or provide safety briefings? The right company will be happy to walk you through their procedures, and that kind of transparency is often a sign you’re in safe hands.