Popsicle Society

As many of you know, after over a decade in Singapore, we’ve recently made the sun-kissed shores of Phuket our new home. But, before waving goodbye to our old stomping grounds, we embarked on what I can only describe as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—because honestly, I’m not sure if I can muster the courage to do it again!

Here’s the scoop: Along with a brave group of friends, I tackled the formidable Mount Rinjani, an active volcano on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. Rising to 3,726 meters, it’s the second highest volcano in Indonesia and not for the faint of heart.

Now, a bit about Rinjani for the uninitiated: This giant sits proudly within a massive 6-by-8.5 km caldera filled by a stunning crater lake known as Segara Anak, so named for its deep sea-blue waters. This sacred mountain is not just a natural wonder but also a spiritual haven, playing host to both the Sasak people and Hindu rituals. It’s so special that in 2018, UNESCO honored the Rinjani caldera as part of the Global Geoparks Network.

If you want to know more about Rinjani, here you can find more information.

Our trek wasn’t without its dramatic flair. Back in 2010, Rinjani put on a show with three eruptions in one day, and as recently as 2018, it was at the heart of seismic activities that led to landslides and raised alarms over potential eruptions. But, as adventurers, such tales only added to the allure.

In a twist of independence, my friend and I decided to tackle the trail ahead of our husbands—girl power, right? We chose a 2-day & 1-night trek, a challenging journey through savanna deserts to the Sembalun Crater Rim. Despite being novice hikers (was my first ever volcano hike), our spirits were as high as the summit we aimed for.

Our evening was crowned with a dinner under a sky painted with hues of the setting sun over Rinjani. After a night under the stars and a predawn start (we woke up at 2am), we reached the summit to greet the sunrise—a moment of pure magic.

Post-summit, it was a joyous trek back down, with a hearty breakfast waiting. And here’s a huge shoutout to the real MVPs of Mount Rinjani—the porters. These incredible individuals haul essentials up the mountain, equipped with nothing more than flip-flops and sheer willpower. They’re the unsung heroes who make such treks possible.

This trek was, without a doubt, the most physically demanding challenge I’ve ever faced. It tested my limits, taught me about resilience, and showed me that sometimes, the best views come after the hardest climbs. For anyone who loves a good physical challenge, Rinjani is calling. Will you answer?

The Challenge of Conquering Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani, towering as Indonesia’s second highest volcano, presents a formidable challenge for climbers. One major question I grappled with before my trek was whether my fitness level was up to the mark. Having completed the journey, I can say that the trek to the crater rim is achievable for someone with moderate fitness.

To give you an idea of my own fitness, I’m not exactly what you’d call a fitness fanatic, but I’m also not a couch potato. I manage regular 5 to 10K runs and maintain a daily routine of cardio and strength training, which seemed to provide me with just enough endurance to complete the climb independently.

But don’t be fooled—this was no walk in the park. Having never tackled a long climb before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Picture this: a half-marathon is exhausting but wraps up in under three hours. Climbing Rinjani? It stretches two to three times longer, and each segment brings increasing fatigue.

Also, consider the gear. You’re lugging a backpack that, depending on your packing skills, adds an extra 5-10kg. Believe me, when fatigue sets in, even a feather can feel like a boulder!

The terrain itself is a potpourri of challenges. It begins with a trek through a lush rainforest, shifts to a sprawling savanna, transitions through bushy open fields with tall grass, and finally, it becomes steep and rocky. It gets so steep at points that you might find yourself trading trekking poles for a hands-and-knees approach on the rocky ascent.

So, if you’re considering Rinjani, strap in for a serious adventure—it’s as exhilarating as it is exhausting!

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Lessons from Mount Rinjani

Yes, venturing out of our comfort zones really does test us, but oh, how it transforms us for the better! When I embarked on the Rinjani trek, I wasn’t exactly in peak physical condition—I was battling a cold, and both my nose and ears were stubbornly blocked. Yet, despite these hurdles, I made it to the top, and I’ve never been prouder of myself.

Having my friend by my side was invaluable. Her presence was a constant reminder that together, we could tackle any challenge. Sometimes we’d just burst into laughter, a welcome reprieve that helped us forget the steep paths and our aching muscles.

Here are a few snapshots from our trek. Admittedly, there aren’t many; between gripping my trekking poles and being utterly enveloped by the stunning landscapes, my hands were usually full. But each picture captures a fragment of the extraordinary beauty and spirit of adventure that Mount Rinjani offers.

These moments, few and far between, where we push beyond our perceived limits, are the ones that shape us. They remind us of our resilience, teach us about our strength, and show us the beauty of the natural world. So, here’s to more adventures that push us, test us, and ultimately, make us better.