Rinjani & Senaru

Mount Rinjani rises to 3,726 metres and fills the north of Lombok. Its crater holds the turquoise lake Segara Anak and the smoking cone of Gunung Barujari, and the two-to-four-day trek to the crater rim and summit is one of the great hikes in Southeast Asia. The national park usually closes the trails during the wettest months, roughly January to March, so check before you book.

Treks start from two villages. Senaru, on the northern slopes, is green and jungly and sits beside the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, which are worth a visit even if you are not climbing. Sembalun, on the eastern side, is a high, cool valley of farms and the most common start for summit attempts. Licensed trekking operators handle permits, porters, food and camping gear.

Choose an operator with good recent reviews, proper sleeping bags and a clear plan for waste and porter welfare. Both villages have simple homestays and lodges where you can rest before and after the climb.