Rinjani's Call: An Unforgettable Group Climb

Mount Rinjani, with all its allure, always calls to the adventurous soul. The desire to set foot on its peak, admire the stunning views of Segara Anak Lake, and feel the cold mountain air had long blossomed in my heart. But this climb felt even more special because I had the chance to share this experience with my dad and his friends.

The Journey Begins: Preparation and High Spirits

We prepared for this climb well in advance. Me and my dad, who was a first-time mountain climber, was incredibly enthusiastic. Luckily, one of his friends had quite a lot of climbing experience, so he became the main coordinator, sharing essential tips with all of us. The spirit of camaraderie among my dad and his friends was truly palpable. Laughter and warm conversations accompanied every bit of preparation.

Day 1: Conquering the Trail to Pelawangan

The first day of the climb began with burning excitement. The Sembalun trail, famous for its open landscapes, greeted us with vast savannahs. Step by step, we made our way up, accompanied by the sight of rolling green hills. The journey was long, challenging our stamina with relentless inclines. We knew night would fall, and our goal was to reach Pelawangan Sembalun before sunset.

The challenges intensified as we reached the subsequent posts. The increasingly steep ascents and slippery rocks tested our physical and mental limits. This was especially true for my dad, who was experiencing such terrain for the first time. However, this is where the team's solidarity truly shone. Dad's experienced friend tirelessly gave directions and encouragement. My dad and his other friends also cheered each other on, helping those of us who were starting to feel exhausted, and sharing stories to ward off fatigue. I saw another side of my dad—not just as a father, but also as a resilient friend and fellow adventurer.

Finally, with dwindling energy and fading twilight, we managed to arrive at Pelawangan Sembalun. The view of Segara Anak Lake from this altitude, even in the dim light, was already visible and promised even more breathtaking beauty for tomorrow. We quickly set up our tents to rest. The cold air bit to the bone, but the warmth of the campfire and the camaraderie made the atmosphere much cozier. We shared food, told stories, and gazed up at the incredibly beautiful star-studded sky above Rinjani's caldera.

Day 2: Summiting Before Sunrise

The second day began even before dawn broke. The cold morning air bit into our skin, yet the urge to reach the summit was unstoppable. We prepared with headlamps, starting our summit attack in the darkness. The path to the peak is known for being extremely steep and sandy, making every step feel heavy as our feet often sank. Dad's experienced friend continued to lead, while we encouraged each other, especially my dad who showed extraordinary tenacity on every incline.

Slowly, an orange glow appeared on the eastern horizon, painting the sky with indescribable beauty. And finally, just before the sun fully rose, we reached the summit of Rinjani. The view that unfolded before us was truly beyond imagination. Rolling clouds below, the sun slowly ascending, and the clear blue panorama of Segara Anak Lake within the caldera—it all felt like a dream.

We take a rest at the summit, catching our breath and absorbing the beauty around us. The exhaustion from the climb was instantly forgotten. Standing there with my dad and his friends, I felt a profound sense of achievement. My dad, who had never climbed a mountain before, stood proudly at the peak of Rinjani, surrounded by his closest friends.

The exhaustion instantly vanished, replaced by an overflowing sense of happiness and pride. We spent some time at the summit resting, soaking in the view, and capturing this unforgettable moment. A mix of gratitude and emotion filled us. Being at this altitude with my dad and his closest friends, especially witnessing my dad's tenacity as a first-time climber, was truly an incredible experience.

After taking photos and enjoying the view, we reluctantly started our descent. The journey down was no less challenging, but the joy of having reached the summit made every step feel lighter. We shared stories, laughter, and even a few tears of happiness as we made our way back to Pelawangan Sembalun.

The Descent and Lasting Memories

The descent from the summit was certainly no less challenging. Our knees felt weak and our legs started to ache from the slippery, sandy terrain. Nevertheless, we kept moving forward with hearts full of joy. The beautiful memories from the climb spurred us on to reach the foot of the mountain.

Finally, after several days full of adventure, we safely returned to basecamp. The exhaustion we felt was nothing compared to the satisfaction and happiness that filled us. This Mount Rinjani climb wasn't just about conquering heights; it was also about strengthening bonds, testing our limits, and creating beautiful memories that we'll always cherish. Thank you, Dad, thank you, friends, for this unforgettable adventure!