Climb spectacular volcanoes and meet the famous Komodo Dragons of Rinca Island. The archipelago of Indonesia is rugged and exotic. A land of impressive volcanoes and the great Komodo Dragon, this section of the island chain from East Java, Bali, Lombok to Rinca is stunningly diverse. From lush tea plantations to barren volcanic summits, from the gentle Balinese culture of Ubud to the wilds of Rinca, the home of the world's largest lizard. Our trekking adventure kicks off in the beautiful forests of Eastern Java, as we ascend to climb the active Mount Welirang and Mount Arjuna before heading to Mount Bromo for an impressive sunrise hike. Heading east we overnight in Legian before heading to Rinca Island, the home of the fearsome Komodo Dragon. For many the highlight of this region is an ascent of spectacular Mount Rinjani (3726m), Indonesia's second highest volcano, semi active and held in awe by the islanders who regularly ascend the steep trail to the crater rim. We follow in their footsteps and explore the bright emerald green waters of Lake Segara Anak and attempt an early morning summit attempt to this impressive peak for fabulous views. What better way than to end this adventure than on the island of Bali.
- Beautiful trekking in the forests of East Java, including summits of Welirang & Arjun Volcanoes
- Lush tea plantations with mountainous backdrops
- Impressive sunrise trek of Mt Bromo
- Rinca Island, the home of the fearsome Komodo Dragon
- An ascent of the impressive Mt Rinjani, Indonesia's second highest volcano
- Sunrise on the summit of Mt Rinjani taking in the spectacular lake, mountain and island views stretching far below
Tour Itinerary :
Day 1 Join Bali
On arrival to Denpasar airport in Bali, you will be met at the arrival hall by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your overnight accommodation. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 2 Fly to Surabaya, drive to Tretes
This morning you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight from Bali to Surabaya in East Java. On arrival you'll be transferred directly to Tretes, a small hill side town north of Malang. We allow about 3 hours travelling time to reach Tretes. The afternoon is spent exploring this town and enjoying the cooler climate and mountain views. Overnight in Tretes.
Day 3 Trek to Lembah Kijang
After breakfast at our hotel, we meet our local team, and commence our trek to Lembah Kijang base camp, at the foot of Welirang Volcano (3156m). We pass through farmlands, meeting friendly locals and getting to see them at work on their farms and going about their daily activities. We'll also trek through dense jungle where deer and other kinds of wildlife can be seen, if we're lucky we might spot some of the local fauna. The next couple of nights will be spent at Lembah Kijang base camp. Lembah Kijang means 'valley of the deer' and during the night you may hear their loud calls to their mates. Tonight an early night is in order as we'll be rising before dawn tomorrow.
Day 4 Trek to summit of Welirang Volcano (3156m)
Today we'll trek from Lembah Kijang base camp to the summit of Welirang Volcano before returning back to our camp. We'll rise before dawn to begin the trek. A total of approx 7 hours is normally required to trek up to and back from the summit however depending on the weather we may need longer. At the summit we'll explore the crater and its large fumaroles fields, the sites where the sulphur is being quarried using primitive tools. We plan to arrive back to camp by 10:00am. The remainder of the day is then spent at leisure, you may choose to take some rest after this morning's trek or you may wish to spend some time exploring the beautiful surrounding valley.
Day 5 Trek to summit of Arjuna (3339m)
Today we have another summit trek, this time to the summit of Arjuna Volcano. From our camp we commence an interesting trek pass two small peaks, Kembar 1 and 2, which are also part of the Welirang/Arjuna mountain chain. The trek to the summit normally takes approx 3-4 hours. Once we reach the summit we spend some time admiring the view and taking photos before heading back to basecamp. From here we then continue on to Lawang. Lawang is a small tea plantation near the highlands of Tretes. Tonight we'll stay in some simple guesthouse accommodation that belongs to the tea estate. The views from here are spectacular with lush green vegetation surrounding us and towering mountains as a backdrop. We'll also have the opportunity to watch some of the local tea farmers go about their work.
Day 6 Visit Lawang Tea Plantation, drive to Bromo
We start the day with spending some time to admire the morning views from the tea plantation. You then have time to walk some of the trails surrounding the tea plantation or instead you may wish to stay and relax at the guesthouse. A transfer to Bromo is then provided. It's a smooth drive and normally takes about 4 hours. Along the way we'll see local farmland, small villages and picturesque landscape. Tonight is spent in Bromo. We have a very early start tomorrow morning so an early night is recommended.
Day 7 Sunrise trek, ferry across Bali Strait, transfer to Legian
This morning's wake up call is at 3:00am. We then commence our journey by 4:00am to Mt Penanjakan. From the summit of Mt Penanjaken we can witness the spectacular sunrise across the glorious vistas of Mt Bromo and the surrounding volcanoes. We then continue to the crater of Mt Bromo through the middle of a vast plain called the "Sea of Sand" (horse riding is included). We then return to our hotel for breakfast and a shower before being transferred to Ketapang Harbour. From here we'll board a public ferry for the crossing of the Bali Strait. Once we reach Bali we'll proceed to Legian. Here we'll check into our hotel and have the afternoon to explore or simply relax.
Day 8 Fly to Labuanbajo and boat to Rinca Island
After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Labuhan Bajo. On arrival you'll be taken to a local restaurant where the group will enjoy lunch together. After lunch we are transferred to the harbour where we board our private wooden boat to Rinca Island. Rinca Island is a small island near Komodo island. The island is famous for komodo dragons, giant lizards, that can measure up to 3 metres long. Rinca is also populated with many other species such as wild pigs, buffalos and many birds. Being less known and less visited than Komodo it is an excellent place to see the Komodo Dragon in its natural environment with fewer people to disturb them. We spend the afternoon taking a short trek tracking the dragons and other wildlife. Tonight will be spent onboard our boat or at a National Park Ranger's guesthouse.
Day 9 Search for Komodo Dragons, boat to Sape, drive to Bima
After an early breakfast we set off on a trek, under the forest canopy, in search of the Komodo Dragon. We hope to also encounter other wildlife such as wild pigs (boars), deer, water buffalo and various species of tropical birds. An experienced Ranger from the National Park will accompany us along the way. We then return to the boat and proceed to the beautiful pink sand beach of Pantai Merah. Here we'll have time for a swim and snorkel amongst unspoilt coral reefs and tropical fish. We then enjoy lunch onboard before being taken to Sape Harbour. Upon arrival a transfer will be provided to our hotel in Bima where we'll overnight.
Day 10 Ferry to Lombok, drive to Sembalun village
After breakfast at your hotel you'll be transferred to Pototano where we'll board the public ferry for a 1.5 hour trip to Lombok. The ferry has 2 decks, the lower deck is for the vehicles and the upper deck is for the passengers. On arrival to Labuhan on Lombok you'll be transferred to Sembalun village. The drive is approx 3-4 hours. Lombok is dominated by Mt Rinjani, Indonesia’s 2nd highest volcano, and Sembalun village, lies on its eastern slopes. We overnight in local guesthouse.
Day 11 Trek from Sembalun to Basecamp III
Today we begin our trek to the summit of Rinjani. After breakfast we trek to basecamp III. We enjoy lunch at camp and will also overnight here. The panoramic views of the crater lake of Segare Anak and Sembalun are spectacular. It's early to bed tonight as we have a very early start tomorrow.
Day 12 Trek to summit of Mt Rinjani (3726m)
After an early morning wake up call at around 3am, we will begin our trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani (3726m). We leave at this time to make sure we arrive at the top before sunrise, not only to experience this spectacular sight but also to have the best chance of getting clear views. It is a steady ascent to the summit. From the summit we will watch the spectacular sunrise with views across to Bali, Mt Agung and Sumbawa, the crater lake below, and the island of Lombok stretching even further below. We return to our camp for a late breakfast and then continue onto the formation of the 'new' volcano, which has become a symbol of Lombok. Here you have the opportunity for some fishing or you can have a soak in the natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing powers. Our tents will be pitched on its shores for the night.
Day 13 At Lake Segara Anak and the New Volcano
After breakfast, we ascend to the crater rim. This is a great place to enjoy the views of the lake from the other side. Our last night of our trek is spent here.
Day 14 Trek to Senaru and transfer to Senggigi Beach
After breakfast we descend the long trail to Senaru Village (601m). We descend through thick tropical forests rich in flora, bird and butterfly life. On the descent, if lucky, you may spot the rare black monkey, known locally as lutung. On arrival to Senaru Village we'll be transferred to our hotel at Senggigi Beach where we overnight.
Day 15 Ferry to Bali, transfer to Kuta where trip concludes
This morning we are transferred to the harbour where we board the public ferry to Bali. The trip normally takes approx 4 hours. On arrival to Bali you are transferred to Denpasar airport where the trip arrangements conclude.
Additional Information:
- comfortable hotels on twin share basis
- private wooden boat to and from Rinca Island
- fully supported camping during treks including sleeping bag and mat
- sightseeing and entry fees as listed in the itinerary
- 4 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 8 dinnersexpert bilingual guide
Travel Condition : Summary
- 15 day trip
- 9 day trek
- 6 nights hotel
- 3 nights simple guesthouse
- 5 nights camping
Trip Main Activities
- Trekking
- Adventure Touring
Group Size Min
4
Group Size Max
10
Equipment Required
Specialist gear required include walking boots, day pack, swimming and snorkelling gear (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
During the trek you will carry your small day pack with essential items such as warm clothing (depending on altitude and weather) rainjacket, water bottle, camera, valuables and personal items i.e. sunscreen, lip-eze, etc. Porters are employed to carry the rest of your gear on the trek. Please keep this to a minimum while on the trek.
