The 3 Volcano Challenge in Indonesia
Tackle a legendary trio of mountains in Bali and Lombok on this island-hopping, summit-bagging odyssey
Duration
10 nights
Annual Leave
7 days off work
Group Size
Up to 14 people
Season
Apr-Nov
Location
Indonesia
Meeting Point
Denpasar International Airport, Bali
Comfort Accommodation
Hotel · Wild camping · Spa Hotel
Customer Reviews
5.0
Difficulty
Challenging
…
…
Summit Bali’s two tallest peaks: rainforest-covered Mount Batukaru (2276m) and the still-active Agung volcano (2690m)
Climb Lombok’s Mount Rinjani (3726m), wild camping beside volcanic rims and crater lakes under the glow of the stars
Hike through tea plantations to sacred temples and otherworldly waterfalls
Ease achey muscles in hot springs, catch unrivalled sunrises and bunk down in plush spa hotels for R&R, Indonesian-style
Day 1
Welcome to Bali!
Your host will meet you on arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali and transfer you to your hotel in Kuta. If you arrive in good time settle into Indonesian life with a stroll along the beach, before meeting up with your fellow adventurers for dinner (at your own expense) and to chat about the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Hike Mount Batukaru (2276m)
Driving
Hiking
Breakfast will be at around 05:00 so you'll waste no time as you set out to tackle your first volcano summit of the trip: Mount Batukaru, Bali's second highest peak at 2276m. This lesser-visited trail is one of the most unique mountain treks in Bali. The volcano is extinct, which has allowed a dense verdant rainforest to take hold on the slopes. The route heads through the lush forest until you reach around 2000m, where the vegetation becomes thinner and the views of the surrounding valley open up. Upon reaching the summit, if conditions are clear you'll have a 360-degree vista over the island Bali before descending via a different route, completing the circular hike at the temple of Batukaru. From here you'll hit the road to Ubud, the artsy centre of Bali. Head out to enjoy a well-earned dinner before bed.
Day 3
Explore Tampaksiring
Hiking
Today is a lighter day, after your first summit effort yesterday and with a big one coming up tomorrow. Discover the Tampaksiring area with short walks, meandering from local markets to herbal plant gardens and rice terraces. Visit the 11th-century Gunung Kawi temple where you'll be treated to Indonesian coffee, local herbal drinks and traditional Balinese cake. Hike on through rice fields to another ancient temple, Bukit Gundul, before having lunch. Get back to the hotel in the mid-afternoon and chill before grabbing an early dinner and bedding down in good time as you'll be waking up extremely early tomorrow.
Day 4
Sunrise ascent of Mount Agung (3030m)
Hiking
Driving
So, extremely early means around 01:00 am – but it will be more than worth it to watch the sunrise from the roof of Bali. You'll be dropped off on the flanks of the still-active Mount Agung volcano at the Pasar Agung temple (1490m), one of the oldest, holiest and largest temples on the island. This tough trail passes through the forest at first, changing to sparse shrubs and rocky terrain as you gain elevation. You'll push on to the summit through a lunar-like landscape requiring careful footing to negotiate the rugged volcanic rocks and a final steep ascent over loose volcanic scree. At the top you'll have breakfast and watch the sunrise over the endless panorama, looking down on the islands near Nusa Lembongan. The sacred second summit at 2880mm is believed by Balinese people to be home to the gods, including Lord Shiva. Descend back down the volcano and hop in the van for a ride to the village of Taman Ujung for some well-earned downtime this afternoon and evening.
(Mount Agung is periodically closed (with little forewarning) to hikers for religious ceremonies, in which case you'll climb an alternative peak or volcano).
Day 5
Speedboat to Lombok Island
Driving
Hiking
Time to tick off another Indonesian island as you hop on a speedboat for a beautiful two-hour journey to Lombok. Reaching Lombok, head to Senaru for a hike to the Sendang Gile Waterfall which cascades through verdant forest. Settle into your lodge in Senaru village and have a relaxed evening fuelling yourself up on Indonesian food ahead of the big adventure on Mount Rinjani, starting tomorrow.
Day 6
Set off for Rinjani
Hiking
Time to start the big one. Check in at the Rinjani National Park office, grab breakfast and meet up with your specialist guide and crew for your three days on Mount Rinjani. The trek starts from Sembalun village with a gentle ascent walking through open grassland. Tuck into lunch at 1500m above sea level, with a good 650m of elevation already under your belt. Tackle a steep trail through a pine forest in the afternoon before reaching Pelawangan Camp at 2639m. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the enormous crater rim while your crew prepare dinner. Settle in for your first night camping on an active volcano beneath the Milky Way.
Day 7
Summit Mount Rinjani (3726m)
Hiking
Rise early again (around 02:00) for a big sunrise summit attempt. Roll out of your tent in the dark with the stars twinkling above and set off on a three-hour climb to reach the pinnacle of Mount Rinjani at 3726m. You'll be rewarded with that fuzzy summit feeling and amazing sunrise views while looking out all the way back to Bali (and the familiar silhouette of your old friend, Mount Agung). Take your time on the peak, soaking up the scene before descending back down the ridge to camp for a much-deserved breakfast. Pack down camp and start your gradual descent to Segara Anak Lake with its healing hot springs, where you can swim and soak your tired limbs following your volcanic exploits. Enjoy a lakeside lunch with views of the active volcano Mount Baru before it's time to start heading up again, with an ascent to the next camp site at Senaru crater rim in time for sunset.
Day 8
The big descent
Hiking
Driving
You know the old saying: what goes up... must embark on a six-hour, 2000m ramble all the way back down the active volcano. Tuck into breakfast first at your camping spot before packing down and hitting the trail all the way to Senaru village. The route today completes an epic circular around the Mount Rinjani complex – something very few other trekkers do; most go up and down via the same route. Hop in the van at Senaru for a drive to the plush Living Asia Resort and Spa on the Lombok coast for some proper R&R (and perhaps a shower) after your wild camping escapades.
Day 9
Time to relax
With the big hikes of the trip well and truly under your belt, you'll tone things down today with time to recuperate at your beachside hotel.
Day 10
Speedboat back to Bali
Driving
Soak up the last of your delightful accommodation on the Lombok coast this morning, tuck into breakfast and grab a dip in the pool or the sea. Your host will then drive you back across Lombok to the harbour where you'll take the two-hour speedboat journey back to Bali. Check back into your hotel in Kuta, where it all started 10 days ago. Get ready for one last dinner together with your fellow adventurers and new-found friends as you toast the end of an epic adventure.
Day 11
Bye bye, Bali
Your adventure comes to an end today, as you enjoy breakfast and some free time in the Kuta area (depending on your flight time). Your host will transfer you back to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Included
Guides
Expert, English-speaking trekking guides
Accommodation
8 nights in plush, authentic hotels and spa resorts, 2 nights wild camping
Meals
All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners
Transfers
Airport transfers, boat transfers between Bali and Lombok, and everything in between
Porterage
Porter and cook for the Mount Rinjani trek
Equipment
Camping equipment for the nights spent on Mount Rinjani
Permits
National park entrance fees and permits
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Indonesian food varies greatly by region, but there is one thing you can always depend on finding: rice. Expect to eat a range of curries, noodle dishes and soups. Nasi Goreng is a popular dish that is often served with a spicy sambal (a chilli-based paste that you will find everywhere). Breakfasts at the hotels and on Rinjani will vary – from Lombok-style banana or pineapple pancakes, to omelettes, fried or boiled eggs, pisang goreng (fried sweet banana) and fruit salads. Lunches and dinners may include dishes such as mie kuah (noodle soup with vegetables and boiled eggs), mie goreng (fried noodles with vegetables, eggs and fried chicken), nasi goreng (fried rice with eggs and chicken) and nasi campur (steamed rice with sautéed vegetables and chicken).
During the expedition on Rinjani, you will have a cook join your team to ensure that everyone is well fuelled. Where lunches and dinners aren't included, you'll be able to head out to local restaurants or eat at the restaurant at your hotel to sample the various amazing dishes that Indonesia has to offer. You should budget between £5-£12 per meal for the meals not included.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Kuta, Bali
Your first and last nights of the trip are spent at the 4-star Bali Garden Beach Resort in the Kuta area of Bali. Located right on the beach in prime position to watch the sunset over the ocean, there are three swimming pools (including an adults-only spa pool), a swim-up pool bar and a spa. There's a choice of restaurants serving Indonesian specialities and European dishes. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Ubud, Bali
You'll spend a night at a 4-star hotel in Ubud. The exact accommodation varies by departure date depending on availability. Typically you'll be staying at either Rama Phala Resort & Spa or Kajane Yangloni Ubud, both of which have outdoor swimming pools and spa facilities. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Sideman, Bali
Spend a peaceful night at either Alamdhari Resort and Spa or Sawah Indah Villa (varies depending on departure date). Both are set in green surroundings with an outdoor pool and gardens to take in the scenery. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Taman Surgawi Resort, Bali
After you've tackled Mount Agung you can soak up the views of the volcano from your plush base at Taman Surgawi Resort & Spa. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and bar or treat yourself to the spa after your big hike up Agung. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Mount Rinjani, Lombok
You'll spend two nights wild camping at stunning spots on your expedition up Mount Rinjani, overlooking the Segara Anak crater lake. You'll stay in twin-share tents with a sleeping bag, sleeping mattress and pillow provided by your host, plus group chairs and tables for meal times at camp and a private toilet tent for the group to share.
Stangi Beach, Lombok
We saved the best for your last two nights in Lombok with a stay at the 4-star Living Asia Resort and Spa, right on Stangi Beach – a beautiful part of the island. You'll enjoy the luxury vibe here after your wild camping escapades on Rinjani, staying in plush twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked throughout the trip for an extra charge, see Optional Extras. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali
Any time on Day 11
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar Airport) and transfer you to your accommodation in Seminyak. On Day 11, your host will transfer you back to the same airport in time for your onward flight.
If you wish to arrive before the trip start date or stay on longer at the end, your host can arrange private airport transfers and extra nights accommodation in Seminyak at additional cost – please see Optional Extras.
Travel options
Flights from major hubs in the UK, North America and Europe can reach Ngurah Rai International Airport, with transits in a number of Asian hubs depending on your route, such as Doha, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo.
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What's included?
- Twin-share tent
- Sleeping bag (bring your own if you prefer, or just bring a sleeping bag liner)
- Sleeping mattress
- Pillow
- Camping chairs and tables
- Toilet tent
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Hiking daypack (30-40 litres, big enough to fit your gear for the 3-day expedition on Mount Rinjani)
- Waterproof liner for your hiking daypack
CLOTHES
- Long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns (for colder nights camping on Rinjani)
- Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, appropriate for hiking in
- Light waterproof jacket
- Light waterproof trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar for evenings and camping on Rinjani
- Warm gloves for camping on Rinjani
- Buff or neck scarf for sun protection
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- Underwear and socks
- Leech socks
- Swimwear for waterfalls
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Ankle-high hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
- Sandals for camp and general use at hotel & on bus and boat journeys
SLEEPING
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping bag (2-3 season - your host can provide this if you don't want to bring your own)
OTHER
- Headtorch (essential for pre-dawn hiking)
- Walking poles (highly recommended)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1.5 litre (or x2)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system (optional: your host will provide mineral water throughout the trip)
Pre/post trip accommodation in Bali (single/twin/double room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Bali (single/twin/double room)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
…
Private airport transfer - each way
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way
…
Undoubtably one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever done - it certainly deserves the badge of a ‘much better adventure’! This is definitely a challenging trip (which is to be expected when you set out to tackle three epic volcanic peaks) so a good level of fitness is required. The steep ascents and early starts are more than worth it for the breathtaking summit views, star gazing from the craters and poolside R&R at some of the most amazing luxury accommodation you could dream of. If you’re up for a challenge that you’ll be talking about for years to come, get this one booked - you won’t be disappointed!
This trip was sensational! The food, the hikes, our guide, and the group were all fantastic and would definitely recommend it if you’re considering! I booked with minimal hiking experience, and made it to the end with all 3 summits under my belt, but all 3 were tough. The hikes are challenging, and short turns around between big days make your legs feel weary - the highlight was the summit of Rinjani undoubtedly, however it’s physically and mentally challenging to complete. Make sure you bring hiking poles - they’ll make life easier 100%.
What an amazing adventure! Our guide was really fantastic and the group were some of the best people I’ve met! It was so well organised and although it was exhausting I loved every second! We saw so much of Bali and climbed some incredible volcanos, and leant so much about the country. Be ready for a challenge but I would really recommend doing this! Top tips: hiking poles essential (trust me!), make sure you have a high level of fitness and bring warm clothing for the camping it gets cold up there!
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 1003kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
This is a challenging trip with some big days on the trails, where you'll tackle a lot of elevation gain and descent. The terrain will be uneven at times with some steep and narrow rocky trails and some scrambling (particularly on Mount Agung). Although no technical trekking experience or equipment is needed to reach the summits, this challenging adventure is aimed at experienced hikers. You'll need to be fit and happy trekking for up to nine hours a day with a lot of uphill trails, and a huge downhill day for your descent of Rinjani. Bring trekking poles to help your knees if hiking downhill causes you knee issues. The pace of the trip is action-packed with some extremely early starts for the hikes, although your host has built in lighter days in between your summits for recovery and to see the more relaxed and cultural side of Indonesia with easy hikes through rice paddies to waterfalls and villages.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
- $3-5 USD per day for your main guide
- $8-10 per day for your porter and local guide for the three days on Mount Rinjani
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Your host will provide mineral water throughout your trip from large containers. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself topped up. If you wish to filter your own water on this adventure (or any other MBA trip where the local water supply isn't safe to rely on), please read our guide to the best water filters for adventurers.
Indonesia is positioned on both sides of the equator, so it has a similar climate year-round with average temperatures between 24°C and 35°C (75°F and 95°F). Indonesia's dry season (from mid-April to November) is when the conditions are ripe for volcano trekking. From December to March, the rains come which make the volcanoes less than desirable and potentially unsafe to hike on, so no trips are run during these months.
Yes, you can leave your excess luggage at the hotel in Seminyak on the morning of Day 2 and collect it when you return to the same hotel on Day 10.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
The weather from mid-April to early November is reliable and outside of the wet season, so weather-related issues are incredibly rare on this trip. The biggest potential for change is due to volcanic activity or eruptions. Naturally, the volcanoes in Indonesia are constantly monitored by scientists and your host will be alerted if there is any increase is seismic activity. If Agung or Rinjani are erupting, the itinerary will be adjusted to do treks to alternative peaks on other volcanoes. Similarly, Mount Agung is periodically closed (with little forewarning) to hikers for religious ceremonies, in which case you'll climb an alternative peak or volcano.
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
From Day 6 to Day 8 you will be carrying your own gear, enough to last for three full days of hiking on Mount Rinjani. There are a team of porters who will carry the group's camping, cooking equipment, food and water supplies, so you'll just be carrying your personal gear. Your main pack can be stored with your host while you are on Rinjani.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (3726m)
For current advice about travelling in Indonesia, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday • 2nd May 2024
to Sunday • 12th May 2024
Fully Booked
Thursday • 11th July 2024
to Sunday • 21st July 2024
Thursday • 1st August 2024
to Sunday • 11th August 2024
Thursday • 12th September 2024
to Sunday • 22nd September 2024
Friday • 11th October 2024
to Monday • 21st October 2024
