My friends and I booked a last minute 3 days 2 nights summit tour with HaLoMi Trekker ( a week prior to date of arrival at Lombok ), on top of it, we are just amateur hikers ( our very FIRST serious hike would be THIS - MOUNT RINJANI )

We came across this company after much blog surfing and the reviews sounded promising, hence, we decided to contact the owner - Mr. Hanafi through whatsapp and I'm impressed by his responsiveness. Not only that, he is also well organized, understanding, serious with a touch of humor and charisma who sounded to be experienced middle aged man ( to our surprise, he is young !! )

Pre-trip, he made sure that every questions from me were answered ( how would the hike be like, menu during our 3d2n hike, hostels to choose on day of arrive and suggestion of places to visit after our hike at Lombok and Gilis ) and ensured that the driver would be there waiting for us at the airport. I could sense that this hiking experience with him would be fantastic when he agreed to drop one of the member at Bangsal Harbour and the rest at Kuta, Lombok despite knowing that it wouldn't be profitable to him.

On day of arrival, our flight delayed and I was worried that the driver might not be waiting anymore. I immediately whatsapp-ed him when I got connected to airport wifi and received a text from him : the driver is waiting (: I was so relieved. While transferring from airport to Senaru, the driver ( Baba ) dropped us at a restaurant (delicious and reasonably priced ) for dinner knowing that we were hungry. We were greeted by a guide who stayed up and waited for us to arrive at the information center, he explained the whole trip to us before sending us to the hostel they booked for us.

Morning of our first day of hike, we were greeted by Mr. Hanafi and our beloved guide - Mr. Anci and the crew ( Mr. Porters- 4 in total )
Throughout the entire journey of our hike to base camp, we were probably the only group who laughed a lot, joked a lot and most lively among hikers we crossed path with. Mr. Anci never failed to make us laugh and he was so supportive, positive and encouraging. He gave us short breaks in between with water and snacks that he kept in his magical backpack! Not only that, he is also a good photographer! The porters, they are such wonderful beings, though we don't talk to them much as they were often ahead of us, however, if we cross path, they would flash their brightest most encouraging smile that kept us going.

We were very much spoilt by this team through their hospitality. Upon reaching pos 3 for lunch, we were welcomed by the tent which was equipped with camping chairs and tables which began the porters carried and then set up for us while most of the hikers were sitting under the hot sun for lunch. Also, our lunch was definitely wayy better than the others and the portion was generous! Not just lunch, but each meal was delicious and generous! At the base camp, Mr. Porters also made us a toilet (': the tent was clean with no foul smell and well equipped with comfy mattress which is thick and a warm sleeping bag that kept us warm when the night was too chilly.

Second day, we were prepared snacks before attempting the summit and the porters sent us off with words of encouragement. Along with Mr. Anci, one of the porter - Mr. Singa also joined us to the summit ( we were touched by how thoughtful HaLoMi Trekker is by giving us two guides while attempting the summit )
There were moments where we just want to give up and head back to base camp during summit attempt especially when one of the member injured her knee. Instead, Mr. Anci and Mr. Singa pumped in words of encouragement and gave us breaks every now and then. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be able to reach the summit and be in awe with the beautiful view which we saw at the summit.

We were supposed to continue our hike to the hot spring and senaru crater, however, due to unforeseen circumstances we had to abandon that mission. Which means we have to descend through the same way we ascended. From the base camp, I texted Mr. Hanafi for word of advise and he was so understanding and gave me a solution of hiking down slowly and camp at position 3 for the night, considering that one of the member had knee injury. Throughout the whole trekking journey, despite knee injury, blisters and fatigue, we thoroughly enjoy every single moments together.

In this journey together, we didn't just gain new friendship, we also learn about each other and grew from it as well. Is like, classroom without walls (:

This team, I couldn't find flaws in it, all that we have for them is nothing but praises and utmost respect. They didn't just set this company up just for business, is for their love for Rinjani and also new friendships that they gained.

We highly recommend this company for your rinjani summit tour and for your companion - Mr. Anci and team! You will never regret!