Time rushes once again. It was as if only yesterday we sat on the grass field next to climbing wall of Seksyen 13, Shah Alam discussing who could afford to buy the airplane ticket which was on sale by AirAsia. It was as if yesterday Bob flew to India preaching Islam. It was as if yesterday I worried if I could secure enough people for the trip.
TODAY, I seat thoughtfully finalizing what appeared to be my first experience organizing a tour for 9 other friends, some of whom were friends to friends – now my friends. Organizing a trip is ain’t easy. I am going to spare you with all terrible ordeals and emotional rides I was subjected to for the past months. I extend my gratitude to those who have given me endless support and motivation in pushing me up to this state.
1. THE LINE-UP; I wanted to climb Rinjani on my own. Later, I was approached by my old time hiking friend if I could organize a hiking trip to Mount Rinjani. For the obvious, I confidently agreed to take up the challenge. Out of the 9 persons, I had only hiked mountains with at least 3. From pulling out from the team to last minute cancellation to forever Fong Fei Kei Bob, to date, 9 persons have confirmed air ticket and paid full amount of what is due. I take the liberty to mention names here: Lyxa, Intan, Shafiq, Migha, Pitz, Jia, Lapore, Cha and Dina.
2. THE ITINERARY: I had come up with final itinerary for the 3 days 2 nights hike through Rinjani. We will start trekking from Sembalun Village and spend a night at Sembalun Rim Crater. The next day, we will continue journey as early as 2am to catch what might be the best sunset in our life and then trek to our next stop which is Segara Anak Lake Basecamp. Moving on, we are expected to arrive at Senaru at 2pm and then head up to Sendang Gila Waterfall. At night, we will celebrate with BBQ dinner comprising of Kambing Guling. Much motivation right?
3. THE RATIONS: Rations are actually a term used to describe a fixed amount of food brought when climbing mountain or camping. Climbing Mount Rinjani can only be done when hiring a registered guide or using packages offered by many travel agencies. The package I had crossed a deal with did not include food (on my request), therefore we have to buy our rations in Kuala Lumpur.
4. MONEY CHANGING; I have not done this. I am going to do so tomorrow.
5. INSURANCE: With or without my life insurance, I always buy specific travel insurance for security. My personal preference is AXA Affin Travel Insurance.
6. FINAL BRIEFING: Done!
7. BUYING GEARS: Complete!
8. PACKING
All gears up and ready, departing at 6pm on 27/04/2012 to Denpasar, Bali via Airasia.