What if I get blisters on Mt. Rinjani?

Blisters are one of the most common minor injuries on Rinjani, and they can turn a manageable trek into a painful ordeal if you ignore them. The culprit is usually a combination of heat, moisture, steep terrain, and footwear that’s too new, too old, or just not suited to volcanic trails. It doesn’t take much to start a problem.

The loose scree and gravel on the upper slopes create constant friction inside your boots, and once a hot spot develops, it doesn’t take long to become a full blister. Lombok-Indonesia.org strongly recommends wearing well-broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support, and pairing them with moisture-wicking trekking socks instead of cotton. Cotton stays wet and makes things worse.

If you feel a hot spot forming during the hike, stop immediately, dry your foot, and apply a blister plaster or tape before it worsens. The guides carry a basic first aid kit and can help with treatment if needed. Don’t be embarrassed to ask. They’ve seen worse.

Prevention is way easier than cure on the mountain, so many experienced trekkers apply athletic tape or petroleum jelly to known trouble spots before the trek even begins. Don’t try to power through a developing blister in silence. The descent on day two or three will punish an untreated foot severely, and your guides would much rather pause for five minutes of prevention than watch you limp for hours. Trust me on this one.