Mt.
Rinjani Lombok Indonesia Information
For
the people of Lombok Sasak and Balinese a like, treated
the mountain is a sacred place. They consider the Gods
live at the top of the mountain. Segara Anak crater lake
is the destination
 of thousand pilgrims who place
offering in the water and take bathe to take away
disease in the hot spring. The endemic duck Belibis is
found here and several species of fish are recorded. Mt.
Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout
Indonesia, was established in 1997.
Over 20 villages surround
Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain, but
the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun
Lawang to the east. The challenging three - day Rinjani
trek route from Senaru to crater rim (Pelawangan), down
to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang,
is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia.
Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in
Sembalun Lawang.
A model for ecotourism in
Indonesia, the community - based activities are focused on
the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular
starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand
Government assistant since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Centre
embodies under one roof (satu atap) the unique partnership of
the National park, Tourism industry and local communities that
has been forgot to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain
environment.
volcanic cone which has formed in the
center. Rinjani last erupted in 1994, and evidence of this can be seen
in the fresh lava and yellow
sulfur around the inner cone. Central Lombok, to the south of Rinjani, is similar to Bali with rich alluvial plains and
fields irrigated by water flowing from the mountains. In the
far south and east it is drier, with scrubby, barren hills.
This area gets little rain and often has droughts which can
last for months. In recent years, several dams have been
built, so the abundant rain-fall of the wet season can be
retained for irrigation throughout the year.
Rinjani Mountain
National Park is challenging mountain, the
following below is
what should to know before starting the trek
activities:
Rinjani Trek Centre:
The centre is located at the trail head above Senaru
Traditional village, it offers and display visitors Trek
information, The National park and the Register office
for the trekkers.
Park Fees: Fees are
paid at the Rinjani Trek Centre. They contribute to
protection, maintenance and management of the National
Park, Rinjani Trek route, Village attractions and
visitor facilities.
Guide and Porters:
Trained and licensed Guide and porters are available arrange
by the Lombok Tourism Leisure Management cooperation with Senaru Village Community Association (Desa Adat).
Warning: The Rinjani Trek
is a challenging mountain walk and windproof clothing. Rinjani
can attract severe storms, lightening and and strong winds.
When the weather is settled, the sun is intense and the night
frosty. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery. Beware of
bad weather and risk of exposure to the wet and cold
(hypothermia). Id caught in an electrical storm, take shelter
and avoid prominent ridges. beware of snakes, and stinging
insects and plants. Leeches can be nuisance in the wet season.
Volcanic Hazards:
Although Mt. Rinjani has not erupted in recorded history, Mt.
Baru (2,352m) in crater lake is an active volcano. It last
erupted dramatically in 1994. Check the notice boards for
recent hazards, and take advice from park staff and Guide.
Spring Water: Fresh
springs are feature of the trek and determine campsites. Your
guides knows where these are. During the dry season (July -
September) some springs completely disappear. Park staff and
Guides constantly monitor these water sources to determine
their abundance.
Trekking
Tips
The climb is not to be taken lightly ! You definitely need
good hiking boots. Once you arrive at 2700 m (crater rim) it
tends to get cold and windy, so you need warm clothes.
Organized your trekking with the experience
tour company are worth as Mt. Rinjani is challenging mountain
trekk.
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