Mountain Rinjani, East Lombok,  is the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia and is a part of the celebrated “Ring of Fire”. Forested slopes rising directly from the sea create their own weather pattern and act as the main water-catchment for the island of Lombok. Gunung Rinjani National Park lies within a major bio-geographical transition zone (Wallaceae), where the flora and fauna of South East Asia meets that of Australasia. The National Park, one of over 50 throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997.

For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, Mt. Rinjani is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. The crater lake is a pilgrimage destination for tens of thousands each year. Pilgrims place offerings in the water and bathe away ailments in the hot springs. For visitors, the three-day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the crater rim, down to the crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. More adventurous trekkers aim for the summit, best reached from Sembalun Lawang returning after four days to Senaru.

he highlands are forest clad and mostly underdeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island.

For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. Segara Anak crater lake is the destination of thousand of pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the hot springs.  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-days or four-days Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the stunning crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered as 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 Center in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani trek Center embodies under one roof (Satu atap) the unique partnership of the National park, tourism industry and Local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.