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 Mount Rinjani forms the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia, part of the celebrate "Ring of Fire". The dramatic landscape has been created over millions of the years of cone-building, violent explosions, and erosion. Forest slopes rising directly from the Sea create their own weather pattern and act as water-collectors for the whole of Lombok .
Mount Rinjani towers to a height of 3, 762m. More or less in the centre of the Reserve is the big crater lake of Segara Anak, a dizzy 200 meter descent from Plawangan on the crater rim. In the lake a new cone, Gunung Baru, has risen and is still active and spews out smoke and ash. The last known eruptions were in 1884 and 1901.
Rinjani National Park lies within the major transition zone (Wallace) where the flora and fauna of South East Asia make dramatic transition into that which is typical of Australasia. The park has rich variety plants and animal, although they can be hard to spot due to the terrain and rain forest.
For the people of Lombok, Sasak Balinese a like, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. Segara Anak Crater Lake is the destination of thousand of pilgrim who place offerings in the water and bath away disease in the hot springs. The endemic duck Belebis is found here and several species of fish are recorded. Mt.Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Park throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997.
A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Center, Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, The Rinjani Trekk Centre embodies under one roof, the unique partnership of the National Park, tourism industry and local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.
Gunung Rinjani Reserve contains much of the remaining forested land on the island of Lombok. Most of these forests are on the steep slopes of a mountain complex which includes Gunung Rinjani, Gunung Kondo and Gunung Nangi, though some of the forests can be found on the lower western slopes of Gunung Punikan.
Village priests from Sembalan Bumbung make several trips a year to the lake bringing offerings to the goddess of the mountain.
Other attractions include the waterfall of the Kayu Putih River where it leaves the lake and the forested cliffs and gorges of the reserve’s northern slopes. From the top of Rinjani, a day’s climb from Plawangan, there are splendid views west to Bali and east to Sumbawa, but frequent cloud cover can be annoying!. At the lower altitudes there are several hot springs.
On the way to the reserve by the southern route, the pleasure gardens at Narmada are worth checking out. The terraced gardens and pools of Lombok’s former rulers are said to have taken seven years to lay-out and complete and now, they form a Taman Wisata (Tourist Park) for the people of Mataram. Also worth a visit are the Surnadi Temple gardens and the forest of Sesaot.
The wildlife is much as is in the rest of Nusa Tenggara. Rusa, Barking Deer, Wild pigs, Long-Tailed Macaque’s and Civets are to be found. Lombok is interesting as the westernmost island of the Lesser Sundas and is where the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is found, a species prolific in Australia. Numerous species of Duck are to be found on Segara Anak lake.
There are good trekking facilities and most of the tracks are well-worn. Perhaps a guide would be a good idea but if you feel adventurous, then go for it but watch the weather!. Interestingly, there are camping facilities available on the shores of Segara Anak lake. A good overnight stop would be the village of Sembalan Lawang.
There over 20 villages surround Mt. 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 the crater rim (Plawangan), 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 assistance 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 forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.
What YOu Might See
Gunung Rinjani National Park lies within the major transition zone (Wallacea) where the flora and fauna of South East Asia makes a dramatic transition into that which is typical of Australasia. The Park has a rich variety of plants and animals, although they can be hard to spot due to the terrain and rainforest cover. Sometimes seen early in the mornings is the rare black Ebony leaf monkey, known locally as Lutung.
The Long tailed grey macaque or Kera is common in Lombok and older males are seen on the crater rim. Rusa deer are forest dwellers and are occasionally seen along the Rinjani trek trail. The smaller Barking deer or Kijang has an alarm call with a distinct dog-like bark. Look for the disturbed ground where the Wild pig or Babi hutan has been foraging. Also found in the forest is the Leopard cat or Bodok alas, Palm civet or Ujat and Porcupine or Landak.
A variety of colorful birds live in the forests of the Park. Perhaps the best-known icon of the Park is the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo that is not found any further west of Lombok. Many of the forest-dwelling animals, insects, birds, civets and monkeys owe their survival to the wild fig tree or Beringin as a provider of food and shelter. The pine-like Casuarina species, Cemara, are a feature of the grassy higher slopes. Orchids or Anggrek are also a feature of the grassland areas, as is Edelweiss or Bunga Abadi growing above the tree line; it is a beautiful icon of the Park and one of our best-known sub-alpine plants.
Rinjani Trek Centre: The Centre is located at the trailhead above Senaru traditional village. It offers information and displays for visitors on the trek, the National Park, Sasak culture and a range of activities available in Senaru.
Displays include maps, Park interpretation, village walks and environmental guidelines. All trek arrangements can be made here, cultural tours booked and purchases made of local produce and handicrafts.
Park Fees: Fees are paid at the Rinjani Trek Centre. They contribute to the protection, maintenance and management of the National Park, Rinjani Trek route, village attractions and visitor facilities.
Guides and Porters: Trained and licensed guides and porters are available. You will need three days and two nights to trek from Senaru via the spectacular crater lake, to Sembalun Lawang (or the other way). More time will be needed to explore the summit of Mt. Rinjani.
All trek arrangements can be made and paid for at the Rinjani Trek Centre. If not with a guide, please ensure you are well equipped and have knowledge of mountain safety.
Warnings:
The Rinjani Trek is a challenging mountain walk and you must be prepared with good equipment, warm and windproof clothing. Rinjani can attract severe storms, lightening and strong winds. When the weather is settled, the sun is intense and the nights frosty. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery. Beware of bad weather and risks of exposure to the wet and cold (hypothermia). If caught in an electrical storm, take shelter and avoid prominent ridges. Beware of snakes, and stinging insects and plants. Leeches can be a nuisance in the wet season.
Volcanic Hazards: Although Mt. Rinjani has not erupted in recorded history, Mt. Baru (2,363m) in the 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 guides.
Spring Water: Fresh water springs are a feature of the trek and determine campsites. Your guide knows where these are. During the drier months (July-September) some springs completely disappear. Park staff and guides constantly monitor these water sources to determine their abundance.
Radio Communications: You are advised to ensure that your guide is carrying a radio handset. Radios are available for rent at the Rinjani Trek Centre. In case of emergency the National Park authorities are also equipped with radio communications.
Telephone Communications: There is a satellite telephone at the Rinjani Trek Centre and the number is 086812104132. This is available for public use; cost is dependent on call destination and duration
The park covers an area of 41,330 ha on the northern part of Lombok. Named after Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak outside of West Papua, the peak of Gunung Rinjani (3,726m) dominates the landscape. Within the crater is the spectacular Segara Anak lake and the still-active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363m).
It is surrounded by a further 66,000 ha of Protection Forest and covers the three administrative district of West, East and Central Lombok. The park ecosystem is in the transitional zone between Asia and Australia (Walaceae zone). Average rainfall is about 3,000 mm annually.
Gunung Rinjani is rich in a variety of flora, fauna and vegetation types. On the south western side of the mountain is the most eastern extent of primary rainforest in Nusa Tenggara. This gives way to monsoon forest and drier climate in the east, and savannah in the north east. Notable flora includes the everlasting edelweiss flower (Anaphalis viscida), tiger orchid (Vanda sp.), alang-alang grass (Imperata cylindrica), cemara trees (Casuarina trifolia and Casuarina ocidentale).
Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997. It is valued and protected for its spiritual as well as natural values, and is worshipped by thousands of Balinese as well as Sasak pilgrims. Hot springs near the crater lake are sought after for their healing powers.
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 the crater rim (Plawangan), 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.
The village of Senaru is the main gateway to Gunung Rinjani National Park, the most popular start point for the three day Rinjani Trek up Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak (3,726m). For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and the abode of gods. Within the spectacular crater, the Segara Anak Lake is the destination of many pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the nearby hot springs.
A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focussed on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistance 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 forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment. |
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