Rinjani The Second Highest Volcanic Peak in Indonesia

Gunung Rinjani National Park

Mt. Rinjani forms the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia, part of the celebrated “Ring of Fire”. The dramatic landscape has been created over millions of years of cone-building, violent explosions, and erosion. Forested slopes rising directly from the sea create their own weather pattern and acts water-collectors for the whole of Lombok.

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 thousands of pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe 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 Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997.

Over 20 villages surround Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain, but the main acces 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 the Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Those heading for the summit usually prefer ti 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 eithin the major transition zone (Wallace) where the flora and fauna of South East Asia makes a dramatic transition into that wich is typical of Australasia. The park has a rich variety of plants and animals, altought 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 is 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 ound 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 colourful birds live in the forest 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 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 linne; it is a beautiful icon of the park and one of our best-known sub-alpine plants.

Rinjani Trek Information

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 rage af activities available in Senaru. Displays included maps, Park interoretation, village walks and environmental guidelines. All trek arrangements can be made here, cultural tour booked and purchases made of local produce and handicrafts.

NON TREKKING OPTIONS

Round Rinjani Drive: This 10 hour day trip circuit drive around Mt. Rinjani passes through Rinjani National Park, and includes beautiful landscape and many highlights of north and mid Lombok. The scenic route climbs across mountain passes with roadside monkeys, and you can stretch your legs for a half hour walk to the popular local cultural attraction, the healing hot spring at Sebau deep in the forest. Optional stops include colourful local markets, several traditional village visits, the ancient 16^th century bamboo mosque at Bayan, the Balinese Narmada summer palace, and visits to the Rinjani gateway villages of Senaru and Sembalun Lawang .