Lombok is home to many natural attractions, most notably
the world famous volcano, Mt Rinjani, located on the north
of the island. Rinjani soars 3726m above sea level and is
the second highest volcano in Indonesia, annually attracting
thousands of trekkers and climbers to Lombok.
Particularly at this time of the year, during the European
holidays and Lombok’s “high season”, visitors
from around the world come to Lombok to climb Gunung Rinjani;
either to its awe-inspiring crater lake, or to the demanding
summit with its panoramic views across the waters to Gunung
Agung, Bali’s famous sister volcano. “Gunung”
is Bahasa Indonesia for “mountain”.
The two volcanoes create a visual connection for Balinese
Hindus living on Lombok and, historically and culturally,
Gunung Rinjani has important significance to Lombok Sasaks
and Balinese, Muslim and Hindu alike, and is considered a
“Home of the Gods”. Pilgrimages are often made
to the mountain, and many people visit the volcano to pray,
and bathe in the pools and hot springs, which are said to
have healing powers.
The huge caldera near the top of the volcano is around 4 kms
wide and is almost filled by a beautiful crescent-shaped lake,
Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea). The lake is around 230m
deep and contains plentiful fish, as well as being home to
birds and other wildlife.
A smaller volcanic cone, Gunung Baru Jari, was formed a couple
of hundred years ago and juts from the crater’s interior
at the edge of the lake. It’s been estimated that the
force needed to create the new cone and the lake would have
been equal to around 300 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. There
are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located
around the volcano, most importantly Aik Kalak on the northeast
of the crater, where the volcanically heated waters are said
to cure illnesses, particularly skin diseases.
The northern gateway to the Rinjani National Park, at Senaru,
is a pretty village set in lovely scenery with fantastic views
of the mountain range. The Rinjani National Park is a nature
reserve of 41 330 hectares surrounding the volcano and provides
many opportunities for eco-tourism. The whole area is picturesque,
featuring magnificent waterfalls, lush and accessible jungle
trekking, and traditional villages, with plantations of tobacco
and cashew nuts, grown alongside verdant rice terraces.
Native wildlife, including monkeys and tropical birds, live
in the surrounding jungle, as well as abundant varieties of
tropical plants and flowers. The Sendang Gile waterfall at
Senaru is amongst Lombok’s most spectacular. Sheets
of thundering water cascade in a steep vertical drop down
the hillside, into a rocky stream below.
Senaru is the usual starting point for climbing Gunung Rinjani.
Other options, for a slightly shorter route to the summit,
are Sembalun Lawang and Sembalun Bumbung to the northeast.
Both are rustic mountain villages, with basic home-stays available
and experienced tour centres that can organise your trek.
In 2004 the Rinjani Trek won the World Legacy Award for Destination
Stewardship and the volcano is recognised internationally
as an important eco-tourism destination. The Rinjani Trek,
funded by the New Zealand government, set up a series of programmes
that involve the local communities and guides, for climbing
the volcano and for trekking in the National Park - ensuring
better management and safety for trekkers. However, it is
always prudent to use an authorised guide, deal with a reputable
trekking business and carry as few valuables as possible with
you.
There are a variety of different options for climbing Gunung
Rinjani. Two day, one night treks are the shortest available,
taking visitors to the crater rim, to view the wide crater
and the emerald green lake within. However the most popular
is the three day, two night trek which allows trekkers to
climb down into the lake district and enjoy a soak in the
hot springs. It takes three to four days to reach the summit
of the volcano, a demanding climb with magnificent views from
the highest point on Lombok – taking in the vista of
the surrounding mountain range, the lush green landscape below,
and the ocean to the west studded with the Gili islands and
Bali floating in the distance.
Trekking on the volcano is not for everyone. A certain level
of fitness is needed for those intending the three and four
day treks and climbing to the summit is particularly strenuous.
Time magazine, who featured the volcano in 2001, described
climbing Rinjani as “difficult, treacherous and extremely
worthwhile”. Altitudes of over 2700 m are reached in
all these treks and, even on the equator, night time temperatures
can be very cold, with strong winds and occasional rain.
The best time to climb Gunung Rinjani is in the dry season
from around April to October, or before the rainy season starts.
The sunny days and cooler temperatures make this time of the
year the most comfortable for climbing, and enable the clearest
views of the stunning scenery both on and around the mountain.
Tips for Trekking
Treks can be organised at tour offices in Senggigi, Senaru,
Sembalun Lawang and Sembalun Bumbung. Typical treks include
an experienced guide, porters to carry equipment, water, food
and cooking utensils, and tents and sleeping bags.
Always use a reputable trekking business and check that they
have facilities to cope with emergencies.
Never wander away on your own, even if you’re an experienced
climber. A number of deaths and injuries have occurred on
the mountain. Loose shale and unstable surfaces are hazards.
Use good quality, comfortable shoes and take a walking stick
to help with the inclines.
Make sure you have a warm jacket and enough clothes –
it’s cold on the mountain
Check that your trekking company is supplying sleeping bags
and blankets.
Don’t try to save money by trekking on your own or using
unauthorised guides. Licensed guides will have identification,
and are experienced to handle your trek and the conditions
on the mountain.
Don’t take passports or carry valuables that aren’t
essential to your trek.
Please respect this natural wonder. Don’t litter or
leave anything on the mountain, except your footprints.
