Mount Rinjani
Mt Rinjani, Lombok's famous volcano, soars 3726 meter above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousands of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge crater near the top contains a beautiful lake called "Danau Segara Anak" and a smaller volcanic cone called "Gunung Baru Jari", which was formed a couple of hundred years ago. There are number of caves and waterfall and hot springs located around the volcano.
The National Park extends over an area of 41,330 ha. with the surrounding protected forest covering 51.500ha. Community base activities are conducted in conjunction with the Rinjani Trek Center in Senaru. Mount Rinjani and Lake Segara Anak located in the north of Lombok 85 kilometers from Mataram, Mount Rinjani is the second highest peak in Indonesia standing at majestic 3726m.
For the people of Lombok Sasak and Balinese alike, treat this mountain as a sacred place, they consider the Gods live at the summit of the mountain.
Danau Segara Anak located at 2000 meters above sea level 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. This magnificent crater lake now holds a new and active volcano, Mt. Baru Jari which appeared this country. on The north side of the lake is a hot spring ( one of 4 Segara Anak hot springs found there) which is said to cure disease.
It is truly an unforgettable experience to climb such an impressive Mountain as Rinjani and the 2 trek trail expedition ( Senaru and Sembalun) that are offered and the spectacular scenery were contributing factors to Rinjani National Park winning the National Geographic World Tourism Award in 2004.
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.
