Rinjani Mountain News

LOMBOK FAMOUS VOLCANO "RINJANI MOUNTAIN" , NATIONAL PARK AND HEALING POWERS

Lombok is home to many natural attractions, including the world famous volcano, Gunung Rinjani, located on the north of the island. Visitors from all around the world come to Lombok every year to climb Gunung Rinjani, either to its awe-inspiring crater lake or to the demanding summit with panoramic views across the water to Gunung Agung, Bali's famous sister volcano. "Gunung" is Bahasa Indonesia for mountain.

Historical and culturally, Gunung Rinjani has important significance to both Sasak and Balinese, Muslim and Hindu alike, and is considered a "home of the gods". pilgrimages are made to the mountain, offerings placed, and many people visit the volcano to pray and bathe in the pools and hot springs, which are said to have healing powers. Each year, around the full moon in October or November, a sacred pilgrimage called "pekelem" takes place, when gold and other gifts are thrown into the lake near the summit as offerings to the gods.

Nearby Senaru, the gateway to the Rinjani National Park, is a pretty village set in lovely scenery with fantastic views of the volcanic mountain range. The Rinjani National Park is a nature reserve of 41 330 hectares surrounding the volcano that provides many opportunities for eco-tourism. The whole area is a picturesque haven, featuring magnificent waterfalls, lush and accessible jungle trekking, traditional village, and plantations of tobacco and cashew nuts, grown alongside verdant rice terraces. Senaru is the usual starting point for climbing Lombok's famous volcano, gunung Rinjani. Other options, for a slightly shorter route to the summit, are Sembalun Lawang and Sembalun Bumbung to the northeast.

Rinjani soars 3726m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousand of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge caldera near the top 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 just 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 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.

In 2004 the Rinjani Trek won the world Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship and the volcano is recognized internationally as an important eco-tourism destination. The Rinjani Trek, funded by the New Zealand government, has set up a series of programs 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 authorized 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 days 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 days two nights treks which allows trekkers to climb to the very summit of the volcano, 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 Gili islands and Bali floating in the distance.

The best time to climb Gunung Rinajni is in the dry season from around April to October ,or before the rains start. 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. It is cold on the mountain at night, so make sure you take warm clothing. Gunung Rinjani National Park in the East and North Side of Lombok Island

The park covers an area of 41,330 ha on the northern part of Lombok and locates the three administrative district of West, East and Central Lombok. The area covers 12,357.67 ha in the west, 22,152.88 ha in the east and 6,819.45 ha in central Lombok. Rinjani dominates the National Park of Lombok, an island east of Bali on the Indonesian archipelago. At 3726m it is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, part of the infamous ring of fire that encircles the basin of the Pacific. Within the crater is the spectacular Segara Anak lake and the still – active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363m).

It is surrounded by further 66,000 ha of Protection Forest also covers the three administrative districts. The park ecosystem is in the transitional zone between Asia and Australia (Walaceae zone). Average rainfall is about 3,000mm annually.

Gunung Rinjani is rich in variety of flora and fauna and vegetation types. There are 114 families and more than 500 several of floras found and about 50 species of plant that can be used for traditional medicine. While fauna in Gunung Rinjani is about 12 mammal and reptile species, more than 50 birds species and more 50 several of butterflies which some are protected and has limited area of spread. On the South Western side of 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 cylindrical), cemara tress (Casuarina trifolia and Casuarina ocidentale).

Gunung Rinjani, one of the over 50 National Parks through out Indonesia and 21 become National Park model included Gunung Rinjani National Park, it was established in 1997. It is valued and protected for its spiritual as well 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 38 villages spread out in 12 sub-districts surround Rinjani and there are many routes up to the mountain, but the main access is from 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.

The village of Senaru is the main gateway to Mt. Rinjani National Park, the most popular start point for the three day Rinjani Trek up Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak (3,762 m). 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 destination of many pilgrims who place offerings in nearby hot spring.

A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru and Rinjani Information Centre in Sembalun Lawang, the most popular starting points for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Centre and Rinjani Information Centre embody 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. The programme has been successful and in 2004, the Rinjani Trek won the 2004 Destination Stewardship Award for “the tourism destination that best demonstrates effective protection its natural and cultural environment.”

Senaru Village
The cool, flower-filled mountain village of Senaru on the slopes of Mt. Rinjani stretches up a hillside spur along a winding road above Bayan. It is a scenic 2.5 hours drive from Mataram or Senggigi to Senaru. The Desa includes the hamlets of Senaru, Batu Koq and Tumpang Sari, and all offer accommodation in simple but pretty homestays (losmen) with lovely views.

The Rinjani Trek Centre is located at the top of the village at the trailhead. It offers information for visitors on the Rinjani Trek, the National Park, Sasak culture and the range of ecotourism activities available for visitors to Senaru. National Park and village entry fees are paid here, and all porters for trekkers have to be hired from the Senaru Porters Group which is also based in the Rinjani Trek Centre. Village guides, including several local women, have been specially trained to escort visitors around the sights. Arrange a guided excursion through the Rinjani Trek Centre or your losmen.

Waterfalls
Senaru’s best known attraction is the Sindang Gila waterfall which attracts many thousands of Indonesian and foreign visitors annually. Located at about 600m above sea level, the waterfall is an easy 20 minute walk down a graded trail and steps from Senaru village. A pleasant alternative return route winds along the edge of the steep valley, following the irrigation canal.

For the more adventurous, Senaru’s “second waterfall” Tiu Kelep is another hour’s walk upriver from Sindang Gila. The scramble over rocks through the tropical forest is rewarded by the beauty of the waterfall and a swim in its deep pool. It is said locally that every time you swim behind the main waterfall of Tiu Kelep you become a year younger!
With access from the main road, Senaru’s “third waterfall” Betara Lenjang is strictly for rock climbers with a local guide and equipment.

Wildlife
During early morning and evening walks in Senaru you are likely to see interesting birds, butterflies and at least one of the two species of monkey who live in the surrounding forest. Long-tailed macaques, known locally as kera, often sit on the road. More elusive is the rare Silvered Leaf monkey, and also known as the black monkey or lutung, which can often be glimpsed in the forest around the waterfalls.

Senaru Traditional Village
A visit to the Senaru Traditional Village, situated next to the Rinjani Trek Centre where the Rinjani trail begins, is greatly enhanced by asking a local guide to show you around. The Sasak inhabitants are the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding forest and safeguard its spiritual values. Locally guided visits include opportunities to experience the villagers’ daily life, visit their thatched houses, prepare meals using local produce, and understand their traditional way of life.

Morning waterway walk and sunrise
Leave your losmen early for a one and a half hour escorted walk through the fields, past traditional villages and along the irrigation channel that winds through village fields past crops and houses. Enjoy visiting local homes, seeing early morning activities and learning about farming methods. Witness the sun rising from the sea beneath the spectacular sweeping views of north Lombok from the summit of Mt. Rinjani to the coast.

Evening walk and sunset
Below the Senaru Traditional Village, a one and half hour escorted walk along village trails brings you to the “secret waterfall” or “traditional swimming pool”, the Tumpasan Senaru. Enjoy a refreshing swim or late afternoon laze. On the return trip, visit some local hamlets as the people return from their fields, and enjoy the sunset over Mt. Agung in distant Bali from a vantage point in a local orchard.

Senaru panorama walk
Discover all the highlights of Senaru on an easy half-day walk through the scenic landscape of palm-fringed rice terraces, waterways, traditional village and rainforest waterfalls. Follow the irrigation channel that winds through the village fields - the lifeline of the district. Local women will guide you, happy to share their special knowledge of culture, customs and nature. This tour departs every morning from the Rinjani Trek Centre.

Cultural performances
By special request in advance, the people of Senaru and Sembalun can treat you to the very special spectacle of their traditional music and dance performances in a village setting beneath Mount. Rinjani.

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