STAY SAFE While Trekking Mount Rinjani:
Mount Rinjani is an active volcano that consistently shows volcanic activity. Always monitor the latest eruption reports from reliable sources such as local media and the Smithsonian Institute’s Weekly Volcanic Activity Report. Do not rely solely on information from trek organizers regarding safety.
The high altitude of Mount Rinjani can cause altitude sickness. Learn to recognize its symptoms and how to treat them. Temperatures at the summit can drop to 4–5°C, so bring warm clothing, windproof jackets, proper hiking boots, and a headlamp. Be cautious of the strong sunlight during the day to avoid sunburn.
Ensure your guide carries a fully charged and functional radio. Test the radio by making a call to the trek center before starting your hike. The trek center also provides a satellite phone for visitors, but check the usage charges beforehand.
Rinjani Trek Management
The Rinjani Trek is managed through a unique partnership between the National Park, the tourism industry, and local communities. Main activities are centered at community-run cooperatives in the Rinjani Trek Centre (RTC) in Senaru and the Rinjani Information Centre (RIC) in Sembalun Lawang. Under the guidance of the Rinjani Trek Management Board (RTMB), each cooperative is managed by a stakeholders’ committee that oversees guide and porter rosters, village tours, trail maintenance, and handicraft sales. Revenue from tourism activities and entry fees is used for conservation, training, and management of the Rinjani Trek, ensuring its sustainability.
Mount Rinjani National Park
Mount Rinjani National Park is located on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, in North Lombok Regency. The park covers an area of 41,330 hectares and is dominated by mountainous terrain. Mount Rinjani, the third-highest mountain in Indonesia at 3,726 meters, is the park’s main icon.
Flora and fauna
Mount Rinjani National Park protects several endangered plant species, including Pterospermum javanicum, Swietenia macrophylla, Ficus superba, Toona sureni, Vanda sp., Usnea sp., and Anaphalis sp. The park also safeguards endangered fauna such as rusa deer, Indian muntjac, Sunda porcupines, surili monkeys, Helmeted Friarbirds, various cockatoos, and Scaly-crowned Honeyeaters.
Diverse Ecosystems
Mount Rinjani National Park showcases a variety of ecosystems found in Nusa Tenggara, ranging from sub-montane rainforests to montane forests and savannas. The park boasts rich plant diversity, including jelutung (Laportea stimulans), dedurenan (Aglaia argentea), bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), beringin (Ficus benjamina), jambu-jambuan (Syzygium sp.), keruing (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), rerau (D. imbricatus), lumut jenggot (Usnea sp.), cemara gunung (Casuarina tripolia and C. equisetifolia), and the iconic edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica). The park is also home to endemic orchid species like Perisstylus rintjaniensis and P. lombokensis.
Unique Wildlife
The park shelters the endemic musang rinjani (Paradoxurus hemaproditus rinjanicus), a civet species found only in this region. Other notable wildlife includes barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak nainggolani), ebony leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus auratus kohlbruggei), pangolins (Manis javanica), Southeast Asian porcupines (Hystrix brachyura), Timor Helmeted Friarbirds (Philemon buceroides neglectus), Crested Hawk Eagles (Spizaetus cirrhatus floris), Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea occidentalis), Lombok Honeyeaters (Lichmera lombokia lombokia), Dark-Backed Imperial Pigeons (Ducula lacernulata sasakensis), Black-Naped Orioles (Oriolus chinensis broderipii), and several reptile species.
Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake
At 3,726 meters above sea level, Mount Rinjani stands as Indonesia’s third-highest mountain. On its western slope lies Segara Anak Lake, situated at 2,208 meters above sea level. The lake’s sulfurous water varies in temperature, ranging from cool to warm and even very hot. A new volcano is emerging from the center of the lake, and it remains active and continues to grow.
Cultural Significance
Local communities often hold ritual ceremonies at Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake, especially during the rice-planting season. One unique ritual involves releasing small artificial fish made of thin gold into the lake, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Mt. Rinjani: mountain climbing and camping.
Segara Anak Lake, Sebau and Gunung Baru: research, enjoying natural phenomena, thermal springs, bathing, observing animals and exploring the forest, cultural attraction.
Otakokkoq and Kembang Kuning: enjoying thermal springs and waterfalls.
Cultural attractions outside the Park area include, in Mataram, Perang Topat in December, and Ciwaratri in January.
How to reach the Park:
There a number of options. Mataram-Selong-Sambelia-Sembalun Lawang by car, 4.5 hours (140 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Or Mataram-Bayan-Senaru by car, 2.5 hours (82 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Alternatively, Mataram-Bayan-Torean, 2.5 hours (85 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 7.5 hours. Or Mataram-Masbagik-Kutaraja-Tetebatu, 1.5 hours (60 km), then on foot to Otakokkoq, 30 minutes.
Best time to trek in Rinjani : April to November
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.280/Kpts-II/97,
a total area of 41,330 hectares
Location : Regencies; West Lombok, Central Lombok and
East Lombok, Province of West Nusa Tenggara
Temperature 23° – 30° C
Rainfall 2,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 550 – 3,726 m asl.
Geographical location 116°18′ – 116°32′ E; 8°18′ – 8°33′ S
Other travel web links that you can visit https://tourlombokholiday.com/