Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia is an active volcano. This majestic mountain rises to a staggering height of 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the third-largest volcano in Indonesia. The first historical eruption of Mount Rinjani occurred in September of 1847. Most recently, Mount Rinjani spewed its lava on 1 October 2004.

The volcano of Mount Rinjani when not ready to culminate is a site of scenic beauty with its spectacular Segara Anak Crater Lake, protected by a national park established in 1997. The oval-shaped caldera is 6 km by 8.5 km in dimension and filled partially by a lake known as Segara Anak. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions have entered the lake.

Mount Rinjani offers one of the best treks in South East Asia, where the hikers can climb up to its lush forest clad highlands, largely underdeveloped. The lowlands of Mount Rinjani are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island.

The Senaru Traditional Village is situated adjacent to Rinjani Trek Center, from where the Rinjani trail begins. Do visit the village and take along a local guide to show you around. The benefit of taking a local guide is that you can also experience the villager’s daily life, visit their thatched houses and gardens of fruits and spices. The Sasak inhabitants are the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding forest and safeguard its spiritual values.

Lombok International Airport is the main airport serving Lombok Island and is located in Praya. From the airport, travelers can take a taxi or arrange for transportation to the town of Senaru or Sembalun, which are common starting points for trekking Mount Rinjani. The journey from the airport to these towns typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by car.