Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997. It is valued and protected for its spiritual as well as 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 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 the crater rim (Plawangan), 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 Gunung Rinjani National Park, the most popular start point for the three day Rinjani Trek up Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak (3,726m). 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 the destination of many pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the nearby hot springs. Developed with New Zealand Government assistance 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 forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.
The Rinjani mountain is the second highest peak active volcano in Indonesia and absolutely a challenging mountain walk and you must be prepared with good equipment, warm and windproof clothing if you want to make adventure trekking to the summit of rinjani mountain 3726 m. Trekking to Rinjani mountain lombok Indonesia can attract severe storms, lightening and strong winds. When the weather is settled, the sun is intense and the nights frosty. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery.
Beware of bad weather and risks of exposure to the wet and cold (hypothermia). If caught in an electrical storm, take shelter and avoid prominent ridges. Beware of snakes, and stinging insects and plants. Leeches can be a nuisance in the wet season.
Day 01 : Rinjani Trekking Center – Pos 1 – Pos 2 – Senaru Crater Rim
Arrival at Senaru village and than registration at the Rinjani Trek Center (RTC) at 601 m and start to trek to Pos 1 (Bunut Ngengkang) 750 m, walking time about 1 hour. We will rest for 5 minutes, and then continue to Pos 2 ( Montong Satas) 1500 m, walking time about 2 hrs. At Pos 2 (Montong Satas) we will have lunch, a hot drink, fresh fruits and a rest. Then we will continue to Pos 3 (Mondokan Lokak) 2000 m, walking time about 2 hours.We will rest for 5 minutes and then continue to Senaru crater rim 2641 m, walking time about 2 hrs. From Senaru crater rim, you can see a spectacular view of Segara Anak lake, Summit of Mt. Rinjani, Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan and Bali also. We will enjoy the sunset, and then camp overnight in this area.
Day 02 : Senaru Crater Rim – Segara Anak – Sembalun Crater Rim
After breakfast and enjoying the sunrise, we will trek down to Segara Anak lake at 2000 m, walking time about 2 hours. We will enjoy the beautiful lake of Mount Rinjani, then go to the hot springs for a relaxing natural hot spa, walking time only 10 minutes from the lake. We will return to the lake, have lunch and then continue to Sembalun crater rim 2639 m, walking time about 3 hrs. From here we can watch the sunset and enjoy the incredible view of Segara Anak lake, Sembalun village, the summit of Mount Rinjani and we can even see all the way to Mount Agung in Bali.
Day 03 : Sembalun Crater Rim – Rinjani Summit – Sembalun Village
At 02:00 am wake up and have a light breakfast. 03:00 am start the trek to the Rinjani Summit (3726 m) Walking time about 3 hrs and 40 mins. The first stage is a moderate climb for 2 hours; the second stage is a fairly easy but long trek. The last hour is very steep and difficult. From the summit, you can see all of Lombok island, Bali, Sumbawa and Segara Anak lake. After sunrise we will go down to the Sembalun crater rim and have breakfast. After breakfast and a rest, we will continue to go down to Sembalun village, walking time 5 hours, and this is the end of the Trekking program and you will be transferred to Senggigi or airport for your next destination.