Indonesia Traveling Guide

Mount Rinjani, a stratovolcano, is the highest mountain on the island of Lombok and one of the highest in Indonesia. It is situated in the north of Lombok. What stands out most about this mountain is the beauty of the scenery in the crater and the spectacular views you get from the top.

The huge caldera contains a large crescent-shaped lake (about 2,000 m), called Segara Anak (= "Child of the Sea"), and a post-caldera cone (approximately 2,800 m), called Gunung Baru Jari ( = "Mount New Finger"). The central cone is still active; the last eruption took place in 2009. Check with local or over the internet before planning your trip.

Getting There: International airports: Denpasar, Jakarta, Nearest domestic airport: Mataram/Ampenan. From Mataram, Ampenan, Senggigi, the "Gilis", or Labuhan Lombok go by (boat), bus, microbus and/or taxi to either Sembalun Lawang (1,156 m) or Senaru (601 m). Sembalun Lawang is situated on the eastern side of Rinjani, Senaru is situated on its northern side. The two villages are the main starting points for the trek.

Routes: There are several routes on Rinjani. The two main routes are the following: from Sembalun Lawang on the eastern side, and from Senaru on the northern side.

The two routes are quite different. The trail from Sembalun Lawang leads up through savannah and open mountain forest. The ascent from Senaru is a walk-up through dense mountain rain forest, which noticeably changes with the altitude.

Other routes: You can walk up to the crater from Torean, a small village near Bayan, on the northern side of Rinjani. The trail follows the stream that flows from Lake Segara Anak and the hot springs. You can also climb the south side from either Sesaot, Tetebatu, or from Pesugulan, a small village near Sapit. The last-mentioned route leads up to Pelawangan II. When To Climb: April - November (during the dry season).