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Mt. Rinjani forms the second highest volcanic
peak in Indonesia, part of celebrated “Ring
of Fire”. The dramatic landscape has been
created over millions of year of cone - building,
violent explosions, and erosion. Forested slopes
rising directly from the sea create their own
weather pattern and act as water - collectors
for the hole of Lombok
Mount Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia
on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 m
(12,224 ft), making it the third-largest volcano
in Indonesia. The first historical eruption
occurred in September of 1847. The volcano,
and its sacred, and spectacular Segara anak
crater lake, are protected by a national park
established in 1997. The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped
caldera is 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.
The highlands are forest clad and mostly underdeveloped.
The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans,
coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla
are the major crops grown in the fertile soils
of the island.
For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese
alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place
and abode of deities. Segara Anak crater lake
is the destination of thousand of pilgrims who
place offerings in the water and bathe away
disease in the hot springs.
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The endemic duck Belibis
is found here and several species of fish are
recorded. Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National
Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in
1997.
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-days or four-days Rinjani
Trek route from Senaru to the stunning crater
rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake
then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered as one
of the best treks in south East Asia . Those heading
for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun
Lawang.
A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community
based activities are focused on the Rinjani trek
Center in Senaru, the most popular starting point
for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand
government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani
trek Center 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. |