Bali Budget Room

 

Rising over the nothern half of Lombok is the mighty 3726m Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano (fyi, the tallest, Gunung Kerinci, is in Sumatra). The mountain has spiritual gravitas. Balinese Hindus and Sasak Muslims consider it sacred and make pilgrimages to its peak and lake to leave offerings to the Gods.

To the Balinese, Rinjani is one of three sacred mountains, along with Bali’s Agung and java’s Bromo. They come once a yea. Sasaks ascend throughout the year around the full moon. Tourist from all over the world also make the gruelling three-day trek.

The mountain also has climatic significance. Its peak attracts a steady stream of swirling rain clouds  that shower the valley and feed a tapestry of rice paddies, tobacco fields, cashew and mango trees, and banana and coconut palms.

Inside the immense caldera, sitting 600m below the rim, is a stunning 6km-wide, cobalt blue crescent lake, Danau Segara Anak. The Balinese toss their jewelry into the lake in a ceremony called pekelan, before they slog their ways towards the sacred summit.

The mountain’s newest cone, Gunung Baru, which only emerged a couple of hundred years ago, seems to rise from the water in all its scarred, ominous glory. It remains highly active and erupted as recently as April 2009.  Also in the crater is a series of natural hot springs known as Aiq Kalak. Locals suffering from skin diseases trek here with a satchel of medicinal herbs to bathe and scrub in the bubbling mineral water.

Treks to the rim, lake and peak should not be taken lightly, and guides are mandatory. Climbing Rinjani during the wet season (November to March), when the tracks are often treacherously slippery and there’s a real risk of landslides, is not at all advisable – the national park office often completely forbids access to Rinjani  for the first three months of each year. June to August is the only time you are (almost) guaranteed minimal rain or clouds, but be prepare with layers and fleece because it can still get extremely cold at the summit.

Senaru has the best services for trekkers and many trek begins there. Of course, this does add about 1000 vertical metres to the itinerary, so the smart ones drive to Sembalun Lawang on the eastern slope and begin hiking from there.

More about Rinjani Trekking?

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Or visit our sister website www.SenggigiLombok.com to explore Gili Islands.