Mt. Rinjani, one of the most interesting treks
in South East Asia.
Other peaks nearby are Mt. Baru, Mt Sangkareang, Mt. Buang, Mt
Kondo and Mt Manuk. These mountains separated to each others by wide
valleys and deep gullies with steep rock slopes. There is a lake
called Segara Anak (2,008 m) on the valley Wes of Mt. Rinjani. The
water smells of sulfur with temperature varies from place to place,
from cold to warm and hot. An active volcano (Mt. Baru) is growing
in the lake.
Gunung Rinjani National Park lies within a major bio-geographical
transition zone (Wallcaeae), where the flora and fauna of South East
Asia meets that of Australasia. The National Park, one of over 40
throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997. For the people of
Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, Mt. Rinjani is revered as a sacred
place and abode of deities. The crater lake is a pilgrimage
destination for tens of thousand each year. Pilgrims place offering
in the water and bathe away ailments in the hot springs.
For visitors, the three-day Rinjani trek route from Senaru to the
crater rim, down to the Crater Lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is
considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Trekkers that
are more adventurous aim for the summit, it best reached from
Sembalun Lawang returning after four days to Senaru. To assist with
conservation and ensure that communities on the boundary of the
National Park benefit from tourism revenues.
Revenue from tourism activities and entry fees is used for
conservation, raining, management and assisting the National Park
with maintenance of the Rinjani Trek, thus ensuring sustainability.
Overseeing and supporting these activities is the Rinjani Trek
Management Board, combining the authority of the central government
(National Park) and local government (tourism office), with the
voices of Lombok tourisms private sector, and the boundary
communities. This institutional model is unique in Indonesia and
considered an example for practical implementation of the ideals of
ecotourism.
Healing Hot Springs
Aiq Kalak means hot water and it is used to cure various deseases.
One of the hot springs is named Pangkereman Jembangan which is meant
a place for dipping. The water which spurts out of the spring is
very hot. People also use the hot spring to make medicine from
coconut cream. After dipping a bottle of coconut cream in the hot
spring if the liquid becomes clear oily it can be used as medicinal
oil. Then the medicinal oil is used for good things and is called
Siu Satus Tunggal or in Bayan language Siu Satunggal which means
that it can be used to cure a thousand kinds of desease.
* Segara Anak Lake
Segara Anak Lake is so wide it appears like the sea with its blue
water. The name Segara Anak means child of the sea. Segara Anak Lake
holds various mysteries and invisible power.
* Local Strawberry
This plant grows along the route to Mt. Rinjani. It has thorns like
the rose and the fruit is red like strawberry. It has a sweet and
slightly sour taste and is good to eat when trekkers are hungry and
thirsty.
* Eternal Flower or Edelweis
The plant or the flowers should not be taken because it grows in the
park and in the mysterious world of the spirit kingdom. In the past,
someone who wanted this flower must be brave enough to fight and
gamble his soul. That is why the flower is called Sandar Nyawa. The
flower has never wilted and is as old as the mysterious spirits.
* The Peak of Rinjani
The people of Lombok believe that the peak of Mt. Rinjani is where
Dewi Anjani, the queen spirit and ruler of Mt. Rinjani lives. To the
south-east from the peak in a sea of dust called Segara Muncar is
the invisible palace of the queen Dewi Anjani and her followers.
* Mount Baru Jari
Gunung Baru is the name of the new volcano which emerged in the
center of Segara Anak Lake. People believe that Gunung Baru is the
navel of Mt. Rinjani. That is why if Gunung Baru erupted it will not
harm the people of Lombok unless the eruption is from the peak of
Mt. Rinjani.
Souvenir Tips
On Lombok there is more crafts than art. The main crafts of Lombok
are practical items made for everyday use, but showing great skills
and finish, traditional techniques and natural, locals materials.
You can take Lombok pottery and limestone, traditional hand weaving,
wooden mask, boxes, primitive carvings also Lombok pearls as part of
your souvenirs.
HEAD OFFICE:
KORINDO NETWORK LINTAS RAYA, PT - TOURS AND TRAVEL
Jalan Intan III Blok D No:14 BTN Bumi
Selaparang Asri Belencong, Gunung Sari, Lombok Barat, West Nusa
Tenggara - Indonesia.
Phone: +62 370 647327
Fax: +62 370 6163160
Mobile/Text Message: +62 8175721824
Skype: indonesia-expedition
Ym: gilangs71[at]yahoo.com
Email:info[at]gili-lombok.com
HOME BASE FOR RINJANI VOLCANO TREK:
Home Stay and Restaurant HATI SUCI and BALELANGGA B and B 700Masl
Sapit Village - Pringgabaya - East Lombok - West Nusa Tenggara -
Indonesia.
Phone: +62(0)370 647327, +62 370 636545
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