Gunung Rinjani National Park

IGunung Rinjani National Park represents a range of Nusa Tenggara s ecosystem types, from sub-montane rain forest to montane forest and savanna.

The plant potential in this Park area includes jelutung (Laportea stimulans), dedurenan (Aglaia argentea), bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), beringin (Ficus benjamina), jambu-jambuan (Syzygium sp.), keruing (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), rerau (D. imbricatus), lumut jenggot (Usnea sp.), cemara gunung (Casuarina tripolia and C. equisetifolia), edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica), and endemic species of orchid such as Perisstylus rintjaniensis and P. lombokensis.

There is one endemic species of civet in the Park, namely the musang rinjani (Paradoxurus hemaproditus rinjanicus). Also to be found in the park are barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak nainggolani), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus kohlbruggei), pangolin (Manis javanica), southeast Asian porcupine (Hystrix brachyura), Timor helmeted friarbird (Philemon buceroides neglectus), crested hawk eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus floris), lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea occidentalis), Lombok honeyeater (Lichmera lombokia lombokia), dark-backed imperial pigeon (Ducula lacernulata sasakensis), black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis broderipii), and several species of reptile.

Mt. Rinjani, at 3,726 m asl., is the third highest mountain in Indonesia. In a valley high up on the western part of Mt. Rinjani lies Segara Anak Lake (2,208 m asl.) whose sulphurous-smelling water has different temperatures from one part of the Lake to another, ranging from cool, through warm, to very hot. A new volcano is emerging from the centre of this Lake, and it is still active and growing.

Danau Segara Anak dan Anak Gunung Rinjani
Particularly with the coming of the rice-planting season, the communities in the vicinity quite often hold ritual ceremonies on Mt. Rinjani and at Segara Anak Lake. One involves releasing small artificial fish made of very thin gold into the Lake.

Interesting locations/attractions:
Mt. Rinjani: mountain climbing and camping.
Segara Anak Lake, Sebau and Gunung Baru: research, enjoying natural phenomena, thermal springs, bathing, observing animals and exploring the forest, cultural attraction.
Otakokkoq and Kembang Kuning: enjoying thermal springs and waterfalls.

Cultural attractions outside the Park area include, in Mataram, Perang Topat in December, and Ciwaratri in January.

Best time of year to visit: July to August
How to reach the Park: there a number of options. Mataram-Selong-Sambelia-Sembalun Lawang by car, 4.5 hours (140 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Or Mataram-Bayan-Senaru by car, 2.5 hours (82 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Alternatively, Mataram-Bayan-Torean, 2.5 hours (85 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 7.5 hours. Or Mataram-Masbagik-Kutaraja-Tetebatu, 1.5 hours (60 km), then on foot to Otakokkoq, 30 minutes.

Recommended Guidelines For Proper Porter Treatment:

* Porters wages should be paid – IDR 200.000/day for all climbing routes.

* Loads should not exceed 25 kilos – Porter carries 20 kg for the company and 5 kg of their own gear.

* Porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them – A transparent tipping procedure in which each crew member receives their tip directly is the best method to ensure this.

* Porters are outfitted with proper clothing and equipment.

* Porters have proper shelter and sleeping equipment - Each porter is required to have a sleeping bag and adequate space in sleeping quarters is provided.

* Porters are given adequate food and water – Porters should be given access to water and at least two meals a day while climbing Rinjani Volcano or other volcano in Indonesia.

* Number of crew should stay consistent throughout the trip – Porters should not be overloaded in order to send other crew down early.

* Sick or injured porters are properly cared for – An ailing porter should receive the same treatment as a sick climber would.

* We are all god creatures and we need to treat people as what we are. Its about humankind.

Gunung Rinjani National Park

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