Rinjani Montain, Paradise of Your Ascent

Indonesia has 129 volcanoes, or 13% of volcanoes in the world, so the prospects for ecotourism development in Indonesia could say brightly. One of the volcanoes in Indonesia is the world famous Mount Rinjani. Every year, there were thousands of foreign and domestic tourists up the mountain altitude 3726 m asl (above sea level) is. No doubt, Mount Rinjani became the target of wild adventure lovers.

Mountain, located in the northern land of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, is the third highest volcano in Indonesia. Peak heights only defeated by the Jayawijaya Mountains in Papua and Mount Kerinci in Sumatra. 

Forests in Gunung Rinjani including heterogeneous and homogeneous forest types in certain regions. At an altitude of 1000 - 2000 meters above sea level we can find species of plants such as Banyan (Ficus superb), Garu (Dysoxylum sp), Bayur, and plantation residents planted suyur - vegetables like cabbage, peppers, onions, and potatoes. At an altitude of 2000 - 3000 meters above sea level the dominant vegetation is evergreen Mount (Casuarina junghuniana). 

At an altitude of 3000 masl up there just kind of grasses and perennial flowers (edelweiss). One of the exoticism of Mount Rinjani Lake Segara Anak is formed by volcanic eruption of Mount Rinjani. The lake is situated at an altitude of 2800 masl, is rich in fish and other flora and fauna. The wealth of the lake is often exploited by local residents by taking the fish. 

But one that needs to be noted here is the existence of indigenous local population so that exploitation does not lead to environmental damage. The fish are numerous in this lake are carp, tilapia and fish Harper. 

MEDAN ASCENT 

There are several hiking paths that are often used to climb Mount Rinjani. But for those adventurers who first came to Lombok, it is advisable to choose the path Sembalun Lawang. Pos initial ascent on this route is relatively inexpensive and easy to reach by public transport. 

From the seaport gates Sheet, en route to the bus terminal in Kota Mataram. Then proceed to Mataram-Aikmel majors. About 1 hour drive, arrived in the region Aikmel. Here, the adventurous can climb directly to the post Sembalun Lawang. 

During the trip, we pass through the tropical forest which is decorated with the attraction of wild monkeys on the curb. 

Plantation cabbage, peppers and onions stretched. Additionally, dazzling green canyon scenery presented to the traditional Sasak tribe inhabited, indigenous island of Lombok. 

Arriving at the post Sembalun Lawang climbing, climbers must register. Before departure, the official park rangers give a message to keep clean and respect the customs of the locals. Not forgetting also explained the location of the hidden springs. 

For those in need, available services of guide (the guide) or porter (personnel carrier), which features a standard supplies, equipment rental and mountain climbing. Management of tourism services involving this Sasak tribe, different rates apply for foreign tourists and local tourists. 

The first challenge that must be taken is broad plains and hilly. Characteristics of this nature provide a new experience for ordinary adventurer who climbed mountains in the land of Java. Usually the mountains in Java presents more homogeneous and heterogeneous forest. 

Badlands dusty climate accompanied by a stinging make stamina quickly depleted. Only in some places lay a thick thatch rumut as delicious food for the oxen shepherd. In certain places there is a special post that can be used camping with springs and an emergency toilet. 

After the savannas, the trip was getting heavier. Steep incline with a gaping chasm began to present among hedge heterogeneous forest. Mount Rinjani can be said to be safe from the threat of wild animals. Birds, monkeys and chickens hanging from forests that are often encountered in the forest. 

After traveling about 7 hours, arrived at pelawangan (mountain ridge) Sembalun Lawang. Locations covered mountain pine (Casuarina junghuniana) This is the last climb before heading to the summit. 

Pelawangan Sembalun Lawang is located right on the slopes of Segara Anakan Lake buffer. Hence, while resting, climbers can watch as much exoticism giant lake formed by volcanic eruption of Mount Rinjani. 

Unfortunately, the weather at this altitude is very easy to change. The attacks can come suddenly cold fog replace stinging hot weather. Quite often the wind storm capable of ripping even fly tent. However, the charm of sunrise and sunset into an unforgettable moment of a lifetime. 

Then there are two options: continue the adventure to the summit or straight down to Segara Anakan Lake. Field trip to the top heavy and quite dangerous. Deserts, craters, and the chasm that seemed bottomless, will force berpacunya adrenaline during the 3-5 hour trip. 

While the field trip to Segara Anakan Lake no less thrilling. The climber must be nimble down the rocky slope with a slope ranging from 40-80 degrees. What is noteworthy is that the risk of life-threatening debris rock climbers. 

SEGARA ANAKAN LAKE

For the Sasak tribe, Segara Anakan Lake is considered a sacred place that should be preserved her purity. The lake is green and blue, used also as a place of pilgrimage and worship of Hindus, Muslims Wettu Barbadensis (Muslim-Hindu syncretism), and the belief in one supreme God. 

So do not be surprised, if the smell of incense smoke, or find a flower offerings around the edges of the lake. In addition, the Sasak tribe have great respect for the funeral Dewi Anjani, which is believed to be the supreme ruler of Mount Rinjani this invisible realm. 

Lake water that taste rough, due to a mixture of fresh water and sulfur water, believed as a potent medicine to cure various diseases. Believe it or not, in fact, this situation led to the growth of cultural wisdom to preserve the environment and avoid the exploitation of natural resources. 

Apart from all that, the climbers will feel pampered nature. To relax the tense muscles, you can soak in some hot water all day natural sulfur pools. Although the spectacle of dozens of wild monkeys used as a saber-toothed. 

The most exciting, of course burn the fish in the lake. Carp, tilapia and large-sized Harper flourished in this lake. When less is definitely not an expert fishing or we can buy fish from local fishermen who often appear in the holiday season. 

Across the lake looks dune sand dunes which are often white smoke into the sky. People refer to it as the New Mountain. Not much information about the mountain of sand that is still active.

Posted in: Lombok