Mount Rinjani: mountain climbing adventure

Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 metres (12,224 ft), making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia, and similar in height to Mount Fuji. The first historical eruption occurred in September 1847. The most recent eruption of Mount Rinjani was on 10 May 2009. The volcano had started erupting again on 27 April 2009, and the mountain was closed as the eruptions intensified with plumes of smoke and ash as high as 8,000 m (26,250 ft).

The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by a crater lake known as Segara Anak ('Child of the Sea') and is approximately 2000m above sea level and estimated at being around 200m deep); the caldera also contains hot springs. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone, Gunung Baru (or 'New Mountain' - approximately 2300m above sea level) in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions have entered the lake. This cone has since been renamed Mount Barujari (or 'New Finger').

The highlands are forest clad and mostly undeveloped. 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.

The volcano and the caldera are protected by the Gunung Rinjani National Park established in 1997. Tourism is increasingly popular with trekkers able to visit the rim, make their way into the caldera or even to make the more arduous climb to the highest point; fatalities, however, are not uncommon. As of July 2009 the summit route was closed due to volcanic activity.

Some locations / attractions to be visited:
Summit of Mount Rinjani. Mountain climbing, camping and enjoying the natural scenery Lombok Island.
Segara Anak Lake, and Mount Sebau New. Research, enjoying the natural phenomenon / phenomena of nature, hot springs, bathing, observing animals and exploring the forest. In Mawlood, in Lake Segara Anak is often used as cultural attractions Pakelem (bathe the keris).
Otakkokoq and Kembang Kuning. Hot water bath that smells of sulfur for the treatment (penghalus skin) and waterfalls.
Cultural attractions outside the national parks namely; Topat War in December and January Ciwaratri in Mataram.

Season best visit: August to December each year.

How to reach the location:
Mataram - Selong - Sambelia - Sembalun Lawang (140 km) approximately 4.5 hours by car. When you walk to the lake takes time for 9 hours (25 km). Mataram - Bayan - Senaru (82 km) approximately 2.5 hours, walk to the lake during the 9-hour (25 km). Mataram - Bayan - Torean (85 km) approximately 2.5 hours, walk to the lake for 7.5 hours. Mataram - Masbagik - Kutaradja - Tetebatu (60 km) approximately 1.5 hours, Otakkokoq walk for 30 minutes.

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