Lombok is popular island in Indonesia among of 17.000 islands. When you come to lombok you will get welcoming by nature

people in

this island. Lombok is home to many natural attractions especially the

world famous volcano. Mt.Rinjani. located on the north of the island, rinjani soars 3726m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, annually thousands of trekkers and climbers to lombok.Particularly from july to September during the European holidays and lombok’s “high season”,visitors from around the worlds come to lombok to climb gunung rinjani; either to its awe-inspiring crater lake, or to the demanding summit with its panoramic views across the waters to Gunung Agung, Bali’s famous volcano; (Gunung is Bahasa Indonesia for “mountain”).The two volcanoes create a visual connection for people living on lombok and historically and culturally, Gunung Rinjani has important significance to Lombok’s native Sasaks and the Balinese, Muslim and Hindu alike, and is considered a “Home of the Gods”. Pilgrimages are often made to the mountain, and many people visit the volcano to pray, and bathe in the pools and hot springs, which are said to have healing powers.The huge caldera near the top of the volcano is around 4 km wide and is almost filled by a beautiful crescent-shaped lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the sea lake). The lake si around 230 m deep and contains plentiful fish, as well as bing home to birds and other wildlife.A smaller volcainis cone, Gunung Baru Jari, was formed a couple of hundred years ago and juts from the crater’s interior at the edge of the lake. It’s been estimed that the force needed to crate the new cone and

the lake would habe been equal to around 300 Hiroshima-type atomic boombs.In early 2009, Baru Jari came to life again and for several months was

spewing hot rocks and volcanic ash into tha air. The lake, which surrounds the smaller cone, and the summit of the volcano were closed to trekking, although those who still climbed to the shoulders of mountain were afforded awesome views of a small volcano in action.There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano. Most importantly aik kalak on the northeast of the crater, where the volcanically heated waters are said to cure illnesses, particularly skin diseases. The northern gateway to the Rinjani National Park,at senaru, is a pretty village set in lovely scenery with fantastic views of the mountain range. The Rinjani National Park is nature reserve of 41.330 hectares surrounding the volcano and provides many opportunities for eco-tourism. The whole area is picturesque,featuring magnificent waterfalls,lush and accessible jungle trekking, and traditional

villages, with plantations tobacco and cashew nuts, grow alongside verdant rice terraces.

Senaru is the usual starting point for climbing point for climbing Gunung Rinjani.

Other options, for a slightly shorter route to the summit, are Sembalu Lawang and Sembalun Bumbung to the northeast. Both are rustic mountain villages, with basic home-stays available and experienced tour centeres that can organise your trekIn 2004 the Rinjani Trek won the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship and the volcano is recognized internationally as an important eco-tourism destination. The Rinjani Trek, funded by the New Zealand government, set up a series of programees that involve the local communities and guides, for climbing the volcano and for trekking in the National Park – ensuring better management and safety for trekkers. When climbing, it is prudent to use an authorised guide, deal with a reputable trekking business and carry as few valuable as possible with you.

There are a varieaty of different options for climbing Gunung Rinjani. Two day, one night treks are the shortest available,taking visitors to the crater rim, to views the wide crater and the emerald green lake within. However the most popular is the three day, two night trek which allows trekkers to climb down to the shores of the lake and enjoy a soak in the shot spoirngs.It takes three to four days to reash the summit of the volcano, a demanding climb with magnificent views from the highest point on Lombok- taking in in the vista of the surrounding mountain range, the lush green landscape below ,and the ocean to west, studeed with the Gili island s and Bali floating in the distance.