Gunung Rinjani 
Gunung Rinjani
The ascent of the volcano of Gunung Rinjani, the third highest mountain in the Indonesian archipelago, is one of the great experiences of a visit to Lombok. But the climb should not be undertaken with any idea of setting new records: plenty of time should be allowed for enjoying the beauty of this volcanic landscape, which was declared a nature reserve in 1984.
Gunung Rinjani (3726 m (12,225 ft)), which is revered both by Sasaks and by Balinese as a sacred mountain, can be climbed by a number of different routes.
The ascent of the volcano of Gunung Rinjani, the third highest mountain in the Indonesian archipelago, is one of the great experiences of a visit to Lombok. But the climb should not be undertaken with any idea of setting new records: plenty of time should be allowed for enjoying the beauty of this volcanic landscape, which was declared a nature reserve in 1984.
Gunung Rinjani (3726 m (12,225 ft)), which is revered both by Sasaks and by Balinese as a sacred mountain, can be climbed by a number of different routes.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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The route recommended here is the relatively easy ascent from Senaru on the north side of the mountain. Here you will find local guides offering their services and, almost certainly, other visitors who will be glad to make up a group. The guide can be expected to provide or obtain the necessary equipment.
From Mataram a bus or bemo can be taken to Anyar, from which it is only a few kilometers to Senaru. The best plan is to spend the night there and set out on the following morning on the 12 km (71/2 mi.) climb to the crater lake of Segara Anak. This part of the ascent gives no difficulty: it is a matter mainly of following a well trodden track and waymarks numbered from 1 to 200.
The climb from Segara Anak to the summit calls for physical fitness as well as plenty of time (around 41/2 hours). From the summit there are superb views of the crater lake and the whole of Lombok, and also of Bali's sacred mountain, Gunung Agung.
Outside the rainy season the descent from the summit to the crater lake, with the necessary care, takes a good 3 hours. From the lake there is a path (11/2 hours) to the hot springs (up to 70°C (158°F), with a high sulphur content) where the little river Kali Putih ("White River") rises.
Here and on the shores of the crater lake are simple camping sites which make it possible to extend the expedition to several days.
From Mataram a bus or bemo can be taken to Anyar, from which it is only a few kilometers to Senaru. The best plan is to spend the night there and set out on the following morning on the 12 km (71/2 mi.) climb to the crater lake of Segara Anak. This part of the ascent gives no difficulty: it is a matter mainly of following a well trodden track and waymarks numbered from 1 to 200.
The climb from Segara Anak to the summit calls for physical fitness as well as plenty of time (around 41/2 hours). From the summit there are superb views of the crater lake and the whole of Lombok, and also of Bali's sacred mountain, Gunung Agung.
Outside the rainy season the descent from the summit to the crater lake, with the necessary care, takes a good 3 hours. From the lake there is a path (11/2 hours) to the hot springs (up to 70°C (158°F), with a high sulphur content) where the little river Kali Putih ("White River") rises.
Here and on the shores of the crater lake are simple camping sites which make it possible to extend the expedition to several days.
