Mt. Rinjani, Where the Community Manage the Treks

Other peaks nearby are Mt. Baru, Mt Sangkareang, Mt. Buang, Mt Kondo and Mt Manuk. These mountains separated to each others by wide valleys and deep gullies with steep rock slopes. There is a lake called Segara Anak (2,008 m) on the valley Wes of Mt. Rinjani. The water smells of sulfur with temperature

varies from place to place, from cold to warm and hot. An active volcano (Mt. Baru) is growing in the lake.

Gunung Rinjani National Park lies within a major bio-geographical transition zone (Wallcaeae), where the flora and fauna of South East Asia meets that of Australasia. The National Park, one of over 40 throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997. For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, Mt. Rinjani is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. The crater lake is a pilgrimage destination for tens of thousand each year. Pilgrims place offering in the water and bathe away ailments in the hot springs.

For visitors, the three-day Rinjani trek route from Senaru to the crater rim, down to the Crater Lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Trekkers that are more adventurous aim for the summit, it best reached from Sembalun Lawang returning after four days to Senaru. To assist with
conservation and ensure that communities on the boundary of the National Park benefit from tourism revenues, the Rinjani Trek is managed by a partnership of National Park officials, the public and private sectors of the Lombok tourism industry and community representatives. Community run cooperatives coordinate the Trek at the Rinjani Trek Center (RTC) in Senaru and the Rinjani Information Center (RIC) in Sembalun Lawang. Each has roster system for guides and porters, village tour activities and handicraft sales.

Revenue from tourism activities and entry fees is used for conservation, raining, management and assisting the National Park with maintenance of the Rinjani Trek, thus ensuring sustainability. Overseeing and supporting these activities is the Rinjani Trek Management Board, combining the authority of the central government (National Park) and local government (tourism office), with the voices of Lombok tourisms private sector, and the boundary communities. This institutional model is unique in Indonesia and considered an example for practical implementation of the ideals of ecotourism.

Getting There

The Rinjani Trek Center can manage the transport to Senaru or Sembalun Lawang. These two village can be reached by private and charter vehicle, or by public bus. Form the west, catch a bemo to Anyar, from where bemos travel to Senaru about every 20 minutes until 4 pm. If you are coming from, or going to, eastern Lombok, get off at the junction near Bayan (your driver will know it), from where bemos go to Senaru. To Sembalun Lawang and Sembalun Bumbun, from Kali Putih to the north, a few bemos run along the rough road to both villages, usually only in the morning.

Where to Stay

You can spend a night at the cheap hotels around Sembalun and Senaru area with varied price and facilities. It's also possible to stay in private houses.

Dining Guide

Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your places of stay.

Moving Around

• If you want to go to the top, it might be better to go directly to Sembalun Lawang and start walking from there.
  
• If you just want to go to the crater rim and into the crater, then you can start from Senaru.
  

Other Things to See or Do

Beside the mountain itself, other things for you to do or see is:

• Caves
  
  One of the three famous caves (Goa Susu, Goa Payung, dan Goa Manik), Susu Cave is a good place for self reflection and is often used as a place to meditate.
  
• Healing Hot Springs
  

  Aiq Kalak means hot water and it is used to cure various deseases. One of the hot springs is named Pangkereman Jembangan which is meant a place for dipping. The water which spurts out of the spring is very hot. People also use the hot spring to make medicine from coconut cream. After dipping a bottle of coconut cream in the hot spring if the liquid becomes clear oily it can be used as medicinal oil. Then the medicinal oil is used for good things and is called Siu Satus Tunggal or in Bayan language Siu Satunggal which means that it can be used to cure a thousand kinds of desease.
  
• Segara Anak Lake
  
  Segara Anak Lake is so wide it appears like the sea with its blue water. The name Segara Anak means child of the sea. Segara Anak Lake holds various mysteries and invisible power.
  
• Local Strawberry
  This plant grows along the route to Mt. Rinjani. It has thorns like the rose and the fruit is red like strawberry. It has a sweet and slightly sour taste and is good to eat when trekkers are hungry and thirsty.
  
• Eternal Flower or Edelweis
  The plant or the flowers should not be taken because it grows in the park and in the mysterious world of the spirit kingdom. In the past, someone who wanted this flower must be brave enough to fight and gamble his soul. That is why the flower is called Sandar Nyawa. The flower has never wilted and is as old as the mysterious spirits.
  
• The Peak of Rinjani
  The people of Lombok believe that the peak of Mt. Rinjani is where Dewi Anjani, the queen spirit and ruler of Mt. Rinjani lives. To the south-east from the peak in a sea of dust called Segara Muncar is the invisible palace of the queen Dewi Anjani and her followers.
  
• Mount Baru Jari
  Gunung Baru is the name of the new volcano which emerged in the center of Segara Anak Lake. People
  believe that Gunung Baru is the navel of Mt. Rinjani. That is why if Gunung Baru erupted it will not harm the people of Lombok unless the eruption is from the peak of Mt. Rinjani.
  

Souvenir Tips

On Lombok there is more crafts than art. The main crafts of Lombok are practical items made for everyday use, but showing great skills and finish, traditional techniques and natural, locals materials. You can take Lombok pottery and limestone, traditional hand weaving, wooden mask, boxes, primitive carvings also Lombok pearls as part of your souvenirs.

Travel Tips

• The climb is not to be taken lightly ! You definitely need good hiking boots. Once you arrive at 2700 m (crater rim) it tends to get cold and windy, so you need warm clothes. Don't go there during the rainy season since paths will be slippery.
  
• It's better to have your own sleeping bags. But, if you don't have one, they can be hired.
  
• Tents can be rented.
  

Mt. Bromo & Semeru-A Spectacular Volcanic Landscape in East Java

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers ome 800 square kilometers in the centre of East Java. It is the largest volcanic region in the province and there stands Mt. Semeru, which rises 3676 meters above sea level. At its northern end is the spectacular Tengger Caldera, Java's largest, with its 10 km barren desert-like sea of sand. Within the caldera rise the deeply fissured
volcanic cones of Batok and Bromo, the latter is still active with a cavernous crater from which smoke blows skyward. Temperatures at the top of mount Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celcius . To the south is a rolling upland plateau dissected by valleys and dotted with several small scenic lakes, extending to the foot of Mount Semeru, a towering grey forest-skirted cone dominating the southern landscape.Tengger sandy area has been protected since 1919, and its believed to be the only conservation area in Indonesia, even probably in the world possessing a unique ocean and sand at the attitude about 2000 m above sea level. There are several mountains inside the calderas namely: Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl)., Mt Batok (2,470 m asl), Mt Kursi (2,581 asl), Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl), and Mt Widadaren (2,650 m asl).

On the fourteenth day of the Month Kasada, the inhabitants of Tengger Mountain range gather at the rim of Mount Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruit, vegetables, flowers, live stock and other local produce to the God of the Mountain, as adherents of religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism the Tenggerese ask for blessing from the supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. This ceremony called Kesodo Ceremony.While the Great Mountain or Semeru offer a wonderful place to 3 days hike. Serenity of small lakes and large meadows, a three hours struggling through loose screw to the peak and breathtaking views from peak Semeru explodes every half hour and sends billowing smoke upwards. These gases and belching lava make Semeru dangerous " stay well away from the vent. The fine scenery and bracing climate, easy access and reasonably visitor-oriented facilities make this one of the most popular reserves in Java.

Getting There

Bromo Tengger Semeru can be reached by private and public vehicle. There are four gates to access the place,
Probolinggo, Wonokitri, Ngadas and Lumajang. Probolinggo approach is the easiest and by fat the most popular route, especially if you go by public bus, Wonokitri is the closes and the easiest one if you go by private vehicle from Surabaya (5 hours journey). To get closer to Mt. Bromo you must rent 4x4 vehicles (there are many 4x4 vehicles rental there).

Where to Stay

There are a few options that you can choose to stay. You can stay at The Bromo Guest House which is located at Ngadisari that lies 3 km from the crater rim. Or you can choose other hotels at Cemoro Lawang because it this situated at the crater rim.

Other Things to See or Do

Walking on the sea of sand and stepping up on the 249 steps to rim is worth to try. Enjoying the unique crater in crater, watching the dawn at Bromo is the main attractions in the area.

Dining Guide

Its kindly hard to find some food at night, because mostly of warung are closed after 7.30 pm. If youre in Wonokitri area, theres some warung in Tosari market, which still open at 7-9 pm.

Souvenir Tips

There are many souvenir shops around Mount Bromo viewpoints who are selling T-shirts, scarf that are made from wool and others. There are also street hawkers who are selling these things too at the caldera area.

Moving Around

You can moving around on foot and normally it will takes 2 hours, or you can ride a horse or even rent a jeep (for this two, you are suggested to ask first and make a negotiation)

Travel Tips

• Necessities for the trip include a torch, warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, and glove as a protection against the freezing temperature which hovers between zero to five degrees Celsius (33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit).
  
• If you buy or rent something please Bargain.
  
• Sunrise starts at 5.00 am till 6.00 am (If werent cloudy), so you may leave from your hotel or guesthouse at 3 am or even less than that.
  
• Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your places of stay.
  
• Otherwise, you can buy some food and drink on the nearest markets for your supply before you start your activities on mountain.
  
• If youre come in the right time, you may possible to watch the annual ceremony of Kesodo.
  

Mt. Gede Pangrango-The Rich Diversity of Mountain Forest

Gunung Gede and Pangrango are the first five parks that had distinction of launching Indonesias National Park Program. Located on Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi districts with cover area around 15,196 ha. It is the most accessible mountain to climb from Jakarta. By only 2 hours drive south of Jakarta and 5 " 6 hours trekking, you will find a tranquil rainforest, self guided trail and a spectacular view of West Java from the peak.

The national park consists of twin volcanoes: Gede 2958 m above sea level (asl) and Pangrango 3019 asl. The two summits are connected by a high saddle known as Kandang Badak, 2400 m asl. The mountain slopes are very steep and are cut info rapidly flowing stream, which carve deep valleys and long ridges.

For those fortunate enough to stand on the summit of Mount Gede in clear conditions the view is spectacular. Some people, including, it is said, Raffles, have claimed to be able to see the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Occasionally climbers with very good eyesight or maybe imagination " have sighted
Sumatra on the west! Mount Pangrango is less scenery, but more rich in flora than Mount Gede.

Getting There

Visitors usually enter the park by one of four gates :

• Cibodas Gate (Cianjur) is the main entrance and the site of the park Headquarters. It is located about 100 km from Jakarta/2.5 hour drive; 89 km from Bandung/2 hour drive.
  
  
  
• Gunung Putri Gate (Cianjur) is close to Cibodas and can be reached via Cipanas and Pacet.
  
  
• Selabintana Gate (Sukabumi) is 60 km from Bogor/1.5 hour drive, and 90 km from Bandung/2hourdrive.
  
  
  
• Situgunung Gate (Sukabumi) is 15 km from Selabintana in the direction of Bogor.
  
  
• Except from Situgunung, Mount Gede and Pangrango summits may be reached on clearly marked trails.
  

Where to Stay

Accomodation in the park is in simple guesthouses. The park also provides some camping grounds, including one at the Alun-alun Suryakencana, a flat area near the top of Gunung Gede. There are many hotels, villas and bungalows in the Puncak Pass-Cipanas area. This area is quite close to the Headquarters of the park.

Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.

Moving Around

You can go around Selabintana Park and Cibodas Park, if you didnt have a plan to climb or hike.

Dining Guide

Before start hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your
place. Otherwise, you can buy some food and non alcohol drink on the nearest supermarkets for your supply during your activities on mountain.

Souvenir Tips

Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.

Travel Tips

Permit :
All visitors must buy a ticket when entering the park. Recreational visit tickets can be obtained from ticket hatches at each of the four gates. In addition, mountain climbing permits are required:

• When living the main trail from Cibodas gate to Cibeureum Waterfall in order to climb to the hot water
  stream/Air panas.
  
• When turning off the trail to Cibeureum waterfall of Selabintana, Selabintana Gate, Beyond Bobojong camping ground upon entering the National Park proper from Gunung Putri Gate.
  
• Should you wish to climb the mountains you must obtain the permit either at the National Park Headquarters, Cibodas or at Selabintana Resort Office. Register at the National
  Park Office:
  - Monday-Thursday 07.30 - 14.30
  - Friday 07.30 -
  11.00
  - Saturday 07.30 - 13.30
  

Tools & Equipment

• Minimum hiking gear : hiking or climbing shoes, warm clothes, sleeping bag (if staying on the mountain overnight), raincoat, waterproof clothing, flashlight and medical kit.
  Carry enough food and drink (non-alcoholic).
  
• Do not climb alone, preferably there should be at least three people in your party and preferably you should be guided by someone with knowledge of the trail.

Conservation Tips during climbing

• Take nothing but picture : have respect for untouched nature by trying not to cut through thick foliage of places where animals may be living.
  
• Leave nothing but footprint: Pack in pack out. All garbage should be brought back to civilization and disposed property.
  
• Kill noting but time: Hikers and campers should never molest of otherwise disrupt the natural flow of things in the woods. Stay relatively quiet and you are likely to see animals and birds at work and at play.
  
• Try and stick to established trails when hiking. Hike in a single file to minimize the chance of widening a trail.
  
• Use biodegradable soap and wash away from water resources such lakes and streams. Dispose of waste water in a shallow hole dug with a trowel. Build only one small fire, if permitted, and use only existing fire pits.