The Amazing Mount Rinjani Tourist Destination Located at over 3,700 meters above sea level Mt. Rinjanitakes the pride of place as one of the highest volcanic mountains in Indonesia. In fact, it is only second to Gunung Kerinci in Sumatra. […]
Located at over 3,700 meters above sea level Mt. Rinjanitakes the pride of place as one of the highest volcanic mountains in Indonesia. In fact, it is only second to Gunung Kerinci in Sumatra. Mt. Rinjani is a favorite of hikers who love the challenge of heights. With the right kind of preparation and proper guidance, this mountain is very climbable.
The sad news is that a number of hikers have lost their lives as they attempted to scale Mt Rinjani. This is mainly attributable to the act that such climbers are either not physically prepared or fail to follow the laid down procedures when it comes to climbing such mountains. To climb the mountain successfully, a visitor requires a certain level of physical fitness. In addition, they are required to observe certain safety precautions. This includes hiring the services of a well-qualified local guide to help you navigate to the top.
Package Options
Not all tourists aspire to get to the top of the mountain. Many still get to enjoy the thrill of conquering the mountain by getting to the crater rim, which is about 1,000 meters below the peak. Getting to the crater rim does not require as much effort as you would need to get to the top. All the same, you still get to fulfill your sense of adventure by beholding the breathtaking views of the Crater Lake and the scenes below.
Going up to the rim of the crater and back to the base takes 2 days and 1 night. The ascent is obviously longer and more strenuous. The visitor can camp for a night on the way up. In addition, longer treks of up to 4 days and 3 nights can be arranged. Visitors who are not in a hurry prefer the longer package. Such visitors prefer to take their time to enjoy the offerings of nature.
The good thing about being part of an organized trek is the fact that it is safe and easy. This does not mean, however, that you cannot make your own arrangements. It is possible to do so. All you need to do is to hire equipment from one of the centers at the foot of the mountain.
It must be noted that the park regulations require that all visitors be accompanied by an expert local guide. As such, the staffs at the centers are usually very reluctant to allow visitors off on their own. However, if you insist, they will still hire out their equipment to you, minus the expert local guide. But, they will require that you sign a binding legal document stating that the organization will not be held liable in case of any eventuality.
The Climate
Most of the guides and porters who operate at the Mt. Rinjani National Park are accredited by the HPI (association mandated to
license mountain guides). The association ensures that the guide or porter is well versed in the trade before they are licensed. However, even with such measures in place, fatal accidents do sometimes occur.
These accidents can be attributed to two main causes. One, the training standards for the guides and porters are sometimes not as thorough as would be expected. The training is good but not as high as in some other parts of the world. Second, accidents arise due to foul weather and the nature of the topography. The paths up the mountain are treacherous. They have lots of
scree. These loose rocks can send a climber hurtling down if care is not taken.
Visitors are advised to be adequately prepared as they start for the Mt Rinjani tourist destination. You need to be armed with sturdy hiking boots, a windproof jacket, a waterproof jacket and a strong spotlight. Additionally, you need poles to help you combat the effect of scree. Poles are good for propping yourself as you move up.
By the time you get to 2,000 meters, the effect of height and climate on your body will be palpable. There are more wind and rain, and the temperatures may plummet to as low as 3 degrees Celsius. This means that
you need to be properly attired to combat the chill, wind, and rain. If you want to enjoy the best weather during your climb, visit the park during the November to March dry season.
Generally, the trails are not open during the wet season. This is because navigation is near impossible in the torrential tropic
rainfall. However, dry months have also become notorious for heavy rains in the recent past. The dry months are no longer as dry as they used to be 2 decades ago. Visitors, therefore, need to be prepared for the possibility of low visibility, heavy rains, and slippery tracks. Temperatures also get very cold as you go higher up. It is therefore important to carry adequate warm clothing.
Key Attractions
There are a number of breathtaking tourists’ attractions
that you will enjoy during the trek. Key among them are:
i. The Gua Susu
Cave
ii. The Dan Gua
Manik Cave
iii. The Gua Payung
Cave
iv. The Segara Ank
(crater lake)
v. The Aik Kalak
(hot springs
vi. Hindu Pilgrims
at crater lake
The Crater Lake is sacred in the Hindu traditions. Since the 18th century, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims congregate by the Crater Lake to offer prayers. The pilgrims present a remarkable sight for any visiting tourist.
The Amazing Flora and Fauna
Apart from the pilgrims, the landscape is awash with beautiful flora and fauna. Closer to the foot of the mountain the forests and foliage are denser. The forest is characterized by tropical species that are common in SE Asia and the larger Australasia region. Fig trees and the huge Syzigium Jambu trees are a common sight in the lower regions of the mountain.
As you go higher the mountain, the Engelhardia Bak Bakan become more prominent. Next to these is the Casuarina woodland. At the very top, near the summit, grows the alpine flora.
The fauna that inhabits Mt Rinjani includes such bird species as the cockatoos, green parrots, and honeyeaters. Most of the bird
species are of Australasian origin. However, it will require some patience from the tourist to observe the birds, because of the dense forest.
To the west of the mountain are tailorbirds and weavers. You will also observe the Bali temple monkey (grey macaque) at play in many parts of the mountain as you move towards the rim of the crater. The ebony leaf monkey is also quite common in these parts. The sounds they make create good harmony against the backdrop of the songs of the birds. You will also witness a
number of muntjacs and Rusa deer in their natural habitat.
The Landscape
From the bottom to the mid-level, Mt Rinjani is covered in dense forests and thick foliage. As you go higher up, the slopes are barer and more barren. The land here is heavily covered in volcanic rock and rugged scree. The Crater Lake looks spectacular when seen from the rim of the crater. From the summit, you can cast your eye as far as Sumbawa to the east and Bali
to the west.
Clearly, Mt Rinjani is any hiker’s paradise. With the right equipment and guidance, you can experience the adventure of a lifetime in this tourist destination. You seriously need to consider including it in your Indonesian itinerary.
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