Near Mount Rinjani : Mt. Rinjani, surrounded by over 20 picturesque villages, offers multiple routes to its summit. However, the primary access points are Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang in the east.
Situated within the remarkable Wallace transition zone, Gunung Rinjani National Park showcases a captivating blend of flora and fauna, transitioning from Southeast Asia to Australia’s distinct biodiversity. While the park boasts a diverse range of plant and animal species, their elusive nature is attributed to the park’s rugged terrain and dense rainforest cover.
If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the rare black Ebony leaf monkey, locally known as lutung, during the early hours of the morning. The long-tailed gray macaque, known as kera, is commonly spotted by the crater rim, particularly the dominant males. Rusa deer, forest dwellers, occasionally grace the Rinjani trek trail with their presence.
Keep an eye out for the smaller barking deer, known as kijang, recognized by its dog-like alarm call. Signs of the wild pig or babi hutan’s foraging activities can be spotted through the disturbed ground. Among the park’s forest inhabitants, you may also encounter the leopard cat or bodok alas, the palm civet or ujat, and the porcupine or landak.
The park is adorned with a vibrant array of bird species. Notably, the crested cockatoo, an iconic symbol of the park, cannot be found further west on Lombok Island. Many forest-dwelling animals, insects, birds, civets, and monkeys owe their survival to the wild fig tree, known as beringin, which serves as a vital source of food and shelter.
As you ascend the grassy slopes, you’ll notice the distinctive pine-like casuarinas species called Cemara. Orchids, known as anggrek, thrive in the grassland areas, while the edelweiss or bunga abadi flourishes above the tree line, adding a touch of beauty to the park as one of its well-known sub-alpine plants.
The following stories have been passed down through generations among the people of Dusun Senaru. They are selected from a booklet intended for village guides, encompassing a collection of traditional tales.
Andongan Tambing:
Andongan Tambing serves as the first resting point, located at the convergence of the paths from Senaru and Semokan. This entry gate to the forest is also the First Camp along the Rinjani Trek. Trekkers are cautioned about the steep slopes in this area.
Halfway Point (Pos II Campsite): At the second resting place, known as Camp II, there is a significant stone called Batu Penyesalan, meaning Stone of Regret. Trekkers often experience a moment of conflict here, contemplating whether to continue their journey or turn back. By this point, they have covered as much distance to their destination as they have left. The journey from Bunut Ngengkang typically takes around two hours to reach this spot.
Caves:
Among the three renowned caves, Susu Cave (Goa Susu) provides an ideal space for self-reflection and meditation. The entrance to Susu Cave is narrow, making it difficult for those with impure and envious thoughts to enter. In contrast, individuals with noble and pure minds can effortlessly pass through. Inside the cave, water drips from a stone resembling a nipple, giving the water in Goa Susu a distinct taste. The cave is often described as hot and filled with smoke, resembling cooking steam, leading people to call it Mengukus (hot house) or Rontgen (X-Ray) cave.
Healing Hot Springs:
Aiq Kalak, meaning hot water, holds therapeutic properties for various ailments. Pangkereman Jembangan is one of the hot springs designated for dipping. The water that spouts from this spring is scalding. Weapons such as keris, swords, big knives, and lances are submerged in the spring to test their magical powers. If the weapon becomes sticky, it signifies its ineffectiveness and lack of magical abilities. However, if the weapon remains unchanged, it signifies the weapon possesses supernatural power and will enhance the user’s strength. Additionally, locals utilize the hot springs to extract medicinal oil from coconut cream. After immersing a bottle of coconut cream in the hot spring, the resulting clear, oily liquid serves as medicinal oil. Known as Siu Satus Tunggal or Siu Satunggal in the Bayan language, this oil is believed to cure a wide array of ailments.
Segara Anak Crater Lake:
Segara Anak Lake resembles an expansive sea with its mesmerizing blue waters, earning it the name “Child of the Sea.” This lake harbors numerous mysteries and concealed powers. Visitors find solace in spending ample time here, as it is home to a significant community of enigmatic spirits. Local folklore suggests that if the lake appears vast from a distance, it symbolizes a long life, whereas a narrow appearance predicts a shorter lifespan. To avoid pessimism, people purify their spirits, maintain a serene state of mind, and gaze contentedly at the lake. In the lake’s vicinity, engaging in sexual activities, complaining, or using foul language is strictly prohibited. Patience and composure are necessary when facing challenges.
You can reach Segara Anak Lake on 3 Days 2 Night Rinjani Package
Local Strawberry:
Along the route to Mt. Rinjani, you’ll encounter a plant resembling the rose, called local strawberry. Its thorny exterior and red fruit resemble that of strawberries. When trekkers feel hungry and thirsty, this sweet and slightly sour fruit serves as a delightful snack.
Eternal Flower or Edelweiss: The enchanting Edelweiss, also known as the eternal flower, grows within the park’s boundaries and the mystical realm of the spirit kingdom. In the past, acquiring this flower required bravery, as one had to confront and wager their soul. Consequently, the flower is known as Sandar Nyawa. The Edelweiss never wilts and is as ancient as the enigmatic spirits themselves.
Summit Rinjani:
Local beliefs maintain that the peak of Mt. Rinjani serves as the dwelling place of Dewi Anjani, the queen spirit and ruler of the mountain. Towards the southeast of the peak lies Segara Muncar, a dust-covered expanse referred to as the invisible palace of Queen Dewi Anjani and her followers. These spirits are benevolent in nature. According to a legend surrounding Dewi Anjani, she was a princess whose father forbade her marriage to her beloved. Vanishing near a spring called Mandala, she transformed from the mortal realm to the spirit world.
Gunung Baru Jari:
Gunung Baru, meaning “New Mountain,” emerged as a volcano within the center of Segara Anak Lake. Locals believe that Gunung Baru serves as the navel of Mt. Rinjani. Consequently, eruptions from Gunung Baru do not harm the people of Lombok unless they originate from the peak of Mt. Rinjani. Some claim that the 1994 eruption of Gunung Baru resulted from spirits constructing something, as the stones erupted in an organized and aesthetically pleasing manner at the base of the volcano.