Gunung Rinjani National Park represents a range of Nusa Tenggaras ecosystem types, from sub-montane rain forest to montane forest and savanna.
The plant potential in this Park area includes jelutung (Laportea stimulans), dedurenan (Aglaia argentea), bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), beringin (Ficus benjamina), jambu-jambuan (Syzygium sp.), keruing (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), rerau (D. imbricatus), lumut jenggot (Usnea sp.), cemara gunung (Casuarina tripolia and C. equisetifolia), edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica), and endemic species of orchid such as Perisstylus rintjaniensis and P. lombokensis.
There is one endemic species of civet in the Park, namely the musang rinjani (Paradoxurus hemaproditus rinjanicus). Also to be found in the park are barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak nainggolani), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus kohlbruggei), pangolin (Manis javanica), southeast Asian porcupine (Hystrix brachyura), Timor helmeted friarbird (Philemon buceroides neglectus), crested hawk eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus floris), lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea occidentalis), Lombok honeyeater (Lichmera lombokia lombokia), dark-backed imperial pigeon (Ducula lacernulata sasakensis), black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis broderipii), and several species of reptile.
Mt. Rinjani, at 3,726 m asl., is the third highest mountain in Indonesia. In a valley high up on the western part of Mt. Rinjani lies Segara Anak Lake (2,208 m asl.) whose sulphurous-smelling water has different temperatures from one part of the Lake to another, ranging from cool, through warm, to very hot. A new volcano is emerging from the centre of this Lake, and it is still active and growing.
Particularly with the coming of the rice-planting season, the communities in the vicinity quite often hold ritual ceremonies on Mt. Rinjani and at Segara Anak Lake. One involves releasing small artificial fish made of very thin gold into the Lake.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Mt. Rinjani: mountain climbing and camping.
Segara Anak Lake, Sebau and Gunung Baru: research, enjoying natural phenomena, thermal springs, bathing, observing animals and exploring the forest, cultural attraction.
Otakokkoq and Kembang Kuning: enjoying thermal springs and waterfalls.
Cultural attractions outside the Park area include, in Mataram, Perang Topat in December, and Ciwaratri in January.
Best time of year to visit: August to December.
How to reach the Park: there a number of options. Mataram-Selong-Sambelia-Sembalun Lawang by car, 4.5 hours (140 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Or Mataram-Bayan-Senaru by car, 2.5 hours (82 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Alternatively, Mataram-Bayan-Torean, 2.5 hours (85 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 7.5 hours. Or Mataram-Masbagik-Kutaraja-Tetebatu, 1.5 hours (60 km), then on foot to Otakokkoq, 30 minutes.
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.280/Kpts-II/97,
a total area of 41,330 hectares
Location : Regencies; West Lombok, Central Lombok and
East Lombok, Province of West Nusa Tenggara
Temperature 23° - 30° C
Rainfall 2,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 550 - 3,726 m asl.
Geographical location 116°18' - 116°32' E; 8°18' - 8°33' S
Office: Jl. Erlangga 88, Mataram
West Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-370-627764
E-mail: tngr@indo.net.id.
