The Mount Rinjani Trek

The Rinjani Trek Ecotouring Program is creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods and helping to protect one of Indonesia’s most spectacular natural environments.

Map of Lombok Island

Spanning the Gunung Rinjani National Park (Mt. Rinjani National Park), which lies within the major transition zone (Wallaceae) where the flora and fauna of Southeast Asia makes a dramatic transition into that which is typical of Australasia, the community based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru. The park has a rich variety of plants and animals, although they can be hard to spot due to the terrain and rainforest cover.

At 3726m it is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, part of the infamous ring of fire that encircles the basin of the Pacific. Within the crater is the spectacular Segara Anak lake and the still – active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363m).

Segara Anak Lake within the crater

For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and the abode of Gods. Within the spectacular crater, the Segara Anak Lake is destination of many pilgrims who place offerings in nearby hot spring.

Over 38 villages surround Mt. Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain, but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east. The challenging three-day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang is just sensational. Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.

Rinjani trekking routes

Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Ecotourism Program is one of the world’s leading examples of how tourism can really benefit the communities and environments on which it depends. The Program offers opportunities to guides, porters, handicraft makers, trail maintainers and many others, while at the same time making sure that locals and visitors are fully aware of the value of their environment.

Established in 1982, John’s Adventures is run by a very friendly chap called John Maray, chairman of the Senaru Trek Organizer Association, and the first person ever to take trekkers up Rinjani mountain. So, you really won’t find yourself a better guide. John can arrange 1-4 day trekking trips, even for families with young children. Most of the guides and trekkers are member of John’s family, who, having lived in Senaru Village all of their lives, know this trek like the back of their hands. John insists on using only the highest quality trekking equipment and prides himself on providing personalized, professional and friendly service.

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Lembang - The Refreshing Natural Beauty

Tea plantation - Lembang

Lembang is a natural beauty of the high valley just north of Bandung, about 30 minutes drive away. It is popular with local tourists for its refreshing climate and the proximity to the Tangkuban Perahu volcano, Bandung's main tourist attraction. Even though Lembang in itself is doesn't have that much to offer, it is worth a daytrip to savor some local specialties and gawk at the beautiful panoramas on the way and also the view of Bandung. It's a chain of volcanoes from Gunung Burangrang, Gunung Tangkuban Perahu up to Gunung Bukittunggul, which is part of the northern border of the Parahyangan Highlands.

Fruits and vegetables stalls in Lembang

This place is famous in tea plantation and nice place for family picnic. On Sundays Lembang is usually packed with families conducting Indonesia's single most favourite weekend activities: tasting snacks and local specialties. Lembang itself is a scruffy, busy place with a lot of traffic, street vendors and markets. Because the volcanic soil that makes up the rolling hills around this area is extremely fertile, horticultural and agricultural products are abundant. Most of the produce such as fruit and vegetable will make its way into Bandung's kitchens.

Plants and flowers are considered to be among the best and relatively cheap. There are several local strawberry-picking places in Lembang with cafe and restaurant facilities.

Here you can have "sate kelinci" (rabbit satay)

Other favourites include "sate kelinci" (rabbit satay) and "susu murni" (fresh cowmilk) and eat sweet corn. Furry rabbits can be found at street stalls everywhere, soon to be put on a stick and barbequed for your pleasure. Cow milk is sold at various places, the biggest being Kencana Lembang, where you can drink milk or yoghurt in old converted cow stables and also see the process of milking the cows.

Sweet corn bbq with choices of flavors

Near Lembang there are some forests and waterfalls that can be visited. The hot springs of Maribaya resort have been tapped into a public pool and form an ultimate relaxing pastime, although it can be quite crowded on weekends.

Staying over in Lembang is apparently quite popular and the town is sprawling with hotels of every category. But unfortunately Lembang itself is far from charming. It makes for a nice daytrip though, and if you enjoy snacking and stunning views it's a place most conveniently located.


There are few roads that lead to Lembang from Bandung . A steep and meandering road departs from Dago Bengkok (after the angkot terminal take the left fork), there's a new road that is even steeper that is on the left side just after the terminal, but make sure your vehicle can cope with the climbs. Jalan Ciumbuleuit also connects to Lembang but the fastest way is through the road that goes to Setiabudi, this road has more traffic but is more easily accessible than the others. Angkots (minivans) saying Lembang will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to get there, but to really enjoy the views it is suggested to go either with private car or with motorcycle.
Adapted from streetdirectory.com

* Hotel and Villa in Lembang & Subang Area

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