Rinjani

Rinjani, also known as Gunung Rinjani, is an active stratovolcano located on Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The volcano rises to about 3,726 meters above sea level, making it one of the region’s tallest mountains. It forms the center of Rinjani National Park, a protected area established to conserve the lake-filled caldera, diverse montane ecosystems, and surrounding forest.

Geography and features: The volcano features a large caldera formed by a prehistoric collapse, housing Segara Anak crater lake at the caldera floor. The lake, surrounded by steep walls, is a prominent feature for visitors. The park encompasses rugged highlands, forested slopes, and endemic species.

Geology and activity: Rinjani is an active volcano with fumarolic activity at the crater. It has produced eruptions in historical times, including a major eruption in 2010 that affected regional air travel and led to temporary closures of parts of the area. Since then, volcanic activity has been limited to steam emissions and minor explosions.

Ecology and conservation: The park protects a range of habitats from tropical moist forests to montane cloud forests, hosting diverse wildlife including macaques and numerous bird species, with some threatened species present.

Access and recreation: The mountain is a popular trekking destination, typically accessed via the northern approaches from Senaru or Sembalun. Summit ascents usually take one to two days for fit hikers, with longer treks around the caldera possible. Guides and park permits are required.

Climate and hazards: The area has a tropical highland climate with variable weather; visitors should be aware of volcanic hazards, landslides, and rapidly changing conditions.