Indonesia is located in the Ring of Fire and Gunung Rinjani at 3,726 m is the 2nd highest volcanic peak in Indonesia.
Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia, on the island of Lombok
. The most recent eruption was in 1996. According to the locals, fortunately, no one was hurt. People who were fishing at the crater managed to escape unscathed. All the fishes in the crater died.
. The most recent eruption was in 1996. According to the locals, fortunately, no one was hurt. People who were fishing at the crater managed to escape unscathed. All the fishes in the crater died.Gunung Rinjani is surrounded by fields growing rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla. The locals lived a very simple and quiet life and the fields are lush and green growing on fertile soils of the island. Gunung Rinjani is well-known for its spectacular crater lake as well as the small cone in the center of the caldera, which looks like a "crater within a crater". The arduous trek is rewarded with a choice of swimming in the crater or in pools of hot springs that can be found near the crater.
The climb to the summit is most scenic but can be a heart-stopping experience. The trek to the summit is covered with volcanic ashes. You end up sliding 3 steps backwards with every step that you take. Hence not many get to catch sunrise. The trek to the summit is exposed and you are at the mercy of the winds. Coupled with the treachery of the volcanic ashes, there have been a few who had fallen victims to nature.
But the view at the top is almost breathtaking. The a crater within the crater lake, greenery from the surrounding forest, and the clear blue sea from the distance, put together a picturesque view. On clear days, you can even see the Gunung Agong from Bali Island.
To the natives, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. The crater lake is the destination of thousand of pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the hot springs. Not sure whether the area and the people will be able to stand the test of time, amidst the expanding tourism from Bali.
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