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Chinese Tired of the daily hustle and bustle in the big city? If that resonates with your feelings lately, you are not alone. As a matter of fact, more people, especially the younger generation, are starting to head to nature to release their stress. Camping in the forest, for example, is becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
From beginners to experienced mountaineers, climbing is often at the top of their bucket lists. They often cite the psychological and physical benefits as the main driving factors. Once surrounded by a tree canopy, they become calm at once. Listening to the wild animals soothes their minds, too.
As they move, they become happier, as such physical exercise triggers dopamine, or the happy hormone. Camping in the forest around Rinjani Mountain offers so much more than the ones mentioned above. Its reputation as one of the most challenging active volcanoes promises an unforgettable adventure. Keep reading until the end to know the full information!
How to go camping in the forest?
To camp in the forest, you need to choose a designated camping area, bring essential gear, and set up the campsite. Although the jungle is typically vast, not all areas are safe and permissible for establishing a campsite. Before going camping, trekkers need to have enough reliable information about the permitted camping spots.
After that, bring all the basics within your overnight backpack. The amount and type of gear depend on your destination and the length of your trip. However, the typical forest camping gear should include:
Tent with rainfly
Sleeping bag and pad
Headlamp with spare batteries
Water
Portable stove and fuel or gas
First-aid kit
Essential gear for a humid environment
As mentioned earlier, camping in the forest all around Rinjani Mountain is an extraordinary experience to try once in your lifetime. The mountain spans several climate zones in a tropical country, Indonesia. As a result, it has different levels of humidity. As you gain elevation, humidity gradually decreases. With that in mind, you need to consider specialized gear and unique challenges that arise along the way.
No wonder that many trekkers consider hiking to this mountain to require intensive training. They must ensure their physical condition is strong enough for multi-day trekking. Additionally, they need to prepare some tools that might not be necessary for standard, casual hiking. Let’s find out the special gear other than the common ones in the following!
Moisture-wicking clothing
Not all cotton clothing is ideal for camping in the forest in the mountains. You need to wear moisture-wicking clothing that will move sweat away from your skin and dry faster than cotton. Such a requirement is essential as the lower sections of the mountain are covered in tropical forest. The humid conditions beneath the dense forest canopy often make hikers feel hot and sweaty.
Light, fast-dry hiking pants or shorts
As the climbing usually lasts for a few days, hikers need to wear pants or shorts that feel comfortable. Your clothing will feel heavy and uncomfortable. Besides, the quick-dry attribute is a must because of the high humidity level. If your pants or shorts can't dry quickly, you will find it uncomfortable walking.
DEET-free bug repellent
Camping in the forest within Rinjani is prone to insect bites. As such, preparing a DEET-free bug repellent is recommended. This repellent is a safe option to protect yourself against insect bites. Besides, it's generally gentler on sensitive skin and outdoor gear than many traditional insect repellents. Avoid direct spraying on your body when using this repellent. Instead, spray it onto your hands and then apply it slowly, except for your eyes and mouth.
Ventilated tent
Aside from the high level of humidity, camping in the forest in the Rinjani area will expose you to very cold and windy temperatures. A well-ventilated tent is able to balance warmth and airflow. As a result, your body can adapt more comfortably to changing temperatures. You will also enjoy fresh airflow; hence, you can sleep better at night.
Trekking poles
To reiterate, Rinjani Mountain is quite challenging. It consists of steep climbs, volcanic terrain, loose gravel, and long descents. Thus, bringing trekking poles will be helpful to maintain your balance as you walk across various terrain types. Besides, the poles can reduce strain and boost safety as you carry a backpack with many gear items inside.
The Senaru trail: Mount Rinjani’s premier jungle route
The Senaru route is very popular among mountaineers thanks to its beautiful and dramatic landscapes along the trail. Opting to camp in the forest via this route opens up to rich adventure. A dense tropical jungle is ready to treat your eyes to breathtaking natural scenery.
As far as the eye can see, towering banyan trees, lush ferns, and dense vegetation stretch across the landscape. Moss and vines are everywhere, too, making them one of the elements of the natural shade. While those are scenic enough, check other peculiar characteristics that make this trekking trail worthy of your visit:
The dramatic Senaru crater rim experience
Camping in the forest around the Senaru crater rim is the peak of each climber’s journey. If you arrive at sunset, you will get to see the golden light fall across the crater walls. The night view presents incredible stars that take centre stage in the vast sky. The area is also a perfect site to enjoy one of the best sunrise moments, as you will see the volcanic landscape.
The sound of nature
Camping along the Senaru route will expose you to the “best music of your life”. Here, you will hear the bird calls echoing between trees. Use your ears to catch the natural rhythm from insects or the movement of wind between the canopy. When you arrive at small streams, stop for a while to listen to the sound of water flowing through them.
The wildlife habitat
Rinjani Mountain is home to diverse wildlife, which you may not have seen in the natural parks or zoos in your hometown. See the common species below!
Ebony leaf monkeys or lutung
Mountain birds, such as raptors and forest songbirds
Butterflies, like Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) and Blue Tiger (Tirumala hamata)
Insects, such as the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) and Longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae family).
Special camping atmosphere
Imagine waking up in the morning and then viewing a giant volcanic crater in front of your eyes. Or, “feeling” very close to the clouds that surround your campsite. Such atmospheres are unique, typical of camping in the forest in high-altitude mountains. You'll also witness the landscape change throughout the day as the light and weather shift. You can feel all of the sensations when trekking via the Senaru route.
Local culture and communities
Senaru is actually a traditional village. It is famous for its Sasak people of Lombok, who have been taking care of the area and the mountain for many generations. Starting your hike from this village gives you a chance to experience the local culture. You can ask the locals for their local knowledge, such as forest routes and the weather.
The luxury of porter-assisted forest camping
Unarguably, camping in the forest brings a lot of benefits, from exposing you to wild weather to reducing stress. If you camp with friends or family, having a night bonfire creates a great bonding experience. However, as said before, DIY camping can be challenging, especially in the Rinjani area.
You might need to bring more gear than on a standard camping trip. This might be more overwhelming if you must prepare freshly cooked meals. As such, a porter-assisted tour can be an ideal option to allow you to have a less stressful hiking experience. Our Rinjani Trekking Center offers a complete package, which will boost your overall journey. For details, check the information below!
Guided route
Our local porters are highly experienced. They will show the correct routes regardless of where you start. They will hike ahead so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Besides, our porters will secure the best forest clearings to prepare your campsite before you arrive. The spot for camping will definitely be safe and secure.
Camping setup assistance
Lack of energy to set up your tent? Don’t worry! Our porters will pitch the tent and set up the sleeping mats. Thus, you can just sit back and relax. Save your energy for resuming the hiking trip. Or, you can enjoy the scenery all around the campsite and take pictures to capture the special moments.
Local food service
Looking for a taste of local culinary flavour in Rinjani? Our local porters are the experts for preparing delicious meals quickly while camping in the forest. For example, they can prepare fried rice or nasi goreng, one of the most popular local dishes among climbers. Imagine eating such yummy, hot food amidst a dense canopy and fresh air.
Breaking the canopy: From forest to crater rim
A hiking trip via Senaru village is like taking a gradual expedition that invites you to pause along the way. To reiterate, this route is full of diverse natural landscapes that differ from one another as you move up. In simple words, different elevations mean different views, temperature, and of course, physical endurance.
Overall, five distinct landscapes will welcome you via this trekking trail. Each landscape offers peculiar vibes, such as calmness, whilst you are in the village. This emotion turns into an overwhelming one as you finally arrive at the Senaru crater rim. Check the details below:
Senaru village: This is the entry point where you can see small farms, local gardens, and village paths. Being here makes you calm and peaceful while looking at the surrounding hills.
The jungle: If you choose camping in the forest, expect to see tall tropical forests and thick vegetation all around.
The long climb: This is where your physical endurance comes into play. Slow your walking pace while ascending through uneven ground or muddy areas.
The changing forest: As you climb higher, you will find more open spaces with stronger winds and vegetation.
The peak: The climax of your hard-earned journey. Be prepared to look at Segara Anak Lake below and Barujari Mountain inside the crater.
Create your unforgettable camping in the forest experience with Rinjani Trekking Center!
After having enough trekking experience, it’s time to try something more challenging and rewarding. Rinjani Trekking Center is ready to make your first-ever or recurring trip unforgettable. We are 100% locally operated with a genuine mission to make our guests return home with unforgettable memories.
Our experienced guides will assist you with the permit, food service, and all things related to camping in the forest throughout your trek. Thus, no need to overthink how to adapt to the cool temperature or seek the most effective routes. We will give valuable tips to relieve your stress. So, what are you waiting for? Book your adventure through our website today!