English 
Indonesia 
French 
Dutch 
Thai 
Chinese One thing to remember when travelling to a place is the people. When you go to climb Mount Rinjani, many of the guides and porters who accompany you are local people. Visiting the villages near Mount Rinjani allows you to experience the local communities and the culture of the island's indigenous people.
Two notable villages will enhance your experience when you travel to Lombok. There is Senaru village in the Bayan district in North Lombok. There is also Sembalun in East Lombok. They both offer different experiences in your travels. Let's learn more about the people and the culture near Mount Rinjani.
Who are The Indigenous People of Lombok?
The indigenous people of Lombok are the Sasak people, the island's largest ethnic group. Many Sasak communities live in villages such as Senaru and Sembalun, which serve as popular gateways to Mount Rinjani. Senaru is located in the northern part of Lombok in the Bayan district and is associated with rainforests. Sembalun, on the other hand, is in the eastern part of Lombok. It is cooler due to its height and is surrounded by hills and farmlands.
Both Senaru village and Sembalun are entrances to Mount Rinjani. Entering through Sembalun is a shorter route to the summit, which makes it quite popular. On the other hand, entering through Senaru village allows you to go to the lake and the nearby waterfalls. The people living in Senaru and Sembalun support their livelihood in several ways.
Farming many kinds of crops. Sembalun is well known for its strawberry farms, while Senaru is famous for its coffee plantations.
Becoming trek guides.
Working as porters for tourists.
Homestay owners.
The Sasak people live in thatched houses and eat local produce from their farms. The local communities speak the Sasak language, and they have high skills in the art of weaving. The name Sasak comes from the word sak sak, which means one by one. Sèsèk is the act of weaving in the Sasak language. The name Sèsèk comes from weaving the threads one by one.
The Bayan People
Alongside the Sasak people live the Bayan people. Bayan is a district in North Lombok, and one of the villages in that district is Senaru. The Bayan are a subgroup of the Sasak people, and they differ in their religious beliefs. While a majority of the Sasak people are Muslim, the Bayan people practise Islam differently from the Wetu Telu belief.
Wetu Telu is a more traditional version of Islam with a mix of the ancient local beliefs. They believe in the spirit of ancestors and powers within sacred objects. The number of Wetu Telu practitioners decreases as time progresses because the local communities slowly convert to Islam. The Bayan people have an interest in preserving the belief for future generations.
Role of Local Communities in Trekking
The people in Senaru and Sembalun live near Mount Rinjani. As a result, many residents work in the trekking industry as guides, porters, and tourism providers. Modern-day Mount Rinjani is well known across the world, and many would want to climb it for various reasons. This worldwide tourism opens job opportunities for the local communities.
However, the tourism business that emerged here is not just an industry. The people who work as porters and guides are supporting their families and the local economy. As tourists participate in commerce with the people, they directly support locals who live and work in Lombok. When you travel here, book a local guide, as they have deep knowledge, and you will benefit from the full experience.
Being respectful to the local communities
With the booming tourism industry near Mount Rinjani, many new businesses have emerged. Mountain trekking is only one part of it. While you can stay in a hotel during your trip, you can also choose a homestay with the locals. You can also enjoy the cuisine and get some handcrafted gifts.
However, you must remain respectful to the local communities. They help maintain trekking trails, visitor facilities, and the surrounding environment. You can show your appreciation by keeping the path clean. Carry a disposable plastic bag for your litter. While you are not obligated to clean everything there, you should at least not add to the mess.
Book a Trip with Rinjani Trekking Center for an Unforgettable Experience
Now you know about the local communities that live near Mount Rinjani. You are better prepared to appreciate the beauty of the mountain and also the people. Learning about and interacting with the Sasak people will surely enrich your trip in Lombok. Their hospitality and culture will make your trip feel more meaningful.
Rinjani Trekking Center is your trusted tour provider for all of your Mount Rinjani trekking needs. Our experienced trekking crew has escorted tourists for decades. Your hiking trip in Lombok will be much safer with our local team. Book your Mount Rinjani trekking adventure with RTC through our website today so you can experience the most unforgettable trip.