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Chinese Many people travel from all over the world to climb Mount Rinjani. Besides climbing the mountain, visitors can also explore attractions such as the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls near Senaru village at the base of Rinjani. When you hike through Rinjani, you will see Segara Anak Lake. It is interesting to learn about the location and history of the Mount Rinjani trek.
Beyond its natural beauty, Mount Rinjani is also rich in culture and local traditions. Lombok is home to the Sasak people, and they have a deep history tied to the mountain. Generations have lived their whole lives near Rinjani. The locals have accumulated generational knowledge and experience of the mountain. In modern times, many locals now help travellers by becoming trekking guides and porters to Rinjani.
Fascinating, isn't it? Travelling to Lombok is not only about mountain climbing but also about the history of the Mount Rinjani trek. Although it is now one of Indonesia's most popular trekking destinations, it was not always the case. Rinjani is a sacred site for the Lombok people. As time goes on, it has become one of the most famous tourist destinations.
Early History of Mount Rinjani
Before the 1257 eruption, the ancient volcano Mount Samalas formed part of the volcanic complex that now includes Mount Rinjani. It was a much larger volcano known as Mount Samalas. In the year 1257, Mount Samalas erupted, and the eruption destroyed most of the mountain. Eyewitness accounts of the eruption are recorded in the Babad Lombok, a traditional manuscript written on dried palm leaves.
The Mount Samalas eruption left behind a large caldera, now known as Segara Anak Lake. The surviving volcanic peaks include Mount Rinjani and several younger volcanic cones within the caldera. Rinjani has erupted a number of times over the years, and in modern times, it can disrupt the tourism industry. Below is a brief timeline of Mount Rinjani eruptions.
1257 – The cataclysmic eruption of Samalas forms the caldera that is now Segara Anak Lake.
1847 – The first confirmed historical eruption in Rinjani, with subsequent eruptions occurring from the Barujari cone within the caldera.
1901–1966 – Several confirmed eruptions occurred at Barujari, producing ash clouds and occasional lava flows.
1994–2016 – Multiple eruptions from Barujari led to temporary trekking closures and increased volcanic monitoring. Notable eruptive periods occurred in 1994–95, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2016.
Today, the Rinjani volcanic complex remains an active volcano that is continuously monitored. Mount Rinjani National Park protects the volcano's unique ecosystems, cultural heritage, and trekking routes while supporting sustainable tourism.
Why is Mount Rinjani Considered Sacred?
Rinjani is considered sacred because the people of Lombok believe that the goddess Dewi Anjani resides in the mountains. Previously, not a lot of people wanted to climb Mount Rinjani. Traditionally, many local communities visited Mount Rinjani mainly for pilgrimage or spiritual purposes rather than recreation.
Locals believe the hot spring water of the Segara Anak Lake near Mount Rinjani to have healing powers. Their traditions hold that the nearby hot springs have healing properties, and many pilgrims bathe there during religious visits. Both the lake and the mountain are sacred to the Sasak people and the Hindu population. Every year around the full moon period, the locals carry out the Mulang Pakelem ritual all day.
Mulang Pakelem: A Sacred Ritual at Mount Rinjani
Mulang Pakelem is a Hindu ritual held in the Segara Anak Lake. The goal of the ritual is to ask for balance in the universe and harmony between humanity and the universe. An important part of Mount Rinjani's history is that participants walk to the lake and prepare a temporary temple. After that, participants perform two purification rituals before the main ceremony.
First, the Melaspas ritual serves to cleanse the place of negative energy. Then, participants chant the Nuhur prayer to attract the guardian deities of Mount Rinjani. After that, the Yadnya Bumi Sudha ritual commences. The ceremony includes a traditional dance as a show of respect towards the deities. Once night comes, participants place offerings, including symbolic objects made of gold or silver, into the lake.
Mount Rinjani tourism over the years
One of the earliest documented European explorations was by Swiss naturalist Heinrich Zollinger in 1846. His ambition was to reach the summit and eventually explore all of Mount Rinjani, including visiting Segara Anak Lake. However, he did not complete the climb and did not reach the lake due to a lack of supplies.
Even back in 1846, local people served as guides and porters. That is simply because they know the mountain like no other. This tradition has continued for generations and remains an important part of Mount Rinjani's trekking culture. The routes that the porters and trek guides use for trekking and mountain tourism are actually old routes. The locals have used the routes for generations.
Nowadays, Mount Rinjani has a big tourism business around it. This has created many employment opportunities for the locals. People provide trekking packages and become porters and trekking guides. Outside of the trekking business, there are also local handicraft businesses and homestay businesses. The tourists who conduct business here are contributing to the betterment of the local economy.
Book your trip easily with Rinjani Trekking Center
How the mountain and lake were formed is part of what makes Mount Rinjani so fascinating. Moreover, the people and their culture will enrich your journey in Lombok. However, just as interesting is climbing Mount Rinjani. Knowing the history of Mount Rinjani will make you appreciate the climb even more.
Rinjani Trekking Center is one of the leading trekking operators for Mount Rinjani. Our experienced local guides have escorted trekkers for decades. We will focus on your safety so you can climb without worry. Try the various packages provided and enjoy your trip to Rinjani. Book now on the RTC website for an unforgettable experience.