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Man’s fascination for the all happenings that defy logic and understanding started from the time when human civilizations were in their infancy. A spewing volcano was one such natural occurrence that frightened man, making him delve deep to find answers to puzzling questions. Volcanoes were deified in ancient civilizations, man was scared of the enormous power that is unleashed from an active volcano and its capacity to harm. Today, volcanoes, instead of being objects of reverence are tourist attractions with millions paying homage to this quark of nature. Indonesia has a couple of volcanoes, and one of the most active volcano, Mount Rinjani is on the island of Lombok, beside Bali. Mount Rinjani, Lombok last erupted in 2004. Lombok is not very densely populated or rather the number of its inhabitants is much less than other Indonesian islands. Mount Rinjani, Lombok rises to 3726m above sea level, it is the third largest volcano in Indonesia. This volcano is composed of both lava flows and pyroclastic materials. The first chronicled eruption of Mount Rinjani was in 1847. The volcano is absolutely stunning, there is semi circular crater lake near the rim and another small new conical rim has evolved. It is very interesting to note here that, Mt. Rinjani is considered to be sacred to both the Sasaks and the Balinese. The lake, Segara Anak at 2008m is also revered by the local people. Segara Anak is on the valley Wes of Mt. Ranjini. The water of this lake smells of sulpher and the water temperature varies from one place to another, from warm to hot to cold. To prevent Mother Nature from being marauded by insensitive trekkers or other tourists, a national park was formed in 1997 to give her protection. This park is known as Gunung Rinjani National Park and covers a wide area. The surrounding area has lush forest and there are three administrative districts, the East, West and Central Lombok that falls within its purview. This park draws attention because of another important point, the ecosystem is in the middle of the transitional zone between two major continents, Asia and Australia. This is also known as Walaceae Zone. Heavy rainfall in this area accounts for the all round verdure. Rich and diverse flora and fauna is a delight to tourists, researchers, geologists and biologists. The southern and western side of Mt. Rinjani has extensive primary rainforests and this accounts for the much drier climate and monsoon forest in the eastern side and savannah in the north east. Flowers like edelweiss, orchids like tiger orchids flower in abandon here, alang-alang grass and cemara trees are also found here in wide numbers. It is a trekkers’ paradise and as many as twenty villages surround the mountain, but the main route that is followed is from Senaru village in the north and Sembalun Lawang in the east. The highlands are not really developed, but the lowlands are extensively cultivated with rice being the main cash crop. Mount Ranjini, Lombok draws visitors for medicinal reasons too. Segara Anak has people offering prayers for their health and the nearby hot springs are believed to have therapeutic properties. The beauty and majestic of this active volcano cannot be explained by mere words, one has to see it to soak in its magic!
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