After registering at the ranger's office, the journey begins at 8:45 AM. The first hour of the trek takes you steadily uphill through dense tropical rainforest, rich with diverse flora, bird species, and vibrant butterflies.
You may encounter wild orchids, long-tailed grey macaques, and, if fortunate, the rare ebony leaf monkey, locally known as lutung.
Occasionally, forest deer (rusa) make an appearance along the trail, while the smaller barking deer (kijang) is known for its distinctive dog-like call.
Rest stops are taken along the way, including at Montong Satas Shelter (Pos 2, 1,500 m), where your guide may share local stories and legends.
Highlights include the unique Bunut Ngengkang banyan tree, which resembles someone standing with their legs apart, and the Batu Penyesalan, or “Stone of Regret,” with its own tales.
Depending on the weather and your preference, the overnight camp can be set up either at Pos 3 Mondokan Lolak (2,000 m), approximately five hours’ climb from Senaru, or further up at Plawangan Senaru Crater Rim (2,641 m) after another two hours of trekking through open meadows.
From the crater rim, breathtaking views await. You’ll witness Segara Anak Lake (2,000 m) framed by the towering summit of Mount Rinjani. Inside the crater lies Mount Baru (2,351 m), an active volcano that last erupted dramatically in 1994. On clear evenings, you might catch a glimpse of the Gili Islands, Bali, and Mount Agung to the west.
