After registering at the park ranger office, we will begin our trek at 8:45 am. The first part of the hike steadily ascends through a dense tropical forest, abundant with flora, birdlife, and various butterflies. Along the way, you may encounter orchids, long-tailed grey macaque monkeys, and if lucky, the rare black ebony leaf monkey, also known as the lutung. Occasionally, you might spot rusa (deer) or the smaller barking deer, known for its distinct dog-like bark.
Rest breaks will be taken throughout the trek, including a stop at Pos 2 Montong Satas shelter (1,500 m), where your guide will share local stories and legends. Key features along the route include the banyan tree, bunut ngengkang, which resembles a person standing with their legs apart, and the Batu Penyesalan stone.
Depending on your preference and weather conditions, the campsite will either be at Post 3 Mondokan Lolak (2,000 m) after a 5-hour climb from Senaru, or we will continue for another couple of hours through grassy meadows to Plawangan 1 Senaru crater rim at 2,641 m. From the crater rim, enjoy sweeping views of Segara Anak Lake (2,000 m) and the summit of Mt. Rinjani. Inside the crater, you can also see Mt. Baru (2,351 m), an active volcano that last erupted dramatically in 1994. On a clear evening, the Gili Islands, Bali, and Mt. Agung are visible to the west.
