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A prestigious 2004 World Legacy Award for environmental and social
leaders in tourism was given to the Rinjani Trek Management Board by
Conservation International (CI) and National Geographic Traveler
magazine, in a ceremony at the National Geographic Society in
Washington DC on 8 June 2004.
The Rinjani Trek in Gunung Rinjani National Park in Lombok Indonesia
was the winner of the Destination Stewardship Award, selected as a
tourism destination that best demonstrates effective protection of
its natural and cultural environment.
The Rinjani Trek was lauded in the award citation as “a place doing
superb work in protecting its overall natural and cultural heritage,
the volcanic heart of the island of Lombok, Indonesia”. Visitors to
this tropical island enjoy long jungle treks to the awe-inspiring
crater valley, waterfalls and hot springs, and emerge from the
forest canopy to enjoy an amazing panoramic ocean view.
The Rinjani program is exemplary for its strong partnership among
local community groups, tourism industry and national park, and has
successfully withstood the recent deep dip in Indonesia’s tourism.
At 3,72 6m, Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcanic peak in
Indonesia and is a part of the celebrated “Ring of Fire”. Gunung
Rinjani National Park lies within a major bio-geographical
transition zone (Wallaceae), where the flora and fauna of South East
Asia meets that of Australasia. The National Park, one of over 40
throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997. For the people of
Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, Mount Rinjani is revered as a
sacred place and abode of deities. The crater lake is a pilgrimage
destination for tens of thousands each year. For tourists, the
three-day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the crater rim, down to
the crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the
best treks in South East Asia. More adventurous trekkers aim for the
summit, best reached from Sembalun Lawang, returning after four days
to Senaru.
The
 Rinjani Trek Ecotourism Programme has been developed since 1999
with assistance from New Zealand’s International Aid and Development
Agency (NZAID). To strengthen conservation and ensure that
communities on the boundary of the National Park benefit from
tourism revenues, community-run co-operatives coordinate the Trek at
the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru and the Rinjani Information Centre
in Sembalun Lawang.
Each has roster systems for guides and porters, village tour
activities and handicraft sales. Revenue from tourism activities and
entry fees is used for conservation, training, management and
assisting the National Park with maintenance of the Rinjani Trek,
thus ensuring sustainability.
Over seeing and supporting these activities is the Rinjani Trek
Management Board, combining the authority of the central government
and local government, with the voices of Lombok tourism’s private
sector and boundary communities. This institutional model is unique
in Indonesia and has now been recognised in the World Legacy Awards
as a global example for practical implementation of the ideals of
ecotourism.
The World Legacy Award is unique for its focus on environmental
responsibility and respecting cultural heritage. Nearly 100
applicants from more than 40 countries on six continents were
considered.
It is the o nly global tourism award to perform on-site verification
visits by scientific, anthropological and tourism professionals.
“These winners are perfect examples of the way the travel and
tourism industry should operate,” said Her Majesty Queen Noor, the
2004 World Legacy Award Honorary Awards Committee Chair. “I am
heartened by their example and hope other extraordinary places are
similarly inspired.”
Our Trekking Packages:
01.
Rinjani Rim Package
02.
Rinjani Lake Package
03.
Rinjani Summit + Lake Package
04.
Rinjani Non Experiance Trekker
Package
05.
Rinjani Lombok Package for Singaporean and Malaysian Trekker
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