Lake Segara Anak: Hidden Beauty in the Crater of Mount Rinjani

Lake Segara Anak, located in the caldera of Mount Rinjani, Lombok, is a destination that not only offers natural beauty, but also a deep spiritual experience. This lake is known for its legend and long history, even becoming one of the icons on the ten-thousand-rupiah banknote in 1998.

Located at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, Segara Anak has an area of 11.3 square kilometers and a depth of 190 meters, making it a monumental crater lake.

Lake Segara Anak is located in Sembalun Lawang Village, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, within the Mount Rinjani National Park area. To reach it, tourists must climb Mount Rinjani via the Sembalun or Senaru hiking trails for 2 to 3 days. Although the terrain is quite challenging, the natural scenery presented along the way is very enchanting.

Lake Segara Anak is open to visitors 24 hours a day. To enter this area, tourists need to pay a ticket of 35.000 IDR, which includes the cost of climbing Mount Rinjani.

Lake Segara Anak has its uniqueness with its turquoise water, resembling the color of the sea, so it is named "Segara Anak" which means "Child of the Sea" in Sasak language. In the middle of this lake, there is a small mountain called Mount Baru Jari, an active volcanic mountain formed by the eruption of Mount Rinjani. The combination of the lake and mountain creates a dramatic view that invites admiration.

For climbers, camping on the edge of Lake Segara Anak is one of the most satisfying experiences. The area around the lake provides enough space to set up a tent, with a beautiful view of the stars at night and a calm atmosphere. Camping here is often used as a resting place before continuing the climb to the peak of Rinjani.

Tourists can swim in the shallow area of ​​Lake Segara Anak. However, although swimming is allowed, it is advisable to be careful because there are parts of the lake that are quite deep, and the currents are dangerous. In addition, around the lake there are natural hot springs that are often used by climbers to soak, relax after a long journey, and are believed to have health benefits.

Lake Segara Anak is also known as a fishing spot. Fish such as tilapia and carp can be found in this lake. Interestingly, the lake water contains chemical elements such as chloride and sulfate, which were once considered unsupportive of fish life. However, rainwater that continuously supplies the lake helps maintain the balance of its ecosystem, so that fish can breed.

Every year, the Balinese people perform the Mulang Pakelem ceremony at Lake Segara Anak, as a form of respect for the gods. This ceremony is a cultural attraction in itself, with a traditional procession that invites tourists to understand more deeply the local spiritual values.