Awesome Rinjani - Day 4

If not for waterfall and World Cup, day 4 would have been a low light of the trip. The last day's walk was easier as the trail was comparatively simple up to the Pintu Senaru (The National Park, Senaru Gate). A short distance from Pintu Senaru to the pick up point was beautiful with banana, coffee and cocoa trees and colorful flowers. In summary, we have completed the journey of about 25 Km from Rijani Information Center (RIC) at Sembalun to Rinjani Trek Center (RTC) at Senaru.



A good shower at Pondok Senaru refreshed me for the rest of the day. We walked to the two waterfalls near by. It was worthwhile stretching ourselves a little more. We walked on a funny bridge which actually is a drain with very fast water flow and built high up from the valley. I wonder why the drain cover couldn't be solid. To reduce the weight of the bridge? Or to keep accessable to the drain below? Whatever reason it was, it made us dizzy while walking on it.



We walked through the stream where the water was flowing very strongly. It was crystal clear and icy cold. Both waterfalls started flowing at a very high edge. The water flow was very powerful. Water droplets generated from the water stream hitting the rocks and the ground were so dense that I felt like standing in the rain. I love the cold sensation.



I started exploring the village after coming back from the waterfalls. I went to Bayan with a motorcycle taxi to find the old couple who made local rice wine. By communicating with Machi (aunty), I learnt something. Some people are really good in explaining the job they do every day. The small house of her fermenting, settling and filling process was neat, tidy and clean. She couldn't speak a single word in English but was able to convince me that her rice wine is one of the best (if not THE best) in the region via the interpretation of the motorcycle taxi rider.

Bayan was a very small town with a crowded junction and a big field next to it. We had some satay and nasi goren at the junction. Then, we went into a compound where the locals gathered and watched World Cup. It was Portugal Vs Brazil match on that day. In fact, it didn't matter whatever match it was. All I wanted was the experience and thrill sitting in a free show where the people enjoyed the game.

Once we sat in the middle of the space in front of a big TV screen, all men and boys looked at us as if they were watching an animal show. It was really intimidating yet fun. As the people got involved in the match or rather concerned for their bet, they started to shout against the opponent of the team they supported. I didn't think they would make any harm to us but wouldn't be surprised if they broke out into fights. Yes, I admit it was a bit too much taking such a risk but I love the fun, thrill and anxiety during that 95 minutes.



We left Senaru on 26th June 2010. The awesome Rinjani was looking at us exactly the same as the day we arrived. Goodbye for now. I may meet you again.