Mount Rinjani National Park allows limited tourism from 1 September 2026 amid wildfire risk, park authorities said Sep 2. eRinjani bookings are paused and patrols tightened. What trekkers must know.
Cover image: Mount Rinjani volcano and crater lake in Lombok viewed from the rim — photo by Aldoarianto.87, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Mount Rinjani National Park is allowing limited tourism from 1 September 2026 while wildfire risk remains elevated during the dry season, park authorities said on 2 September via The Star. The controlled reopening in West Nusa Tenggara province covers hiking and also ritual, religious, cultural, social and research activities, under a directive from the Ministry of Forestry’s conservation authority. At the same time, online bookings on the eRinjani application are temporarily suspended from 1 September until conditions ease, and rangers will tighten patrols and inspect belongings for fire sources.
What "limited tourism" means at Rinjani right now
The park has not issued a full reopening. The 2 September report notes the scope is restricted and subject to review based on dry-season fire levels. Authorities will maintain access controls at entry points and restrict unauthorized fire use, a common ignition source. The emphasis is on risk management rather than visitor volume, with patrols increased across routes around the crater rim and lake.
For travellers, the practical distinction is clear: some movement is permitted, but new demand cannot be added through the official booking app while the suspension is in force. Tour operators with slots secured and paid before 1 September can still proceed under applicable regulations, provided they clear ranger checks. Anyone without a prior booking cannot obtain a new eRinjani slot until the park lifts the pause.
eRinjani bookings paused: who can still trek
The suspension is the key logistical detail. The Star reports eRinjani, the park’s online booking platform, is paused from 1 September until fire risks subside. Bookings made and paid before that date remain valid, but they are still subject to on-site inspection and compliance with fire rules. There is no visitor quota figure in the current notice, so operators cannot infer availability from prior seasons.
Travellers who booked through licensed trek operators should ask for written confirmation that their eRinjani payment predates the cutoff and that the operator has ranger clearance for the specific dates. Independent attempts to bypass eRinjani or use unofficial entry points are prohibited and risk fines and evacuation without support. Given recent disruptions elsewhere in Indonesia, including Indonesia forest fires closing parks as haze hit Borneo and Indonesia forest fires with 35 foreign aircraft approved as haze disrupted flights, authorities are applying a precautionary approach at Rinjani as well.
New checks trekkers will face on the trail
Inspecting belongings for potential fire sources is now standard at checkpoints. Rangers will look for stoves, fuel, lighters and any material that could ignite dry vegetation. Open flames outside designated areas are not allowed, and waste must be carried out. Trail teams are expected to brief groups on no-burn rules and emergency evacuation points before ascent.
Trekkers should pack accordingly: use cold meals where possible, rely on approved catering where offered, and follow ranger guidance on campsites. In dry conditions, even small embers can travel on wind across grasslands near the crater rim. Operators should confirm their teams carry fire blankets or extinguishers and have communication equipment for rapid reporting.
How to plan Lombok and Rinjani trips this month
If you hold a pre-September booking, reconfirm with your operator and the park within 48 hours of departure, and allow extra time at entry control. If you are planning a new trip, consider alternative Lombok experiences until the suspension lifts, such as coastal treks, cultural visits or lower-altitude nature walks that do not require eRinjani. For broader entry planning, check Indonesia visa for Indians in 2026 (e-VOA guide) and is Indonesia safe for Indian tourists for current advisories.
The dry season typically intensifies fire risk through September. The park says the policy will be reviewed as conditions evolve, so a further update could tighten or relax access with short notice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Rinjani open for trekking in September 2026?
Yes, but only on a limited basis from 1 September 2026. Mount Rinjani National Park in West Nusa Tenggara is allowing restricted hiking plus ritual, cultural and research access under a Ministry of Forestry directive. The opening is conditional and will be reviewed if fire risk rises.
Can I book a new Rinjani trek on eRinjani now?
No. Online bookings on the eRinjani application are temporarily suspended from 1 September until fire risks subside. Bookings made and paid for before 1 September remain valid and will be served under park regulations, but no new online slots are being issued during the suspension.
What new rules apply to trekkers during the limited opening?
Park authorities are tightening patrols and access controls and will inspect belongings for potential fire sources such as stoves and open flames. Unauthorized use of fire is prohibited. Trekkers must follow ranger instructions, stay on authorized routes and carry out all waste.
Should I change plans for Lombok in early September?
If you have a confirmed pre-September booking, contact your operator to reconfirm ranger clearance and fire-risk briefings. If you have not booked, wait for the park to lift the eRinjani suspension and avoid attempting informal entry, which is prohibited.
