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Sembalun Trekking route

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Conquer the Summit: The Sembalun Trekking Route Guide

The Sembalun Trekking Route is the most popular starting point for hikers aiming to reach the absolute summit of Mount Rinjani (3,726m). Starting from a high-altitude plateau, this route offers vast landscapes and the most direct access to the top. Trekking Route. While Senaru is the “Green Route,” Sembalun is famously known as the “Path to the Summit.”

Overview Trail :

Duration min 2 Days / 1 Night trek to summit 

The trek will start from the Sembalun village with an altitude of 1100 m and will also take place in the Sembalun village. This route will be pampered with a vast landscape, a little long path and a bit hot during crossing the meadow, to get to the edge of the crater with the altitude of 2.600m you will need a lot of stamina because you have to climb five hills which are very high and challenging. On the second day is the struggle to reach the summit with a height of 3.726m, starting from 2 a.m. in order to get the sun rise over the summit, of course this is very impressive because you can already conquer the second highest mountain in Indonesia, and you capture your moment by taking pictures.

  • Distance  : 10 KM
  • Walk duration: 6-7 Hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highest point: 2.639 M (camp site Plawangan Sembalun crater rim)
  • Height gain: +1.539 M
  • main highlights : rinjani summit and gold savana
  • The Downsides of the Sembalun Route: hot, Dusty and Windy Trails + The “Hills of Regret” (Bukit Penyesalan)

rinjani summit

Why Hikers Love the Sembalun Route?

Sembalun offers a completely different vibe compared to the jungle trails of Senaru. It is defined by wide-open spaces and dramatic golden fields.

  • Higher Starting Point: You begin at 1,156m, giving you a “head start” in elevation compared to Senaru.

  • The Savannah Walk: Trek through the iconic long-grass hills (savannah) that look like a scene from a movie.

  • Direct Summit Access: This is the primary route for the 3:00 AM summit push to catch the sunrise at the highest point in Lombok.

  • Panoramic Views: Enjoy unobstructed views of the valley and the majestic peak of Rinjani throughout the ascent.

The Journey at a Glance

  1. The Savannah (Pos 1 to Pos 3): Mostly flat but hot. There is very little shade, so sunscreen is your best friend here.

  2. The “Hills of Regret” (Bukit Penyesalan): A steep, grueling climb after Pos 3 that tests your mental strength before reaching the rim.

  3. Sembalun Crater Rim (2,639m): The basecamp for the summit push. From here, you can see the lake on one side and the summit on the other.

  4. The Summit (3,726m): A steep trek over loose volcanic scree to reach the roof of Lombok.

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