Sembalun Trekking Route

Sembalun Trekking Route: Complete Guide to Rinjani  Most Popular Trail

The Sembalun Trekking Route is the most popular and scenic path to Mount Rinjani. Starting from Sembalun Village on the northeastern slope, this trail offers a gradual ascent across open savanna before reaching the dramatic Sembalun Crater Rim. From here, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rinjani’s summit (3,726 m), Segara Anak Lake, and Mount Baru Jari, the small active volcano inside the crater.

This route is favored for its smoother climb compared to Senaru, making it an excellent choice for both experienced hikers and strong beginners. It is also the main starting point for summit attempts.
Sembalun Trekking Route

Overview of the Sembalun Trekking Route

  1. Starting Point: Sembalun Village (1,100 m)
  2. Ending Point: Sembalun Crater Rim (2,639 m) or Summit (3,726 m)
  3. Duration: 2–5 days (depending on program)
  4. Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (long distances, steep final sections)
  5. Elevation Gain: ~1,500 m from village to crater rim

Sembalun Trekking Route

The Sembalun route avoids technical climbing but includes long uphill stretches and one steep final section called “Regret Hill”, which challenges even fit hikers.
Rest Stops on the Sembalun Route Along the way, trekkers pass through designated posts:

  1. Post 1 (1,300 m): First break point with wide savanna views.
  2. Post 2 (1,500 m / Tengengean): Beginning of gradual ascent, overlooking the valley.
  3. Post 3 (1,800 m / Pos Balloon): Named after a rock formation; great for photos.
  4. Post 4 (2,100 m): Last resting point before the rim; terrain becomes steep.
  5. Pelawangan Sembalun (2,639 m): Crater rim campsite with breathtaking views of Segara Anak Lake, Baru Jari, and the summit.

Highlights of the Sembalun Route

  1. Savanna and Grasslands: Wide open fields with sweeping views of Mount Rinjani.
  2. Regret Hill: A steep 60° incline before the crater rim—challenging but rewarding.
  3. Crater Rim Views: Sunset, sunrise, and stunning vistas over Segara Anak Lake and the summit.
  4. Wildlife Encounters: Monkeys, birds, and unique flora along the way.

Sembalun Trekking Programs
Depending on your time, fitness level, and trekking goals, the Sembalun route offers multiple program options:

1. 2D1N Sembalun – Sembalun (Summit Trek)

  • Day 1: Trek from Sembalun → camp at Sembalun Crater Rim.
  • Day 2: Early morning summit attempt → descend back to Sembalun.
  • Best for: Experienced trekkers with strong stamina who only want the summit in a short timeframe.

2. 3D2N Sembalun – Senaru (Classic Summit Program)

  • Day 1: Sembalun → Crater Rim camp.
  • Day 2: Summit attempt → descend to Segara Anak Lake → hot springs → overnight by the lake.
  • Day 3: Exit via Senaru forest trail.
    Best for: Trekkers who want the full experience: summit, lake, hot springs, and forest.

3. 3D2N Sembalun – Torean (Summit Program)

  • Day 1: Sembalun → Crater Rim camp.
  • Day 2: Summit attack → descend to Segara Anak Lake → hot springs → camp by the lake.
  • Day 3: Exit via Torean with waterfalls and dramatic valleys.
    Best for: Those who want the summit plus a scenic, easier descent.

4. 3D2N Torean – Sembalun (Summit Program)

  • Day 1: Torean → Segara Anak Lake → overnight by the lake.
  • Day 2: Climb to Sembalun Crater Rim → overnight at the rim.
  • Day 3: Summit attempt early morning → descend to Sembalun.
    Best for: Trekkers who prefer a challenging uphill start and smooth descent.

5. 3D2N Senaru – Sembalun (Summit Program)

  • Day 1: Senaru , Crater Rim Senaru camp.
  • Day 2: Descend to Segara Anak Lake, hot springs, overnight at the lake.
  • Day 3: Climb up to Sembalun Crater Rim, summit , descend to Sembalun.
    Best for: Adventurers who want a forest entry and summit exit via Sembalun.

6. 4D3N Sembalun – Senaru (With Summit + Extra Day)

  • Day 1: Sembalun Crater Rim.
  • Day 2: Summit attempt  descend to Segara Anak Lake, hot springs, overnight.
  • Day 3: Full day to relax, explore, or fish at the lake.
  • Day 4: Exit via Senaru rainforest.
    Best for: Trekkers who want a slower pace with more time at the lake.

7. 4D3N Sembalun – Torean (With Summit + Extra Day)

  • Same as above, but exit via Torean with waterfalls and valleys on Day 4.
  • Best for: Those who want the summit and lake with a scenic valley exit.

8. 5D4N Sembalun – Senaru (Summit + 2 Nights at the Lake)

  • Includes summit + extended time at Segara Anak Lake with 2 nights of camping.
  • Exit via Senaru forest trail.
  • Best for: Trekkers who want the longest, most relaxed adventure.

9. 5D4N Sembalun – Torean (Summit + 2 Nights at the Lake)

  • Similar to above, but exit via Torean with waterfalls, cliffs, and valleys.
  • Best for: Those who want the summit, lake, and the most scenic descent.

Here is the most trekking program taken on the bay sembalun trekking route

  1. 2day 1-night summit
  2. 3day 2-night summit
  3. 4day 3-night summit

Connection with Torean & Senaru Routes
The Sembalun route can be combined with Torean or Senaru, giving trekkers flexibility:

  1. Sembalun  Senaru (3D2N): Summit on Day 2, exit via rainforest.
  2. Sembalun Torean (3D2N): Summit on Day 2, scenic easier exit.
  3. Torean  Sembalun (3D2N): Summit on Day 3, tougher uphill start.
  4. Sembalun  Senaru/Torean (4D3N): Summit + extra night at the lake.
  5. Sembalun  Senaru/Torean (5D4N): Summit + 2 nights at the lake for the full Rinjani experience.

Final Thoughts

The Sembalun Trekking Route is the gateway to Mount Rinjani’s summit and offers unmatched views of the crater, lake, and surrounding landscapes. Whether you have just 2 days for a fast-paced summit trek or 5 days for the full adventure with lake exploration, Sembalun provides the most flexible and rewarding trekking options on Rinjani