Sembalun Trek route
Sembalun Trekking Route: A Detailed Guide
The Sembalun Trekking Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes for trekkers to reach the Rinjani Crater Rim and experience the breathtaking views of Mount Rinjani, Segara Anak Lake, and Mount Baru Jari. This route is generally favored for its gradual ascent and stunning landscapes, making it ideal for those who prefer a less steep, more gradual climb than other routes like Senaru.
Overview of the Sembalun Trekking Route
Starting Point: Sembalun Village 1,100 meters above sea level
Ending Point: Sembalun Crater Rim (Pelawangan Sembalun) (2,639 meters above sea level)
Duration: Typically 2-3 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (due to the gradual climb and longer trekking distance)
Elevation Gain: 1,500 meters (from 1,100m to 2,639m)
Trekking Overview
The Sembalun Route begins from the Sembalun Village, located on the northeastern slopes of Mount Rinjani. From here, trekkers ascend through savanna grasslands and open fields before reaching the Crater Rim. The route offers stunning views of Mount Rinjani’s majestic summit, the serene Segara Anak Lake, and Mount Baru Jari. Along the way, trekkers will encounter several rest stops, each providing opportunities to take a break, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery.
This route is particularly favored for its long but gradual climb. The path avoids the steep, technical sections found on other routes, making it more accessible for climbers with moderate trekking experience. However, the ascent to the Crater Rim is still physically demanding, especially the final push up Regret Hill, a steep incline that tests the endurance of trekkers.
Rest Stops Along the Sembalun Route
The Sembalun Route has four designated resting posts to help trekkers manage the climb, with each post offering a place to relax, eat, and refuel. Here’s a breakdown of the posts:
Post 1 (1,300 meters)
This is the first stop after leaving the village. It’s an early point where trekkers can take a short break after about an hour of walking. This post serves as an altitude monitoring point and provides views of the savanna.
Post 2 (1,500 meters)
Tenngean: This post is located at a slightly higher altitude and marks the beginning of the ascent into more varied terrain. It’s a great spot to stop and enjoy the expansive views of the savanna and the distant Rinjani peak.
Post 3 (1,800 meters)
Balloon: This interesting stop is named after a large rock formation resembling a balloon. The altitude offers panoramic views of the lower slopes and valleys below, making it an excellent spot for photo opportunities.
Post 4 (2,100 meters)
This is the final resting post before reaching the Crater Rim. The path becomes steeper, and the terrain becomes more rugged. Post 4 is often the last chance to rest before the demanding final stretch to the summit.
Pelawangan Sembalun (Sembalun Crater Rim) (2,639 meters)
This is the ultimate destination for trekkers following the Sembalun Route. The Sembalun Crater Rim offers spectacular views of Segara Anak Lake and Mount Baru Jari. It’s an ideal place to camp, enjoy a stunning sunset or sunrise, and prepare for the summit (if you plan to do so the next day). The Crater Rim is also one of the best spots for panoramic photographs, with a direct view of the Rinjani summit.
Key Highlights of the Sembalun Route
Savanna and Grasslands:
The first section of the trek passes through vast, open savanna fields, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Rinjani’s summit. On clear days, trekkers can see the vastness of the valley and distant mountain ranges. The scenic expanse of the landscape is a highlight of the route, and many people consider it a highlight.
Regret Hill (60-Degree Slope):
As you approach the final stretch of the trek, climbers will encounter Regret Hill, which has a steep incline of about 60 degrees. This is one of the most physically challenging sections of the Sembalun trek, and while it only lasts for a short while, it can feel exhausting. However, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views once you reach the top.
Breathtaking Views at the Crater Rim:
Reaching the Sembalun Crater Rim offers trekkers one of the best panoramic views of Segara Anak Lake (the crater lake), Mount Baru Jari (an active volcanic cone within the crater), and the summit of Mount Rinjani. The rim offers a perfect spot for sunset and sunrise views, making it a popular camping spot for trekkers.
Amazing Wildlife:
Along the way, trekkers can spot various wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and unique flora. The route’s varied vegetation and ecosystems attract many wildlife species, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours when animals are most active.
Here is the most trekking program taken on the bay sembalun trekking route