Senaru Trek route

Senaru Trekking Route  A Detailed Guide

The trekking routes via senaru  is one of the most popular and iconic paths to reach Mount Rinjani’s Crater Rim, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Starting from Senaru Village on the north side of Mount Rinjani, this route is often favored by trekkers who want to experience the lush tropical rainforests and the stunning views of Segara Anak Lake and Mount Baru Jari.

This route is relatively easier than the more technical Sembalun route and is well-suited for trekkers who want to make it to the Crater Rim for amazing views without attempting to summit the peak of Rinjani. The trek offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and immersion in the natural environment.mount rinjani trekking map

Overview of the Trekking via senaru Route

Starting Point: Senaru Village (601 meters above sea level)
Ending Point: Senaru Crater Rim (2,461 meters above sea level)
Duration: 2-3 days (typically)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,860 meters (from 601m to 2,461m)

Route Overview

The Senaru Trek Route begins from Senaru Village, a charming village known for its traditional Sasak culture, lush green rice terraces, and proximity to Mount Rinjani. The trek takes you through a dense tropical rainforest, where trekkers will encounter diverse flora and fauna before reaching the Senaru Crater Rim. From here, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Segara Anak Lake (the crater lake), the Baru Jari Volcano, and the entire volcanic caldera.

While the trek is not as physically demanding as other routes, it does require stamina, especially as you get closer to the Crater Rim. The final stretch is steep and involves navigating slippery gravel paths near the summit. However, the reward of the panoramic views at the Crater Rim is more than worth the effort.

Rest Stops Along the Senaru Route

Post 1 (915 meters)
Pos I is the first rest stop along the trail. It’s about 1-1.5 hours into the trek and marks the transition from the village to the tropical rainforest. You can take a break and hydrate at this post before heading deeper into the forest. The cool, shaded area is a relief from the tropical heat.

Post 2 (1,500 meters)
Pos II marks the point where the forest starts to thicken. At this altitude, trekkers will start to feel the elevation gain, and the route gets steeper. It’s a good place to rest and re-energize for the next section, which will take you beyond the treeline.

Post 3 (2,000 meters)
Pos III is located just below the Crater Rim. This post is where most trekkers choose to camp overnight if they are not attempting to summit. From here, it’s only a short but steep walk to the Senaru Crater Rim. The campsite here is a popular choice for sunset and sunrise views, offering an unobstructed vista of the lake, Mount Baru Jari, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Extra Post (2,200 meters)
Post Extra is an unofficial resting post just above Post 3. Though it’s no longer officially maintained, it can be a good spot to take a break if you need a moment before completing the final ascent to the Crater Rim.

Senaru Crater Rim (2,461 meters)

The Senaru Crater Rim is the endpoint for most trekkers using this route. It offers magnificent panoramic views of Segara Anak Lake, the active Baru Jari Volcano, and the summit of Mount Rinjani. This is a popular camping area and one of the best sunrise and sunset photography spots. The Crater Rim also offers a direct view of the summit, providing a sense of the scale of the Rinjani volcano.

Key Highlights of the Senaru Trekking Route

Tropical Rainforest
The first part of the trek takes you through a dense tropical rainforest filled with towering trees, lush vegetation, and vibrant birdlife. This area is teeming with wildlife, including the Lutung monkeys (black monkeys), which are known for their shy nature. As you ascend through the jungle, you may also spot a variety of birds and insects.

Wildlife Sightings
The Senaru route is a fantastic place for wildlife lovers. In addition to the Lutung, trekkers may encounter other wildlife like macaques, cicadas, and various species of birds, making this part of the trek incredibly immersive.

Crater Rim Views
Once you reach the Senaru Crater Rim, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Segara Anak Lake, the crater lake surrounded by a caldera, and the active Baru Jari Volcano. The Rim offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the entire volcanic caldera, making it a photographer’s dream. The view at sunrise or sunset is especially stunning, with the warm hues of the sky contrasting against the lake and the volcanic landscape.

Sunrise and Sunset
The Senaru Crater Rim is one of the best places to watch both sunrise and sunset. If you plan to stay overnight, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of the sun rising above the caldera or setting behind the active volcano, casting dramatic light over the lake and the surrounding peaks.
senaru crater rim camping area

Segara Anak Lake
If you’re feeling adventurous and have some extra time, you can descend to the shores of Segara Anak Lake, a sacred and serene spot where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The descent is challenging, with a 600+ meter drop, but it’s worth it for those who want to experience the lake up close. The hot springs at the lake are also a popular attraction for trekkers, providing a soothing way to recover after a long trek.
senaru crater rim view

here is the most popular rinjani trekking route via senaru
1. 2 days 1 night Carter rim senaru-senaru
2. 3day 2-night carter rim -lake, senaru -torean