The Mount Rinjani climbing route via Sembalun is the most popular route to reach the summit. This route offers views of vast and beautiful savannahs (grasslands) at the foot of the mountain, but the trek is also known to be challenging, especially towards the summit.
Characteristics of the Sembalun Trail
- Scenery: The Sembalun route is dominated by vast savannah grasslands with hills.
- Trail: At the start of the climb, the trail is relatively gentle, but after Post 3, the challenge begins with a steep incline known as ‘Bukit Penyesalan’ (Hill of Regret) and a sandy and rocky trail towards the summit.
- Duration: The full climb to the summit typically takes 2 to 3 days, depending on the chosen tour package.
Main Posts and Checkpoints
The following are the main posts that will be passed when climbing via Sembalun, starting from Sembalun Lawang Village:
- Sembalun Lawang Registration Post (1,156 metres above sea level): The starting point of the climb. Here, climbers are required to register and attend a briefing.
- Checkpoint 1: The start of the journey with a gentle trail through the savannah.
- Checkpoint 2 (Tengengean, 1,500 m above sea level): There are water facilities and a rest area. Motorcycle taxis are available up to this checkpoint.
- Checkpoint 3 (Pada Balong, 1,772 m above sea level): A popular camping area with food stalls.
- Plawangan Sembalun (2,600 m above sea level): The main camping ground before heading to the summit.
- Rinjani Summit (3,726 m above sea level): From Plawangan Sembalun, the climb to the summit is usually done in the early morning and takes about 4-5 hours on sandy terrain that is very exhausting.
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 the 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, and 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 viathe Senaru rainforest.
Best for: Trekkers who want a slower pace with more time at the lake.