Sembalun Route Overview

The Sembalun Trekking Route begins in Sembalun Village (±1,156 m), a highland village surrounded by wide savanna and rolling hills on the northeastern side of Mount Rinjani. From the first steps, trekkers walk through open grassland terrain that gradually climbs toward the crater rim and summit area, offering a clear and structured approach to the mountain’s highest point.

Route Snapshot

• Starting Point: Sembalun Village (±1,156 m)
• Main Destinations: Plawangan Sembalun Crater Rim (2,639 m) and Mount Rinjani Summit (3,726 m)
• Typical Duration: 2–5 days (depending on the chosen program)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately ±1,500 meters to the crater rim

Throughout the journey, the route maintains a steady ascent profile, allowing trekkers to manage pace and energy efficiently before the summit push. As the primary gateway for summit attempts, the Sembalun route also connects seamlessly with Senaru and Torean, making it the most versatile starting route for extended Mount Rinjani trekking programs.

The Sembalun Trekking Route is defined by wide open terrain, long walking distances, and volcanic landscapes, rather than narrow valleys or forest corridors. While the trail does not involve technical climbing, it is physically demanding due to exposure, altitude gain, and the summit section, making it important for trekkers to clearly understand the trail conditions before choosing this route

Open Savanna & Long-Distance Walking

From Sembalun Village up to Pos 3, the trail crosses open savanna and rolling grassland with very limited shade. In these sections:

• The path is wide and clearly visible
• Navigation is straightforward and non-technical
• Sun exposure is high, especially late morning to afternoon

Although the terrain looks gentle, long distances combined with heat can be tiring. Proper hydration, sun protection, and steady pacing are essential on this route.

Seven Hills (Bukit Penyesalan) – Rolling Ridges That Test Endurance

One of the most challenging parts of the Sembalun route is the Seven Hills, locally known as Bukit Penyesalan. This section consists of repeated ascents and descents across a series of exposed ridges before reaching the crater rim area.

In this section:

• Trekkers climb and descend several hills with little shade
• The trail surface is dusty and dry in the dry season
• Fatigue often builds due to cumulative elevation gain rather than steepness

The Seven Hills are not technically difficult, but they are physically and mentally demanding, especially under strong sunlight. Maintaining a slow, consistent rhythm is more important than speed.

Summit Trail – Loose Volcanic Sand & Steep Ascent

The summit ascent from Plawangan Sembalun is widely considered the most physically demanding section of the entire Mount Rinjani trek.

Key characteristics of the summit trail:

• Very steep gradient
• Loose volcanic sand and gravel
• Each step forward may slide slightly backward

Although no technical climbing skills are required, this section demands:

• Strong leg endurance
• Good balance
• Proper trekking shoes with strong grip

The summit push usually begins before dawn to avoid heat and wind, and to reach the summit for sunrise views.

Descent from Plawangan Sembalun to Segara Anak Lake

From Plawangan Sembalun, trekkers who continue toward Segara Anak Lake descend into the caldera via a steep volcanic trail.

In this section:

• The trail descends sharply on volcanic soil
• Footing can be unstable, especially after rain
• Downhill walking places significant strain on knees

Trekking poles are highly recommended for balance and joint support. While demanding, this descent marks a transition from open high-altitude terrain into the sheltered caldera environment around the lake.

Weather & Seasonal Considerations

Because of its open terrain, the Sembalun route is highly affected by weather conditions:

• Dry season: dusty trails, strong sun exposure, cold nights
• Windy periods: common near the crater rim and summit
• Rainy conditions: slippery volcanic sand, reduced visibility

Guides may adjust pacing or timing depending on conditions, particularly on summit day and during the lake descent.