The two trailheads
Sembalun Lawang — 1,156m
Semi-arid savannah landscape. Open skies, dramatic volcanic ridgelines. Starting altitude: 1,156 metres — already high. Less total elevation gain to the crater rim. The main starting point for all summit-focused treks. Approx. 3.5 hours by car from Mataram / Lombok International Airport. Pickup from anywhere on Lombok included in all packages.
Senaru village — 601m
Dense jungle descent through traditional Sasak villages. Starting altitude: 601 metres — significantly lower. More elevation gain overall. Most commonly used as the exit point on the 3-day traverse. Beautiful but demanding as an ascent route. Can also be used as both start and end on the crater lake & hot springs route.
Which route uses which trailhead?
- Crater & Summit Adventure (2 days): Sembalun ↑↓ (out and back)
- Rinjani Peak Challenge (2 days): Sembalun ↑↓ (out and back)
- Ultimate Summit & Lake (3 days): Sembalun ↑ → Senaru ↓ (traverse)
- Crater, Lake & Hot Springs (3 days): Senaru ↑↓ (or Senaru ↑ → Sembalun ↓)
The classic traverse
The most rewarding way to experience Rinjani is the full traverse: start in Sembalun, climb to the crater rim, push to the summit, descend to Segara Anak Lake, soak in the hot springs, and walk out through the jungle to Senaru. Each day brings a completely different landscape.
Quick comparison
| Sembalun | Senaru | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,156m | 601m |
| Landscape | Savannah, open ridge | Dense jungle |
| Summit access | Direct & preferred | Possible, harder |
| Used as | Starting point | Descent / exit |
| Closest airport | ~3.5h | ~2.5h |
Which should you choose?
If you want the summit: start from Sembalun. Every package for the true summit begins there.
If you want the full experience: do the Sembalun–Senaru traverse. Three days, two completely different landscapes, and every highlight the mountain offers.
If you only have two days: Sembalun is your start and end.