Sembalun Village is a special place in Lombok, sitting in a wide green valley at the base of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. You can hike, explore local villages, or just enjoy the fresh mountain air. Whether you love nature, culture, or just want a peaceful escape, The Ultimate Guide to Sembalun Village has something for you.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Sembalun Village?
- Best starting point for Mount Rinjani – Many trekkers begin their climb here.
- Amazing views – Green hills, rice fields, and blue skies everywhere.
- Cool weather – A great break from Lombok’s hot beaches.
- Friendly locals – Meet the Sasak people and learn about their way of life.
- Plenty to do – Hikes, paragliding, camping, and more!
How to Get to Sembalun Village
From Lombok International Airport (LOP)
- By Car: Around 3 hours through mountain roads.
- By Scooter: Around 3-4 hours (only for experienced riders).
- By Private Driver: Around IDR 700,000 ($45 USD) – a stress-free option.
From Mataram or Senggigi
- By Car/Scooter: Around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- By Local Bus: Possible, but slow and not recommended.
From Bali
- Fast Boat: 1.5 hours to Lombok, then a 3-hour drive.
- Flight: 40-minute flight to Lombok, then a 3-hour drive.
Best Things to Do in Sembalun Village
1. Hike Pergasingan Hill
If you’re not ready for a full Mount Rinjani trek, try Pergasingan Hill instead. This 2-hour hike gives you incredible views of the valley and rice fields. It’s best at sunrise or sunset!
- Entrance Fee: IDR 50,000 ($3 USD)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Best Time: Sunrise (start at 4 AM) or Sunset (start at 4 PM)
2. Climb Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is 3,726m tall, and climbing it is a huge adventure! The trek takes 2-3 days and is tough, but the views from the top are worth it.
- Best Routes:
- Sembalun to Senaru (Summit first, then crater lake)
- Senaru to Sembalun (Crater lake first, then summit)
- Trekking Costs:
- Group Trek: IDR 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 ($130 – $200 USD) per person
- Private Trek: IDR 3,500,000+ ($230+ USD) per person
- What to Pack:
- Warm clothes (it’s cold at the top)
- Good hiking shoes
- Camera for the amazing views
3. Bukit Selong Viewpoint
If you love easy hikes with epic views, visit Bukit Selong! In just 10 minutes, you’ll reach a viewpoint with a perfect look at the Sembalun Valley and its colorful rice fields.
- Entrance Fee: IDR 15,000 ($1 USD)
- Best Time: Sunrise for the best photos
4. Visit Traditional Sasak Villages
Sembalun is home to the Sasak people, the original community of Lombok. Visit Dusun Beleq, a village with traditional bamboo houses.
- What to Expect:
- See how locals live and work.
- Try Ayam Taliwang (spicy grilled chicken).
- Meet friendly villagers and learn about their culture.
5. Try Paragliding Over Sembalun Valley
See Sembalun from the sky! Paragliding here gives you the best views of green valleys, rice fields, and mountain peaks.
- Cost: IDR 600,000 – 1,000,000 ($40 – $65 USD) per flight
- Best Time: Dry season (May – September)
- Flight Duration: 10-15 minutes
6. Pick Fresh Strawberries
Because of the cool weather, Sembalun is one of the few places in Lombok where strawberries grow! Visit a farm and pick your own fresh berries.
- Entrance Fee: Usually free, just pay for what you pick!
- Best Season: May – September
7. Camp Under the Stars
Love camping? The night sky in Sembalun is incredible—so many stars! The best places to camp are Pergasingan Hill or near Mount Rinjani.
- Cost: IDR 200,000 ($13 USD) for gear rental
- Best Spots: Pergasingan Hill, Bukit Selong, and Sembalun Village fields
Where to Stay in Sembalun Village
Luxury Stays
- Rinjani Lodge – Amazing views, infinity pool, and top food.
- Sembalun Agro Villa – Quiet stay with mountain views.
Mid-Range Stays
- Nusantara Hotel – Good location, nice rooms.
- Lembah Rinjani – Cozy eco-lodge in nature.
Budget Stays
- Sembalun Kita Cottage – Simple, clean, and comfy cabins.
- Bukit Tiga Lima – Best budget stay in the area.
Travel Tips for Sembalun Village
- Pack warm clothes – It gets cold at night.
- Bring cash – No ATMs, and most places don’t take cards.
- Start hikes early – The best views happen in the morning.
- Respect local culture – Cover up in villages and temples.
- Book Rinjani treks early – It’s very popular in high season.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (May – September): Best for trekking and outdoor activities.
- Wet Season (October – April): The valley looks super green, but rain can make hiking harder.
Final Thoughts about The Ultimate Guide to Sembalun Village
Sembalun Village is one of Lombok’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re climbing Rinjani, picking strawberries, or just enjoying the views, this mountain escape is worth the trip.
About Lombok Mag
Welcome to Lombok Mag! If you’re looking for the best beaches, fun adventures, and local tips about South Lombok, you’re in the right place!
This blog is all about helping you plan an amazing stay in Lombok. I’ll share the best places to visit, yummy foods to try, and cool spots to stay. Think of me as your travel buddy, here to make exploring Lombok super easy and fun!
Follow us on Instagram for the latest things to do in Lombok!
