3 Days and 2 Nights Summit Via Sembalun

A Complete Guide to the 3 Days and 2 Nights Summit Via Sembalun Trek

Climbing Mount Rinjani in Lombok isn’t your average hike — it’s a full-on adventure that combines challenging terrain, spectacular scenery, and the thrill of reaching an active volcanic summit. This guided 3-day tour, offered at $220 per person, is a well-organized way to get a taste of volcanic life, with everything from camping on the crater rim to soaking in natural hot springs. Your journey begins in Senaru village and takes you through some of Lombok’s most dramatic landscapes, culminating at the summit with panoramic views of Bali, Sumbawa, and Segara Anak Lake below.

What we love most? First, the small group size ensures personalized attention, and your guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledge, patience, and care. Second, the inclusion of camping gear and porters allows you to focus on the experience without the hassle of carrying everything yourself. On the downside, the trek demands moderate fitness and involves steep climbs and long walking hours — worth considering if you’re not accustomed to strenuous hikes.

Ideal for adventurous travelers comfortable with physical activity, this tour is perfect if you want more than just a summit photo — it’s about experiencing the mountain’s environment, making new friends, and enjoying authentic Indonesian hospitality on the trail.

Key Points

• Expert Guides and Small Groups ensure personalized care and safety.
• Camping on the crater rim offers unforgettable sunrise and sunset views.
• All essential gear is included, with porters carrying supplies so you can focus on the hike.
• Stunning vistas of Lombok, Bali, and Sumbawa make every step worthwhile.
• Delicious, diverse meals prepared by the crew keep you energized.
• The trek is physically demanding, suitable for moderately fit travelers.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The adventure kicks off in Senaru village, where you meet your team of guides and porters. The journey covers three days and two nights, with the highlight being the climb to the Sembalun Crater Rim and, of course, the summit of Mount Rinjani. The tour includes not just the ascent but also opportunities to relax in hot springs and explore Segara Anak Lake, giving a well-rounded experience of the volcano’s environment.

Day 1: Into the Mountain’s Heart

Your first stop is Sembalun Village, situated at 1,150 meters, serving as the starting point for the full ascent. The trek to Sembalun Crater Rim takes approximately 3 hours of steady but challenging uphill walking, including a steep section that tests your stamina. Here, you’ll set up camp at Pelawangan Sembalun (2,639 meters), where many reviews mention the breathtaking sunset and sunrise views. From this vantage point, you’ll see the Segara Anak Lake, the village below, and even the distant Mount Agung in Bali.

The campsite’s location on the crater rim is arguably the trip’s most special feature. As one traveler described, “Spending the night camping at Sembalun Crater Rim, we could enjoy the awesome views at sunset and sunrise.” Many campers find that this panoramic setting makes the effort worthwhile, especially as the mountain’s atmosphere is often filled with a sense of quiet awe.

Day 2: Reaching the Summit and Beyond

The second day is the most physically demanding, with the journey from the crater rim to the summit (3,726 meters), and back down to the lake. The climb to the top of Mount Rinjani offers spectacular sights — breathtaking vistas of Lombok, Bali, and Sumbawa — and the opportunity to stand on an active volcano. As a reviewer noted, “From the summit, you can see all of Lombok Island, Bali, Sumbawa, and Segara Anak Lake.”

But this day isn’t just about reaching the top. After the top is conquered, you can bathe in hot springs near Segara Anak Lake or take a dip in the lake itself. The hot springs, praised for their soothing qualities, are a real treat after the climb. Many travelers mention the delicious meals served by the crew, which include a variety of dishes that keep energy levels high amid the exertion.

The sunset from the summit is often highlighted as a highlight — an explosion of colors over the island of Bali, with the occasional plume of smoke from the volcano’s crater adding drama to the scene. As one reviewer put it, “The views from the summit are incredible — hot springs, lake, volcano smoke, and all.”

Day 3: Descending and Reflecting

On your final day, you’ll wake up early to catch the sunrise over Segara Anak Lake — a moment many describe as magical. After breakfast, it’s time to start the descent back to Senaru. The walk takes about 4-5 hours, mostly downhill, offering a chance to reflect on your adventure and enjoy the lush scenery along the way.

Along the route, there are breaks and opportunities for lunch, with many mentioning the well-organized and nourishing meals provided by the team, which is a standout feature of this tour. Many reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Yasin, Nas, or Awal, who are recognized for their patience and knowledge.

Including All the Essentials

The tour includes all necessary camping gear — tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and even chairs and tables. The porters carry the bulk of the gear, which is critical in keeping the hike manageable and enjoyable. You’ll also get a medical check-up before starting, and a plastic raincoat, just in case the weather turns.

Transportation from Senaru to Sembalun (the starting point) is included, making logistics smooth. However, you should be prepared for long walking hours, steep climbs, and potentially cold conditions at the higher elevations.

Authentic Experiences Shared by Travelers

Multiple reviews emphasize the excellent service and organization of Rinjani Hero. One reviewer wrote, “Everything was flawlessly organized: from the comfortable homestay the night before, to the campsite, to the meals.” The guides and porters also receive high praise — “Yasin helped us patiently and took very good care of us,” said one traveler, highlighting the supportive and friendly environment.

Food, often mentioned as delicious and diverse, is a significant part of the journey, with many saying they were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety. “The porters cooked us unbelievably amazing food for every meal,” shared a reviewer, confirming that you won’t go hungry on this trip.

The Role of Guides and Porters

Your guides are more than just hikers — they’re knowledgeable, patient, and caring. Several reviews mention how guides like Awal and Nas provided support both physically and mentally, especially during the challenging parts of the trail. The porters aren’t just carrying gear; they’re vital to the experience, arriving on time and serving as a friendly, reassuring presence.

The Value for Money

At $220, this tour offers excellent value considering everything included — guides, gear, camping equipment, meals, and transport. Many travelers mention that they felt the cost was justified by the quality of service, the stunning scenery, and the memorable experience. For those seeking an authentic, well-organized adventure, this price point makes sense.

Considerations and Who Should Avoid

While this trek is highly praised, it’s important to note the physical demands. The steep climbs, long hours, and altitude mean that moderately fit travelers will enjoy it most. If you’re not used to strenuous hiking or have mobility issues, this might be a tough option.

Weather can also be unpredictable — rain, wind, or clouds could impact visibility or safety, so packing appropriately and being prepared for sudden changes is wise. The tour is non-refundable, so if you’re unsure about weather or fitness, plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers craving an authentic mountain experience — not just summiting but experiencing the environment. If you enjoy camping, stunning mountain vistas, and meeting like-minded explorers, you’ll find this a rewarding challenge. It’s especially suitable if you value good organization, delicious meals, and guides who make safety and comfort a priority.

Final Thoughts: Is This Trek Worth It?

Absolutely, yes. For less than a few hundred dollars, you get a comprehensive, well-supported adventure in a spectacular setting. The small group size and professional guides make it a trustworthy choice, while the stunning views and memorable experience of standing on an active volcano at sunrise are priceless.

This tour balances adventure with comfort, thanks to the gear, porters, and meals included. It’s a solid choice for those who want a true mountaineering experience without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
The tour is designed for moderately fit travelers and involves long hikes and steep climbs. If you’re used to hiking and camping, you’ll do well; otherwise, consider your fitness level.

What’s included in the price?
You get guides, porters, camping gear, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, meals, and transport from Senaru to Sembalun. The medical check-up and raincoat are also included. Entrance fees are not.

Are meals provided?
Yes, the team prepares delicious and diverse meals during the trek, which many reviewers rave about as a highlight.

What about the camping gear?
All camping equipment—tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, chairs, and tables—is included, so you only need to bring your personal essentials and clothing.

Can I customize this experience?
Your tour is set and non-refundable; however, the small group size allows for some flexibility in pacing and needs, within the limits of the package.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable hiking clothes, good trekking shoes, a jacket, gloves, and a hat. Pack light but include essentials like a flashlight, personal toiletries, and a camera.

To sum it up, this 3-day, 2-night trek to Mount Rinjani’s summit is a well-loved adventure that offers stunning scenery, expert guidance, and authentic camping experience. It’s perfect for energetic travelers who want to push their limits while enjoying the natural beauty of Lombok’s most iconic volcano. With excellent reviews praising the organization, food, and staff, it’s a trip that many will cherish long after descending from the mountain.