When visiting Mount Rinjani in Mount Rinjani National Park, most travelers begin their journey from two beautiful mountain villages: Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang in the east. Both villages offer unique landscapes, culture, and access to unforgettable adventures.

SENARU VILLAGE

Senaru Village is the main gateway to Mount Rinjani National Park and the most popular starting point for treks to Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. It is also a spiritual destination for pilgrims visiting Segara Anak, where offerings are placed in the lake and people bathe in the hot springs seeking healing.

Located on a hillside above Bayan, Senaru is a cool mountain village filled with flowers and fresh air. It is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Mataram and Senggigi.

Accommodation & Facilities

Senaru offers:

  • Simple and charming homestays (losmen)
  • Cafés serving delicious local specialties
  • Scenic viewpoints overlooking valleys and mountains
  • Rinjani Trek Center (park entrance and registration)

Local village guides—including trained local women—are available to accompany visitors for sightseeing around the village.

SENDANG GILA WATERFALL

Senaru’s most famous attraction is the beautiful Sendang Gile Waterfall. Located about 600 meters above sea level, it is an easy 20-minute walk from the village along a paved path and steps.

For more adventurous visitors:

  • Tiu Kelep Waterfall – About one hour further upriver from Sendang Gile. Visitors scramble over rocks through tropical forest and are rewarded with a spectacular waterfall and a deep natural pool. Local legend says that swimming behind the main waterfall makes you one year younger each time.
  • Betara Lenjang Waterfall – A more remote rainforest adventure suitable only for experienced climbers with local guides and proper equipment.

Wildlife in Senaru

Early morning and evening walks often reveal fascinating wildlife:

  • Long-tailed macaques (kera), commonly seen along the road
  • The rare Silvered Leaf Monkey (Lutung), sometimes spotted near the waterfalls
  • Various tropical birds and butterflies

The surrounding forest is rich in biodiversity and offers peaceful nature walks.

SENARU TRADITIONAL VILLAGE

Located near the Rinjani Trek Center, the Senaru Traditional Village preserves the culture of the Sasak people, who are considered the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani.

With a local guide, visitors can:

  • Explore traditional thatched houses
  • Visit fruit and spice gardens
  • Learn about Sasak customs and daily life
  • Enjoy a romantic sunset view overlooking the distant island of Bali

The village maintains strong spiritual ties to Mount Rinjani and its forest.

SEMBALUN VILLAGE

To the east of Mount Rinjani lies Sembalun Lawang, situated in a vast and fertile ancient caldera. It is the preferred starting point for trekkers aiming to reach the summit.

The rich volcanic soil produces high-quality agricultural crops, especially garlic and rice. Seismic activity in the area is monitored daily at the Rinjani Volcano Observatory.

Sembalun Area

Sembalun consists of two villages:

  • Sembalun Lawang
  • Sembalun Bumbung

These villages are located about 2 km apart and are known for their deep Sasak heritage and scenic landscapes. The valley resembles a dried lake basin that has transformed into fertile farmland.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

  • Beleq Traditional Village with preserved traditional houses
  • Historical graves linked to Majapahit and Gajah Mada
  • Traditional Tandang Mendet dance performances
  • A large onion statue symbolizing the region’s famous garlic and shallot production

Nature & Activities

Sembalun offers:

  • Scenic village walks
  • The Sembalun Lawang Village Walk
  • The Sembalun Wildflowers Walk (2 days / 1 night hike to Propok area)
  • Hill trekking with panoramic valley views

The Rinjani Information Centre is located in Sembalun Lawang, along with the Rinjani Volcano Observatory. The area also features greenhouse agricultural projects using modern soil and hydroponic techniques, producing vegetables for local and export markets.

Discover Senaru & Sembalun with Local Experts

Both Senaru and Sembalun offer different but equally beautiful experiences—lush waterfalls and cultural heritage in Senaru, wide valleys and summit access in Sembalun.

Whether you plan to trek Mount Rinjani, explore waterfalls, enjoy village walks, or experience Sasak culture, these villages are the perfect starting point.

👉 Book Your Lombok & Rinjani Tour

For trekking packages, village tours, and Lombok holiday arrangements, contact:

PT. Lombok Travel Online (LTO Tours)
📞 Phone / WA : – +6281.998.998.777
📧 Email: lomboktravel@gmail.com

Experience Mount Rinjani, Senaru, and Sembalun with professional local guides for a safe, authentic, and unforgettable adventure.