Mount Rinjani is an active volcano located on a small island in Indonesia called Lombok. The easiest way to reach the mountain is to fly directly to Lombok International Airport (Airport Code: LOP) and then taking a long drive to the foot of Mount Rinjani. This drive takes about 2.5 – 3 hours, going through Mataram city and circling half the island before finally getting to Rinjani. It features long windy roads on cliffs with tons of wild monkeys on the side of the road.

If you can’t fly directly to Lombok, the best way is to transit through Jakarta or fly into Bali and take a boat out to Lombok. However, this would take a lot of time and you might have to stay extra overnight somewhere.

Deciding on the Trek Route: from Senaru or Sembalun?

You have to choose between Sembalun and Senaru, since they are located on different sides of the mountain. So how do you choose between Senaru and Sembalun?

1. If you want to summit in the 2D1N trip, then you would be going via Sembalun, which features an easier climb (mostly flat) through the grasslands to the base of the summit. The downside is that you would be walking under the sun the entire time.
2. If you are absolutely sure you will not attempt to summit in 2D1N, you should go through Senaru. This will take you through a steeper non-stop climb through the rainforest, and a fairly difficult rocky climb in the last leg. But it’s a more beautiful and shaded route than Sembalun. You cannot reach the summit in two days if you go through Senaru though.
3. If you are doing a longer trek, maybe a 3D2N – this is what most people choose, then you don’t have to worry about choosing as you would be hitting both sides anyway. However, if you are wondering whether to start from Sembalun or Senaru, it probably comes down to when you want to summit. If you want to summit earlier in the trip, then choose Sembalun. If not, then choose Senaru.

Where to stay in Senaru

You will stay at one of the comfortable hotel/homestay in Senaru village . It was included in the tour packages with Kompas Rinjani. This hotel/homestay is very convenient with the facilities and also close to the waterfalls.