Tips for Senaru/Sembalun on Lombok Island

Hi there, I’m heading to Indonesia for a month this summer and will spend a few days on the island of Lombok.

I initially planned to spend 3 nights in Senaru to explore the surrounding area (village, waterfalls, etc.—but no volcano trek) for 2 days and then take a day trip by scooter to discover Sembalun (mainly the Bukit Selong viewpoint) before returning to sleep in Senaru. After that, I’d head to Kuta Lombok.

But I’m considering two other options: 1) Stop at the Bukit Selong viewpoint with the taxi that’ll take us from Senaru to Kuta (though I’m not sure if it’s a big detour). 2) Stay only 2 nights in Senaru, then spend one night in Sembalun before heading to Kuta.

What do you think? Should I stick with my original plan (visiting Sembalun as a day trip by scooter from Senaru) or go for one of the other two options?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

My full Indonesia itinerary (Lombok, Flores, and Bali) 🇮🇩

Hi there! I visited both spots in 2018, so I’d recommend staying 2 days in Senaru as planned and 1 in Sembalun. Senaru: beautiful surrounding rice terraces, the waterfall is pretty nice too, and the place is really peaceful. Sembalun: the viewpoint is stunning—great to combine with a walk through the fields. For the viewpoint, the climb is pretty steep, so take your time to enjoy it once you’re up there, and the descent can be slippery in places. Don’t underestimate the hiking time, even if it’s doable in a morning.

Hi there! Having visited both spots in 2018, I’d recommend staying 2 days in Senaru as planned and one in Sembalun. Senaru: beautiful surrounding rice terraces, the waterfall is pretty nice too, and the place is really peaceful. Sembalun: the viewpoint is stunning—great to combine with a walk through the fields. For the viewpoint, the climb is pretty steep, so take your time to enjoy it once you’re up there, and the descent can be slippery in places. Don’t underestimate the hiking time, even if it’s doable in a morning.

Thanks, I’ll do that! 😊