Sembalun is located in East Lombok Regency, which is part of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The specific area within East Lombok Regency is Sembalun District. This district boasts stunning scenery with Mount Rinjani as its centerpiece, and Sembalun Lawang is one of the villages nestled within this beautiful region.

Getting to Sembalun from Lombok Airport involves a bit of a journey, but the beautiful scenery is worth it. You have two main options: public transportation or renting a vehicle.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach Mandalika Terminal first. From there, hop on a bus or minibus bound for Sembalun. This route is budget-friendly, but the travel time can range from 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can rent a car or motorbike directly from the airport and drive to Sembalun yourself. This option offers more flexibility and allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints along the way. However, keep in mind that road conditions, especially during the rainy season, might be challenging. Be sure to check road updates before your trip and adjust your speed accordingly.

Trekking Mount Rinjani requires an entry ticket to access Rinjani National Park. Prices differ for Indonesian citizens and foreign visitors. Indonesian citizens pay Rp 5,000 per day, while foreign citizens face a higher fee of Rp 150,000 per day. It's important to note that this is just the park entrance fee and doesn't include additional costs like hiring guides, porters, or other trekking services.

The best time to climb Mount Rinjani is from April to June. During these months, the weather is still cool and the surrounding nature is still green, although it usually still rains in April. From July to October, the weather starts to get hot and the hiking trails start to get dusty.

While there are options for beginners, Mount Rinjani is generally not recommended for those completely new to hiking. The Rinjani trek involves reaching a summit of 3,726 meters (12,224 feet). Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. This high altitude can lead to altitude sickness, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

The trekking paths can be steep, uneven, and consist of loose volcanic scree (small loose rocks) which can be slippery. While some routes are more manageable than others, all involve significant uphill climbs. The weather can change rapidly. You might encounter sunshine, rain, strong winds, and even freezing temperatures, especially near the summit.