The most popular route on Mount Rinjani is the Summit Trek from Sembalun, because almost every visitor comes with the goal of reaching the peak at 3,726 meters. This route offers the fastest and most direct access to the summit. It climbs through Sembalun’s wide grasslands, continues toward the Sembalun crater rim, and finishes with the steep volcanic sand ascent to the top. The sunrise view from the summit is one of the biggest reasons hikers choose this route, and it remains the number one choice for visitors who want the full Rinjani challenge.
The second most popular option is the Summit and Lake Trek, which also begins in Sembalun but continues deeper into the caldera after the summit push. This route takes hikers down to Segara Anak Lake, past the hot springs, and then up to the Senaru crater rim on the opposite side. Many trekkers choose this route because it includes both the summit experience and the chance to explore the interior of the volcano. It is longer and more demanding than the two day summit trek, but it offers a wider variety of landscapes and viewpoints.
Most hikers choose one of these two routes because the summit is the main attraction for visitors to Mount Rinjani. Both options provide a complete adventure, but the Summit Trek remains the most popular choice for those who want to reach the peak in the shortest amount of time.
