Sembalun Home Stay

Sembalun Home Stay is a modest, family-run guesthouse on the main road through Sembalun Lawang, the village at the start of the Sembalun route up Mount Rinjani. The owners also operate as a trekking organiser, so many guests are hiking groups spending a night here before the climb.

Rooms are small and simple but very clean, with hot-water showers, and the terrace looks straight up at Rinjani, which glows pink at dawn on clear mornings. Wi-Fi is limited, so do not count on it for work. The banana pancakes at breakfast are a favourite with reviewers, and the hosts are on hand to help with plans.

The village centre, mosque and local shops are a short walk away, and the Rinjani registration office for the Sembalun route is nearby. Book by phone or message; nights before public holidays and Indonesian long weekends get busy with domestic hikers. Nights in Sembalun are cold at around 1,150 metres, so bring a warm layer.