There is no public transport worth relying on to Senaru or Sembalun. Almost everyone arrives by private car, usually arranged by their trekking operator and included in the package. From the Gilis you cross to Bangsal and are met at the harbour; from there Senaru is an easy run along the north coast, and Sembalun is a further hour or more over a mountain pass.
If you are trekking, travel the day before and sleep at the trailhead. If you are visiting the waterfalls only, a day trip from Gili Air, Senggigi or the north coast is perfectly feasible with an early start. Times are typical driving times and can stretch on market days and in the rain.
Routes at a glance
| From | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gili Air / Meno / Trawangan | Boat to Bangsal, then car east along the north coast to Senaru | About 2–2.5 hours in all | Often included in trek packages; otherwise boat plus private car |
| Gili Islands | Boat to Bangsal, then car via Senaru and the Pusuk Sembalun pass to Sembalun | About 3.5–4 hours in all | As above |
| Senggigi | Car via the coast road or Pusuk pass and the north coast to Senaru | About 2–2.5 hours | Private car with driver; day hire from around €31 per person online |
| Lombok airport (LOP) | Car through Mataram and the north coast to Senaru | About 3 hours | Private transfer; check with your operator |
| Lombok airport (LOP) | Car through east Lombok to Sembalun | About 2.5–3 hours | Private transfer |
| Kuta Lombok | Car north through the centre of the island | About 3–3.5 hours to Senaru or Sembalun | Private transfer |
| Senaru | Mountain road over Pusuk Sembalun to Sembalun | About 1–1.5 hours | Usually part of a package |
Getting around Mount Rinjani
In Senaru. The village strings along one steep road. Guesthouses, trek offices and the waterfall entrance are all within a couple of kilometres; you can walk, or hop on a local motorbike taxi (ojek) for the uphill legs.
In Sembalun. Spread across a wide valley floor. Lodges will arrange a lift to the park gate and to the foot of Pergasingan or Selong hill.
On the mountain. You walk. Porters carry tents, food and water in baskets slung from a bamboo pole; you carry a day pack with warm clothes, snacks, water and a head torch. Trekking poles are a real help on the scree and the long descents.
Coming down. Most treks finish around midday. Operators can drive you straight to Bangsal for an afternoon boat to the Gilis, to Senggigi or to the airport — but do not book a flight for the same evening.
