The Sembalun Lawang village in East Lombok is one of the main base camp for Rinjani mountain climbers for it is the nearest inhabited village to the Rinjani National Park. The village is located 1,150 m above sea level on the eastern side of the slope of Rinjani mountain. The National Park entrance post and trekking centers are located in this village where visitors may hire local guide and porters. Although most visitors to Rinjani arrive via Senaru village north of Rinjani, climbing via Sembalun is considered easier as the track is declivous.
As base camp village, sembalun has several lodging facilities for preparation before trekking up to the mountain or for overnight rest after the trekking. Located in the valley and surrounded by high hills and mountains, Sembalun offers beautiful sights for visitors. Another remarkable thing is the big statue of onions (locally called langsuna) as the village is one of the largest producer of onions, garlic and shallots.
The Sembalun village can be reached by 2 to 3 hours driving from Mataram, the capital of West Nusa-Tenggara.
