Rinjani Sembalun Trail 14-15 Jul 2009

We arrived at Sembalun Trek Centre at 1.15 p.m. after 2 hours drive from Senaru Trek Centre (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/07/rinjani-senaru-crater-rim-11-14-july-09_21.html). Two persons opted to relax at the Sembalun Lawang Homestay (Losmen) nearby while the rest (7 persons) continued the group mission to trek up to the Sembalun Crater Rim (Plawangan II). Much to our displeasure, we were required to fork out another round of entrance fee of IDR200,000 pax despite our argument that we were unable to trek from Senaru Crater Rim (Plawangan I) to Sembalun Crater Rim (Plawangan II) since Anak Segera was close following the increased seismic activity in the region. Our agent anticipated this issue and offered to foot 50% of the fees. Thank you Sunny! An independent veteran guide, commented that our group was the first one he had encountered climbing 2 Crater Rims, one after another using 2 different entrances. Our double "Up-Down" loops also sounded a bit bizarre to our Guides. Nonetheless, our Guides went along with our plan sportingly after we ignored their subtle persuasion to visit the local waterfalls and villages.

This time our expedition group consisted of 7 hikers, 2 guides and 5 porters. Starting at an altitude of 1195m asl, which is much higher than Senaru's trailhead of 600m, the trail was relatively flat for the first 30 minutes. Thereafter the trail slowly gained altitude reaching 1800m asl over a distance of 8 km at Pos 3 or Pada Balong. Compared to the popular Senaru route, the Sembalun route appeared quite remote like in the outback. Apart from a signage at Pos 2, the whole place was devoid of any signs of civilisation. Even the pondoks at Pos 1 & 2 looked pathetic. In fact, we were the only registered hikers for that day! On the other hand, the Sembalun trail could be described as more scenic. With few standing trees, we got to enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. The orangy grasslands set against the greyish distant mountains and blue skyline gave the whole place a very surreal and idyllic atmosphere. That day, we were lucky as there was adequate cloud cover to shelter us from the sun. The afternoon lighting was also not too harsh and conducive for photography.

By 7 p.m. the whole place was engulfed in darkness and we had to set camp at a spot, about 20 minutes away from Pos 3 or Pada Balong. From here, the trek to the Sembalun Crater Rim would entail another 3.5 hrs of steep climb. Only 3 persons decided to continue the challenge by waking up at 2 a.m. for the uphill trek at 3 a.m. to view sunrise at the Sembalun Crater Rim. The remaining 4 persons, including myself decided to stay back and tramp around. Apparently, the magnificent 3 (Engu, Ai-Ai & SH) managed to scale the mountain slope within record time of 2.5 hours to the amazement of Guide Abdu. In fact, we met them on their return trek at Pos 3 or Pada Balong at 7.40 a.m. They took only 1 hour to return to the foothill from the Crater Rim. Very impressive indeed!

Together, we returned and reached the campsite at 8 a.m. and began back trekking to Sembalun Trek Centre at 9 a.m. This time the sun was unforgiving scorching! Thank goodness, our dear Guide Tuti managed to organise a small truck to ferry us about 2.5 km to the base.

After a thorough wash-up at the Sembalun Lodge and lunch, we proceeded with the third leg of our trip to Gili Trawangan that afternoon, at 1 p.m. (see http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2009/07/gili-senggigi-bali-15-19-july-09.html).

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/6521.