Our third day began in Mataram with an early plan to head towards Sembalun. We had scheduled a departure at 9:00 AM with our guide, Mr. Ben. However, unexpected events added a few bumps to the start of our journey.
Morning Delays and Bike Troubles
Mr. Ben had to repair a flat tire before departure. He also switched from his usual TS bike to a KLX 230, better suited for long on-road rides. Unfortunately, the new bike had some issues—particularly with the tires and later the battery.
By 10:00 AM, we had refueled and were finally on our way to Sembalun. Along the route, we encountered a police checkpoint. Some of us hadn’t brought the vehicle documents for practical off-road reasons, so we detoured through an alternative path to avoid any issues.
As luck would have it, Mr. Ben’s bike battery exploded during the journey, and we had to stop at a workshop for repairs. After that, the journey continued smoothly to Sembalun, where Mr. Ben also has a trail basecamp
Rain, Lunch, and Trail Entry
Heavy rain welcomed us in Sembalun, but we were prepared. We had packed lunch ahead of time—nasi bungkus (Indonesian rice meals)—knowing that finding food during Ramadan in remote areas would be difficult.
After lunch, we geared up for the trail ride. The official Rinjani hiking route was closed, but we found an alternative: an old farmer’s path once used to transport crops. Though damaged and no longer in regular use, it led us up the mountain. The trail was rough, and our bikes got stuck several times, but the views were worth it.
Entering the Mountain Trail
We arrived at a locked gate leading to the Rinjani hiking trail. Mr. Ben suggested opening it carefully—we passed through and locked it again. This path took us through cow pastures and lush savannahs, offering panoramic views of Mount Rinjani and the surrounding hills.
Soon, we reached Bukit Tigak, a beautiful hilltop with stunning scenery. The view made us forget the mud and dirt on our hands. We paused for photos and admired the natural beauty around us.
Descent Through the Savannah
Our descent brought us through a savannah trail near the cow pastures. It was part of an older route known as the “kandang sapi trail,” and it offered an expansive view of the valley below. From this high point, we followed the trail down toward the base of the mountain.
A Sudden Crash
While riding through the next section, our leader—Mr. Ben—suffered a crash. His bike jumped over a mound and landed badly in a ditch, crashing directly into a tree. We were all worried, but luckily, he wasn’t injured. The bike’s handlebars took a hit but remained functional thanks to their solid build.
Meeting Local Riders
On our way down, we met several local riders from the Tabasan trail community, a relatively new group. Among them was Dapa, a 10-year-old trail enthusiast riding with confidence and spirit—what an inspiration!
Savana Dendang and the Final Stretch
Our ride continued to Savana Dendang, a large open area ideal for camping and off-road fun. The trail is accessible for adventure cars during the dry season, but after rain, the road becomes muddy and full of holes. Still, it’s a perfect place for exploration.
The trail actually leads to the coastline, and our plan was to explore it further. Unfortunately, due to delays, mechanical issues, and rain, we had to end our journey in Sembalun.
What’s Next?
We stayed overnight in Sembalun and agreed that our next trip should be longer. The trail along the coast, heading west to Malaka and Senggigi, is still waiting for us. The views of mountains, hills, and the sea are truly unforgettable.
Once you experience this route, you’ll definitely want to return
