West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat) is an Indonesian province spanning two main islands—Lombok and Sumbawa—offering a diverse blend of volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and rich Sasak and Sumbawan cultures. From the towering Mount Rinjani and the turquoise Gili Islands to the legendary surf breaks of Lakey Beach and the remote wilderness of Moyo Island, the province delivers world-class adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Mount Rinjani Summit Trek (via Sembalun)
The classic Rinjani summit route ascends via the high-altitude Sembalun Valley through open savannah and volcanic ridge to the summit at 3,726 metres — Indonesia's second highest peak with extraordinary panoramic views over Lombok, Sumbawa, and Bali on clear days.
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2
Mount Rinjani to Crater Lake (via Senaru)
The Senaru route approaches the Rinjani crater from the lush north, ascending through dense tropical rainforest before breaking into open volcanic landscape. The descent to the sacred Segara Anak crater lake (2,000 m altitude) for a second night before returning via the same route.
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3
Sembalun Valley Walk
A gentle walk through the extraordinary highland Sembalun Valley at 1,156 metres, past strawberry farms, garlic fields, and traditional village compounds with the dramatic west face of Mount Rinjani as a permanent backdrop. Sunrise and early morning mist over the valley is spectacular.
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4
Sindang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfall Trail
A popular short jungle hike from Senaru village through lush tropical forest to the dramatic Sindang Gile waterfall (first waterfall, 30 minutes) and the more spectacular Tiu Kelep waterfall hidden behind a canyon wall (45 minutes further). Swimming in the natural pool beneath Tiu Kelep is refreshing.
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5
Merese Hill Sunset Walk
A short but rewarding grassy hilltop walk between Kuta Beach and Tanjung Aan Bay offering 360-degree panoramic views over multiple turquoise bays, dramatic headlands, and rolling hills. The sunset view from the summit is one of the most photographed in all of Indonesia.
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6
Tetebatu Rice Paddy Walk
A guided walk through the beautiful terraced rice paddies, tobacco fields, and traditional blacksmithing village of Tetebatu on Rinjani's southern slopes. The route passes through working farms, bamboo groves, and a monkey forest where black macaques can be observed in the wild.
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7
Mount Tambora Summit Trek
One of Indonesia's most historically significant treks to the summit and vast caldera of Mount Tambora — the site of the world's most powerful recorded volcanic eruption in 1815. The caldera is 6 km wide and 1,100 metres deep with a lake at the base, creating an otherworldly volcanic landscape.
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8
Kenawa Island Circuit
A short but dramatic circuit of the tiny, uninhabited Kenawa Island including the steep but rewarding climb up the island's signature hill for panoramic views over the turquoise lagoon below. The surrounding seagrass beds host sea turtles and manta rays.
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9
Sekotong Coastal Walk
A coastal walk along Lombok's remote southwest peninsula past fishing villages, coconut groves, and small beaches with views of the Sekotong offshore islands. The path winds between traditional Sasak fishing communities where visitors are a rare and welcomed sight.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in West Nusa Tenggara.
- Dry Season
- May to October: best conditions for all hiking; clear views from summits; trails dry and safe
- Early Wet
- November to December: lower trails still passable; waterfalls more dramatic; summit and Rinjani become dangerous
- Wet Season
- January to March: Rinjani summit officially closed; some trails slippery and flooded; lowland walks still possible
- Late Wet
- April: improving conditions; some Rinjani routes begin reopening
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Sun exposure and dehydration — UV intensity is extreme at altitude; carry minimum 3 litres of water per day on Rinjani
Hazard: Rinjani volcanic gases — stay upwind at Gunung Baru volcanic vent
Hazard: Loose scree and volcanic rock on Rinjani descent — take extreme care especially on loose summit ridge
Hazard: Hypothermia risk at Rinjani summit — temperatures can drop below 5°C even in the dry season; warm layers essential
Hazard: Strong surf and currents near coastal walking areas — do not approach cliff edges during rough sea conditions