11/08/2026
Sembalun Savana: Lombok’s Golden “New Zealand of lombok
If you think you need to fly to New Zealand for endless golden grasslands and volcano views, think again. It’s all in Lombok.
Welcome to *Sembalun Savana*.
✓Where is it?
Sembalun Savana is located in East Lombok, at the foot of *Mount Rinjani 3,726m*. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Mataram.
This wide open grassland is part of the Rinjani trekking route, specifically along the Sembalun trail to the crater rim.
✓Why Everyone’s Obsessed With It
*1. The Landscape*
Imagine rolling hills covered in grass that turns bright green in rainy season and golden in dry season. No trees. No buildings. Just you, the wind, and Rinjani towering in the background. It’s dramatic, peaceful, and feels unreal.
*2. Easy Access + Epic Views*
You don’t have to be a climber to enjoy it. You can drive to the entrance of the savana and walk 10 minutes for the same view that trekkers see after 4 hours of hiking. Perfect for photos, picnics, and pre-wedding shoots.
*3. The Sky*
Because there’s zero light pollution, the sky here is massive. Sunrise and sunset turn the grass orange and pink. At night, it’s a full Milky Way.
✓Best Time to Visit
- July - September: Golden season. The grass is dry, tall, and glows in the sun. This is the most iconic look.
- December - February: Green season. Lush, fresh, and cooler. Rinjani is often covered in clouds.
Go between *7:00 - 9:00 AM*. The light is soft, the wind isn’t too strong, and you’ll avoid the midday heat.
✓Tips Before You Go
1 Bring protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. There’s zero shade.
2 Wear flowy clothes: The wind makes every photo look cinematic.
3 Stay hydrated: Bring lots of water.
4 Cost: Free if you’re just visiting. If you trek Rinjani from here, SIMAKSI fee is 150,000 IDR.
5 Combine it: Pair Sembalun Savana with *Desa Sembalun* for strawberry farms and *Bukit Pergasingan* for another Rinjani viewpoint.
✓Final Thought
Sembalun Savana isn’t just a spot. It’s a reset.
No signal. No noise. Just grass, sky, and one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes watching over you.