Your Scenic Journey from Ubud to Gunung Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia
If your heart is set on summiting the legendary Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia — and you’re setting off from Ubud — then get ready for a journey as rewarding as the destination itself. I recently tackled this adventure myself and discovered that with a bit of intention, your transfer to Sembalun can be more than functional — it can be downright magical.
The Most Scenic Route: Fast Boat via Padang Bai
Let’s start with the options. You’ve got a few: flying (quick but uninspiring), the slow public ferry (cheap but grueling), or the fast boat (the middle ground — but potentially a stunner).
For a scenic, enjoyable vibe without the chaos of airports, I recommend the fast boat from Padang Bai over the public ferry or flights. It balances time savings (about 1.5 to 2.5 hours on the water) with gorgeous views, and a sea breeze on your face is far more pleasant than dry, recycled airplane air.
Sit up top, grab a fresh coconut juice from their small onboard bar (yes, some boats have these!), and watch Bali’s coastline melt into the horizon before welcoming the emerald hills and volcanic silhouettes of Lombok.
Recommended Fast Boat Operators:
- BlueWater Express: Premium, slick operation with well-maintained boats. Staff are professional and courteous.
- Gili Getaway: A great choice if you want to pass by the Gili Islands — include a little island preview!
Both offer direct routes to Teluk Nara or Bangsal Harbour in North Lombok, which positions you perfectly to transfer onward to Sembalun.
🎒 TIP: Opt for the early morning departures (7:00–9:00 AM) — the waters tend to be calmer and the light dramatic for those killer photos.
Arrival in Lombok & Transfer to Sembalun
Once you land at the harbour (Teluk Nara is my top pick — quieter and less chaotic than Bangsal), your hiking company will pick you up. But before jumping in their vehicle, let the island absorb you. The drive to Sembalun is stunning — winding roads through Katapang forests, rice terraces dotted with wild buffalo, and mist rising off banana groves.
I remember a sudden rainstorm halfway up. Instead of hiding, I stood outside the van, soaked within minutes but grinning like a lunatic — the intensity of nature here gets under your skin.
Drive time from Teluk Nara to Sembalun: approx. 3.5–4 hours
Now let’s dig into your ultimate outdoor adventure menu.
Hiking Mount Rinjani, Lombok Indonesia
Mount Rinjani (3,726 meters) is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular treks — period.
Difficulty Level: Challenging to Strenuous
If you’re fit and ready for multi-day trekking (often 2D/1N or 3D/2N), you’ll love the varied terrain: tropical rainforest, volcanic scree, crater edges, and a dramatic caldera lake.
Required Gear & Preparation:
- Sturdy trekking boots (broken in!)
- Warm layers (it gets cold above 2,000m)
- Headlamp + backup batteries
- Rain jacket (especially if traveling May–October)
- Lightweight gloves for the summit climb
- Trekking poles (hugely helpful on descent)
Hiking companies usually provide tents, sleeping bags, meals, and porters. Still, bring your own high-calorie snacks — I swear by chocolate-dipped trail mixes.
Best Seasons:
- Dry Season (May–October) is when the trails are open. Rinjani National Park closes during the rainy season (usually November–March).
Safety & Emergency Info:
- Stick with licensed local guides — weather changes fast.
- Emergency: Call BASARNAS Mataram at +62 370 638245
- Stay hydrated and monitor for altitude sickness (headaches, nausea, confusion)
Top Guide Operators:
- Rinjani Dawn Adventures: Eco-conscious with small group focus.
- Treasure Rinjani: Local-run and known for great guides.
On our descent, I slid on a patch of volcanic grit — nothing major, but my pride took a hit. Our guide laughed and handed me a cinnamon candy — apparently great for energy. Pretty sweet recovery.
For Adrenaline Seekers: Skies, Surf, and Ultralight Flights
Ready to feel tiny under an endless tropical sky? Outdoor adventure in Lombok doesn’t stop at trekking.
Paragliding Lombok Indonesia — Alternative Adventure
Launch from Bukit Paralayang Prabu near Kuta and soar over turquoise bays and golden coves. Tandem flights are ideal for beginners.
- Duration: 15–20 min flight time
- Cost: ~$50–$70 USD
- Book with: Lombok Paragliding Club (ask for Andi — jovial, and knows the thermals like magic)
Ultralight Flights vs. Paragliding
Short on time but crave a bird’s eye panorama? Ultralight flights offer a less physical, more panoramic aerial experience.
Try FlyLombok.id for guided ultralight flights over southern Lombok — floating above volcanoes and reef pockets feels like stepping into a David Attenborough film. Bonus? They shoot high-def vids you’ll obsess over for years.
🪂 Don’t choose — do both. One thrills your nerves, the other humbles your view.
Call to Action:
Tap into the skies! Add an ultralight flight to your Rinjani adventure. Book with FlyLombok.id for guaranteed goosebumps and views no trail ever reaches.
Surfing & Diving Alternatives
Not up for summiting mountains or flying through clouds? South Lombok offers world-class surfing and serene snorkel days near the Gili Islands.
Surf Spots:
- Gerupuk Inside/Outside – Gentle for beginners, with nearby surf schools
- Mawi and Desert Point – Hollow waves perfect for pros
Gili Islands (Lombok Indonesia):
Book a day trip by traditional boat or fast boat to Gili Trawangan, Air, or Meno. Bring snorkel gear — or rent upon arrival — and hunt for sea turtles drifting past coral gardens.
In Summary
You’ve already made the right call by leaning into the journey, not rushing through. Taking the fast boat gives you a comfortable, scenic passage. Then, the raw expanse of Mount Rinjani awaits — rugged, thrilling, and soul-stirring.
Whether you're conquering volcanoes, soaring over coastlines, or slicing through reef breaks, Lombok rewards every kind of adventurer.
So lace up, gear up, and look up — because you’re about to experience Lombok from volcano dome to sky dome.
“I thought I was here to climb a mountain, but I left with skies in my eyes and winds in my bones.”
Let the adventure take flight. ✈️🗺️ Book your aerial experience now with FlyLombok.id
See you up there.