A patchwork of fields
Coloured squares.
Raflinoer32 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yogismemeth Al fakir — CC BY 4.0
A small hill above the farming valley of Sembalun at about twelve hundred metres, on the eastern foot of Mount Rinjani, overlooking one of Lombok's loveliest scenes: vegetable and rice fields divided into neat coloured squares like a chessboard, traditional village houses, and behind them Rinjani's towering green wall. Visitors climb a short stairway to viewing platforms in ten minutes. The whole Sembalun valley is cool and fresh, growing strawberries, onions and vegetables, with strawberry picking at the farms, and it is the start of one of the Rinjani climbing routes. The fee is a token one. The road to Sembalun winds through the mountains for about three hours from Mataram, with superb views. Come early in the morning before clouds cover the mountain, and bring a jacket. You can stay the night in Sembalun for the sunrise and the quiet.
Coloured squares.
Behind the valley.
In Sembalun's farms.
Sembalun, east Lombok, on the slopes of Rinjani
Yes, but it is a long day, about six hours' driving round trip. A night in Sembalun is more relaxed and lovelier.