Bukit Pergasingan Hill, Lombok: Your Complete Hiking Guide
Welcome to Bukit (Hill) Pergasingan in Lombok!
If trekking Mount Rinjani is not your thing or you simply do not have the time but still want epic views of the volcano, Bukit Pergasingan has you covered. This hike offers incredible views over Lombok without the intensity of Rinjani.
Whether you are a casual hiker looking for a manageable trek or just want to enjoy breathtaking views without the commitment of Rinjani, Bukit Pergasingan is a must-see. This guide has everything you need to know before hiking, whether you choose to go with a guide or venture out on your own!
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling please :)
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A Guide to Bukit (Hill) Pergasingan, Lombok
Me sitting on a swing atop Bukit (Hill) Pergasingan, viewing Sembalun Village below just after sunrise.
A view of Mount Rinjani and the villages below from Bukit (Hill) Pergasingan.
About Pergasingan Hill:
Pergasingan Hill is a popular hike in Sembalun, known for its panoramic views of the village below and for offering the best vantage point of Mount Rinjani. It is much more accessible, especially without a guide, and can be completed in a few short hours making it a perfect addition to any itinerary. The hike takes around 3 to 5 hours round trip, with a steep incline for the first mile, and a more gradual one following. It is manageable for most fitness levels—though it will still get your legs working! I found this trek more difficult than I anticipated– Batur was a walk in the park compared to this one. The trail leads you up through terraced fields, with the reward of unobstructed views for miles. I reccomend hiking up this hill for sunrise to capture a beautiful palette of colors in the sky and to avoid the intensity of the heat during the day.
Pro Tip: Bukit translates to hill in Bahasa, the Indonesian language. So, Bukit Pergasingan translates to Pergasingan Hill.
Location:
The sign at the entrance point of Pergasingan Hill.
Pergasingan Hill is in Sembalun in Northern Lombok, a village where many Rinjani treks begin. The village is about 2.5 hours from Kuta, 2 hours from the Lombok Airport (LOP), and 2 hours from the ferry port in Bangsal.
The starting point for the hike is here. You will know you have arrived at the right place when you see the “Pergasingan” sign directing you to the staircase where the hike begins. Although I found the trail straightforward, there were some questionable places where I was unsure which way to go. I reccomend downloading the Pergasingan Hill map on AllTrails to track your progress along the trail. The trail is around 4.3 miles round trip with a 2,300-foot elevation gain, much of it within the first mile. It is a tough hike, but not impossible. Pacing yourself is essential for this hike, leaving plenty of time for rest stops to regroup.
When To Visit:
The best and only time to hike Pergasingan Hill is during Lombok’s dry season (April until October). The trail will be too slippery and dangerous after rainfall, especially while hiking in the early morning when it is still dark. Most of the trail is loose rock and dirt, which is already a bit slippery with the wrong shoes, never mind while wet. Early to mid-November can be an okay time for hiking, since the rainy season in Lombok seems to be starting later every year. I hiked up Pergasingan the first week of November and was fine.
Pro Tip: Mount Rinjani is closed for trekking from January 1 until March 31, which may also impact Pergasingan Hill.
I reccomend hiking for sunrise for many reasons.
1) You will avoid the hottest time of day for hiking this open and exposed trail.
2) You will have the sunrise as the motivator to keep you moving at a decent pace to summit before sunrise begins.
3) You have the reward of the sunrise over Sembalun Village and Rinjani for making it to the top.
4) It offers the greatest chance for clear views of Mount Rinjani and the best time for taking clear photos.
5) Less people! There was not a single person on the trail while I hiked up and down this trail. There was only one family who had camped on the summit overnight.
What To Expect:
Some of the more difficult sections on the Pergasingan Hill trail.
Some of the easier sections of the trail along the Bukit Pergasingan hike.
The trek has three sections, a short beginning stair section to get you onto the trail, an intense and steep increase in elevation over rocks for the first mile or so, followed by an easier, gentler incline for the final bit. Some areas are quite dusty, and you will need to hold onto rocks to pull yourself up in some sections (not as daunting as it sounds). The trail is mostly in direct sunlight, so if you hike during the day, be sure to pack sunscreen!
Sadly, the trail has quite a bit of trash along it, so bring your trash with you when you leave the hill. There was also quite a bit of cow waste and cows hiding along the sides of the paths so watch your step! If you find yourself questioning whether you can make it to the top, remind yourself that these cows made it up! At least that is what I told myself!
Because of the steep areas, the hike down can be a bit difficult and daunting. I recommend going at a slower pace and being extra careful not to slip. Use nearby trees or bring hiking poles to assist with this. If you do not have either, I found that side-stepping down can help.
There are many beautiful plateaus and viewpoints along the trail, that are perfect for resting and taking in the landscapes below.
Some of the rocky trail.
It took me around 1.5 hours to hike up and a similar amount of time to hike back down (totaling 3 hours). I would say this hike is hard and a bit strenuous, but is doable so long as you pace yourself and pack the right essentials (more on this further down). The incredible panoramic views around you on the summit make this hike worth it! You have clear views of Rinjani not far from you, beautiful views over the village below, and a unique view of the farmland patches as well.
Tour Options & Fees:
Entrance Fees: The entrance fee to hike up Pergasingan is 25,000 IDR (around 1.65 USD). You will pay the entrance fee at the ticket hut here. The hut is not open before sunrise, so you can pay on your way out should you decide to hike for it.
Parking: I actually walked over from my accommodation (Rautani Sembalun) to the starting point for this trek, so I did not have to find parking. However, there is a parking area right near the Pergasingan Hill ticket hut!
Do You Need A Guide: You do not necessarily need a guide for this hike. However, if you prefer some guidance, you can hire a guide in town or join a tour. The hill is also open for camping overnight. Some people hike up for sunset, camp overnight, and hike back down just after sunrise.
Tour Options You Can Book Ahead:
What To Pack:
Warmer Clothes/Layers. After hiking up Pergasingan all sweaty and hot, the summit will be COLD, more so in the morning. I recommend layering up your clothing to keep cool on the hike up the hill and warm once you are at the top in your sweaty clothing. I layered biker shorts and a t-shirt with longer pants and a light jacket over my top. I was sweaty on the way up but COLD on the top of Pergasingan while awaiting the sunrise. I wish I had brought an extra blanket to curl up in.
A Towel. To sit on while you await the sunrise. The grass was damp while I was on the summit.
A Blanket! The top of the summit during sunrise is cold and breezy, and your wet and sweaty clothes will only heighten this. I recommend bringing a cozy blanket to wrap around you and protect you from the breeze. I sure wish I had one.
A Backpack. As with any trek or hike, you should pack a backpack in case of emergencies. I recommend packing some layers for the colder weather, a blanket, a liter or so of water (more if hiking during the day), snacks or breakfast, wipes to clean your hands, and a camera to capture some epic photos. The bag is also great for holding the layers you might take off during the hike up.
Hiking Boots. The terrain up is loose rock and gravel a lot of the way, making slipping quite easy. I recommend wearing hiking boots to give your feet and ankles stability and grip. Athletic or running sneakers with good grip are the second-best option.
Cash. To pay for the entrance fee.
Sunscreen. If hiking during the day.
Mosquito spray. Although I did not encounter any, it is always best to be prepared.
A hiking pole or stick, especially if you have knee issues. It will help you on your way down.
A flashlight to see while it is dark before sunrise. I used my phone light, which worked perfectly for me!
Where To Stay:
The best place to stay to access Pergasingan Hill is in Sembalun Village, where the hike starting point is! Many of the Rinjani treks begin here, so there are a few restaurants and accommodations around. My favorite place to eat was Sembalun Clasik Cafe.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Radiya Guesthouse or Rinjani Family Homestay
Best Low-Budget: Bale Gantar
Best Mid-Budget: Rautani Sembalun (I stayed here— amazing location and within walking distance to the trailhead for Pergasingan!)
Best High-End Budget: Rinjani Lodge (Out of Sembalun)
My Experience:
Although waking up in the early hours of the morning is not for everyone (myself included), I believe this hike is worth setting your alarm for. I began the hike around 4:00 AM and reached the summit by 5:30 AM. From the top, the sunrise peeks out from the left of Pergasingan, casting its golden light over Sembalun Village and Mount Rinjani below. By the time the sun rose, I was rewarded with crisp, clear panoramic views that were absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand to avoid climbing for a sunrise obscured by clouds.
As mentioned, I found the hike quite challenging, but there are plenty of scenic stopping points along the way to take in the views. There is no shame in taking a break— I took so many!
Pro Tip: There are no restrooms at Pergasingan, so be sure to go before you leave.
A flashlight is essential to see the trail and navigate your way to the top along the correct route. You can download the AllTrails map to your phone in case you get lost. The first mile or so is steep, as you quickly ascend most of the altitude. However, the remainder of the hike is much easier and more enjoyable.
I (along with my boyfriend) was the only one on the hiking route. I saw one other family who camped at the top.
The hike down is daunting but also incredibly beautiful, now that the sun is shining and you have clearer views around you. Be sure to take your time, take in the views, and capture some beautiful landscape photos around you. It took about 1.5 hours to arrive back at the bottom. At 7:30 AM, we arrived back at our accommodation for a much-needed nap and breakfast!
You can find a cute little reel of me walking around the viewpoint here for reference of how epic it is! I hope you enjoy your hike! :)
Wondering what else there is to do nearby? Find the top 18 things to do in Lombok here!
Frequently Asked Questions
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Lombok is anywhere during the dry season, however, the surf (in places like Kuta) tends to be better during the wet season (less windy). If you want to see Lombok at its greenest, you can visit during the wet season or right after (in March/April) if you prefer sunny skies and green hills. If you visit towards the end of the dry season Lombok’s terrain will be drier and brown. I have been in Lombok for every season, and it did not rain too much in November / December. It was mostly short showers or one full day of rain. January and February were very rainy, and March was somewhere in the middle.
HOW TO GET TO LOMBOK:
To get to Lombok, you can fly into the island at the international airport in Praya (LOP). The airport is around 30 minutes from Kuta, and local taxis and Grab Drivers are available to bring you to your accommodation. The cost should be around 150,000 IDR (9-10 USD). Be sure to counter the prices the local drivers give you—they will try to get you to pay more.
There are also numerous ferries daily from various ports in Bali to either the Bangsal/Senggigi Port in North Lombok. These ferries average around 2.45 minutes (although the one I took felt much longer). I would not recommend this option to anyone who is easily seasick. They can be choppy the entire journey. The cost of the ferry varies from $12-30 USD, depending on the season. For the ferries, I always book ahead by searching on 12GoAsia or messaging the ferry companies directly on WhatsApp.
Public Ferries are an option for those who have more time and maybe want to pinch some pennies on their journey. The ferry is 4.5-6 hours long and departs from Padang Bai (Bali), sailing into Lembar (South-West Lombok). The cost is around $11-12 USD, and you can bring a motorbike onto the ferry with you. When you get to Padang Bai, you can ask the locals working at the ferry port where to buy a ticket for the public ferry to Lembar, and they should be able to direct you. There is no need to buy a ticket ahead of time for this option.
Pro Tip: Most flights to Lombok connect through Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. If you plan to spend a few nights in KL, you can find the best 3-day itinerary, here!
HOW TO GET AROUND LOMBOK:
The best form of transport in Lombok is by motorbike. Points of interest, including beaches, are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so walking could take too long. Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 75,000/80,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. The larger the bike, the more expensive it will be. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will throw out a more expensive price to see if you will take it. My last monthly rental was 1,500,000 IDR per month (95 USD).
Be sure to wear your helmet while riding.
Some roads around Kuta and Northern Lombok are not paved properly, so watch out for potholes, etc.
Be careful of trucks, especially once you are outside of downtown Kuta—they are reckless drivers.
Be careful of dogs crossing the street while riding!!
Local taxis are around, and you can usually hire one from your accommodation. Grab and Gojek are not as prominent in Kuta yet.
You can hire a private driver for the entire day here. Or, many of the locals are happy to arrange a driver for the day for you as well.
WHERE TO STAY:
The best area to stay in Lombok if you are looking for surf, expats, kind locals, local and western food dishes, yoga, etc., is in Kuta. Most expats have moved to and live in Kuta. It is central to a lot of the beaches and points of interest. In my opinion, it is the best part of Lombok! However, many tourists enjoy staying in other areas, including Selong Belanak, Tampah Hills, etc. Of course, for the trekking near Rinjani, Sembalun Village is where you should stay before heading to Kuta.
Pro Tip: If you are a light sleeper, check if your accommodation is near a Mosque—the first call to prayer is at 4:00 AM.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Kuta, Lombok
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Botchan Hostel (Dorm) or Ebucu (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Yuli’s or Mengalung Bungalow
Best Mid-Budget: Twiny's or El Tropico Boutique Hotel
Best High-End Budget: Mana Eco Retreat (Yummy restaurant and yoga shala attached) or Rascals Hotel
Best Luxury Budget: Lina Boutique Villas and Spa or Jivana Resort (Great massages)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World!
WHERE TO EAT:
Some of my favorite places in Kuta include:
SeaSalt (for fish)
Mana (the best gluten-free and vegan food)
Ashtari (Indian)
Elamu (Mediterranean)
The Warung (local food)
Warung Bude (local food)
Warung Rezeky (local food)
The Well (Gluten-Free)
In Sembalun:
Sembalun Clasik Cafe (Sembalun)
IS LOMBOK SAFE?
Lombok has always felt safe to me. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Be careful with the street dogs. Due to previous abuse, some tend to be afraid of humans or feel the need to warn us off to protect themselves.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 110 | Fire: +62 (0)370 672013| Ambulance: 118
You can find a complete list of Lombok and Gili Island’s Emergency #’s here.
IS KUTA WORTH VISITING?
YES! It absolutely is. Many people refer to Lombok as the “old Bali,” referring to when Bali was better—less busy and less developed. The beaches are beautiful, the surf is less crowded, the viewpoints are incredible, and the landscape is picturesque. If Kuta, Lombok was not worth visiting, I would not have chosen to live here for over a year!
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN LOMBOK?
This all depends on what you want to do. If you only want to see Kuta and catch some waves, then 1-3 days is fine. Although, most people end up staying for an entire week. If you want to trek Rinjani, visit the waterfalls, and do all the best things to do, then I would suggest staying for 8-10 days.
Heading to Lombok for 5 days? Find the perfect itinerary, here!
THERE ARE SO MANY STRAY DOGS IN LOMBOK, HOW CAN I HELP?
Lombok’s culture is MUCH different from Bali's, and the island is far less developed–therefore the dogs are treated very differently here.
Without getting into the nitty-gritty of what life is like for stray dogs, just know that you can make a positive impact on their lives in some of the simplest ways. This can be through something as simple as giving a street pup a meal, rice, and plain chicken is best, or something to drink like water or even coconut water! A lot of the dogs are terrified of human interaction here, especially as you get further out of downtown Kuta, so you can always place the food and water nearby to the dog and then give it some space to eat and enjoy. I promise you they will eat it once you walk away!
If you want to be more involved, you can volunteer with The Shelter for Lombok Dogs (my favorite place in the world) by helping with sterilizations, feeding the baby street pups, or helping at their shelter near Mawun Beach. If you want more information on how you can help, head here!
If you are thinking: ‘Feeding and volunteering is not for me,’ you can also donate money to their GoFundMe, donate items they need (usually collars, towels, medications, etc.), or purchase some of their merchandise from Flow or Elamu! Every donation makes a huge difference in the lives of the Lomdogs!
