🌄 What Is Gunung Anak Dara?
Gunung Anak Dara (1,923 m) — also known as Bukit Anak Dara or "Maiden Hill" — is one of the most beautiful and accessible trekking destinations in the Sembalun Valley, East Lombok. Perched at the edge of the valley, this hill offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the entire Sembalun crater valley, the towering summit of Mount Rinjani, the patchwork farmlands below, and — on clear mornings — the legendary "carpet of clouds" stretching as far as the eye can see.
Gunung Anak Dara is part of the famous Sembalun Seven (7) Summits challenge and is a firm favourite among beginner trekkers, families, and anyone seeking a gentler alternative to the full Rinjani summit climb. With two distinct routes — southern and northern — the trail is well-established and manageable for most fitness levels.
🎯 Two Ways to Experience Gunung Anak Dara
| Option | Duration | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Option A: Sunrise Trek | 4–5 hours (half-day) | Easy | Travelers on a tight schedule |
| ⛺ Option B: 2 Days 1 Night Camping | 2 Days 1 Night | Easy–Moderate | Full experience, sunset & sunrise |
☀️ Option A – Gunung Anak Dara Sunrise Trek (Half-Day)
Overview
The perfect quick escape. Start before dawn, hike through cool morning air, catch a magical sunrise from the summit, and return in time for breakfast — all before the day heats up. From the top, watch the first light hit Mount Rinjani's peak and the valley slowly come alive below.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–5 hours (approx.) |
| Start Time | 03:30 – 04:00 AM |
| Elevation | 1,923 m |
| Starting Elevation | ~1,156 m (Sembalun Village) |
| Elevation Gain | ~767 m |
| Total Distance | ~6 km (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Start/Finish | Sembalun Lawang Village |
Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 03:30 | Pick-up from your accommodation in Sembalun |
| 04:00 | Arrive at trailhead; safety briefing and warm-up |
| 04:15 | Begin trek under a blanket of stars |
| 05:15 | Mid-point rest; the sky begins to glow on the horizon |
| 06:00 | Reach Anak Dara Summit (1,923 m) — find your spot for sunrise |
| 06:15 | Sunrise over Mount Rinjani, Sembalun Valley, and the "carpet of clouds" 🌅 |
| 06:45 | Light breakfast at the summit (hot tea/coffee, snacks, fresh fruit) |
| 07:30 | Begin descent; stunning morning views of the farmlands below |
| 09:00 | Arrive back at trailhead; transfer to accommodation |
| 09:30 | Back at your hotel/guesthouse — free time to explore or rest |
What's Included
- ✅ Private guide (English-speaking, local from Sembalun)
- ✅ Light breakfast at the summit (hot drinks, snacks, fruit)
- ✅ Drinking water
- ✅ Trekking poles
- ✅ Headlamp/flashlight
- ✅ Entrance fee / donation
- ✅ Documentation (photos/videos)
What to Bring
- 🥾 Comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers
- 🧥 Light jacket (mornings are cool at altitude)
- 📱 Phone/camera
- 🎒 Small backpack
- 💰 Cash for personal expenses
Price
| Participants | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person (Solo) | Contact us |
| 2 People | Contact us |
| 3–5 People | Contact us |
| 6+ People (Group) | Contact us for group rates |
⛺ Option B – Gunung Anak Dara 2 Days 1 Night Camping
Overview
For those who want the full Anak Dara experience, this overnight option lets you soak in both a stunning sunset AND a magical sunrise from the summit — widely regarded as one of the best Rinjani viewpoints in all of Sembalun. Camp under a canopy of stars, watch the valley transform at golden hour, and wake up to the legendary "carpet of clouds" drifting below your tent. This is the perfect adventure for couples, families, beginner trekkers, and anyone who wants mountain magic without the intensity of Rinjani's summit trek.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days 1 Night |
| Elevation | 1,923 m |
| Starting Elevation | ~1,156 m (Sembalun Village) |
| Elevation Gain | ~767 m |
| Total Distance | ~6 km (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Start/Finish | Sembalun Lawang Village |
Route Options
There are two established routes to the summit of Anak Dara Hill — the southern route and the northern route, both offering slightly different perspectives of the valley and surrounding peaks. Your guide will choose the best route based on weather conditions and your group's preference.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunset at Anak Dara
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 14:00 | Pick-up from your accommodation in Sembalun |
| 14:30 | Arrive at trailhead; briefing and warm-up |
| 14:45 | Begin the trek — a gradual climb through open grasslands with beautiful valley views |
| 16:30 | Arrive at Anak Dara Summit (1,923 m) |
| 17:00 | Camp setup; relax, explore the hilltop, take photos |
| 18:00 | Sunset over Mount Rinjani — golden hour magic from the best viewpoint in Sembalun 🌇 |
| 19:00 | Hot dinner prepared fresh at camp |
| 20:00 | Campfire (conditions permitting), stargazing, storytelling |
| 21:00 | Rest in your tent under a canopy of stars |
Day 2 – Sunrise & Return
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 | Wake up for sunrise — the valley awakens below you 🌄 |
| 06:00 | The legendary "carpet of clouds" sunrise over Rinjani — the best morning view in Lombok |
| 07:00 | Hot breakfast at camp (coffee, tea, freshly cooked meal) |
| 08:00 | Pack up camp; enjoy the views one last time |
| 08:30 | Begin descent |
| 10:00 | Arrive at trailhead |
| 10:30 | Transfer back to your accommodation |
| 11:00 | Back at your hotel — free time to relax and explore |
What's Included
- ✅ Private English-speaking local guide
- ✅ All camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toilet tent)
- ✅ All meals: dinner (Day 1), breakfast (Day 2), snacks & hot drinks
- ✅ Drinking water
- ✅ Trekking poles
- ✅ Headlamp
- ✅ Entrance fee / donation
- ✅ Documentation (photos/videos)
What's Not Included
- ❌ Personal trekking gear (shoes, jacket — available for rent)
- ❌ Tips for guide and porters (optional but appreciated)
- ❌ Personal expenses
Price
| Participants | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person (Solo) | Contact us |
| 2 People | Contact us |
| 3–5 People | Contact us |
| 6+ People (Group) | Contact us for group rates |
Gallery
📊 Option A vs Option B – Quick Comparison
| Feature | ☀️ Sunrise Trek (Half-Day) | ⛺ 2D1N Camping |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4–5 hours | 2 Days 1 Night |
| Sunrise | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sunset | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Camping | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Meals | Light breakfast only | Dinner + Breakfast |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy–Moderate |
| Best For | Tight schedule, quick adventure | Full experience, couples, families |
🌿 Why Trek Gunung Anak Dara?
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌄 Best Rinjani Viewpoint | Widely considered one of the finest vantage points for Mount Rinjani in all of Sembalun. |
| ☁️ Carpet of Clouds | Famous sunrise phenomenon — a sea of clouds blanketing the valley below |
| ⏱️ Short & Sweet | Half-day option perfect for travellers with limited time. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly | Gentle trail suitable for kids aged 7+, beginners, and older travellers |
| 💰 Budget-Friendly | Much more affordable than the full Rinjani summit trek |
| 📸 Instagram Heaven | 360° views of Rinjani, Sembalun Valley, colourful farmlands, and rolling hills |
| 👨🌾 Local Experience | Trek with Sembalun-born guides who share stories of the valley's culture and traditions |
| 🏆 Sembalun 7 Summits | Tick off one of the iconic Seven Summits of Sembalun |
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Dry Season (Best) | April – November | Clear skies, dry trails, best sunrise and sunset views |
| 🌧️ Rainy Season | December – March | Greener hills but possible rain; trek still possible with extra caution |
🥾 Gear Rental
| Item | Available |
|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | ✅ |
| Warm jacket | ✅ |
| Rain jacket | ✅ |
| Trekking poles | ✅ |
| Headlamp | ✅ |
| Daypack (20L) | ✅ |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Gunung Anak Dara trek?
The trek is considered easy to moderate for most people with a basic level of fitness. The trail is well-established with a gradual incline. Expect approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of trekking uphill, covering roughly 767 metres of elevation gain over approximately 3 kilometres each way
Is it suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Gunung Anak Dara is one of the best introductory treks in Sembalun and is highly recommended for first-time hikers
Can children join?
Yes! The trail is gentle enough for children aged 7 and above with adult supervision. The 2D1N camping option is especially fun for families with children
How is it different from Pergasingan Hill?
Both are spectacular hills in Sembalun, but Anak Dara (1,923 m) is slightly higher than Pergasingan (1,806 m) and offers a different perspective of Mount Rinjani. Anak Dara is particularly famous for the "carpet of clouds" sunrise. Many trekkers do both hills for the complete Sembalun experience!
What should I wear?
Comfortable trekking shoes or sturdy sneakers, long trousers or leggings, and a light jacket for the early morning chill. Bring sunscreen and a hat for the descent when the sun is up.
Is there phone signal at the summit?
Yes — mobile signal is generally good across Gunung Anak Dara. You can even video call your family from the summit! 📱
Are there any toilet facilities on the mountain?
For the 2D1N camping option, we set up a private toilet tent at the campsite. For the half-day sunrise trek, there are no formal toilet facilities on the trail — your guide will advise on the best spots.
Can I combine Anak Dara with other treks?
Of course! Many trekkers use Anak Dara as a warm-up before starting a Rinjani trek, or combine it with Pergasingan Hill and other peaks as part of the Sembalun Seven (7) Summits challenge. Contact us to design your perfect itinerary!
📞 Ready to Experience Gunung Anak Dara?
Book your sunrise trek or overnight camping adventure now!
