Bali, Lombok & Sumbawa: Legendary Volcanoes

Upon your arrival at the airport of denpasar, transfer to Ubud, nestled in the hills north of Denpasar, surrounded by lush rice fields and picturesque ravines. Known for its painting school, Ubud has preserved its charm and tranquility despite tourism development. After check-in, enjoy your free time to soak in the local atmosphere.

This morning, discover the Ubud Palace, an emblem of Balinese history where the royal family once lived. Just across the street, the craft market invites you to wander among colorful stalls in search of souvenirs and local handicrafts. You then set off for a pleasant walk through beautiful rice fields towards tampaksiring where a Balinese artist family welcomes you into their traditional home and offers you a typical meal, accompanied by a performance of Balinese dances.

Trek duration: 4

In the afternoon, stop at Tampaksiring to visit the impressive Gunung Kawi temples, famous for their nine royal tombs carved into the cliff, then continue to @Tirta Empul and its sacred pools, where hundreds of Balinese come every day to purify themselves. Return to Ubud in the early evening, with the possibility to stroll freely through the village.

The morning begins with the discovery of the caldera of Mont Batur. You visit the temple Ulun Danau Batur, the second largest temple in Bali after Besakih temple , rebuilt in 1926 after a lava flow destroyed the original structure. This temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. In the early afternoon, you set off for the ascent of the volcano through solidified lava fields. Along the way, you walk around the four craters formed by successive eruptions before beginning the descent.

*Trek duration: around 2h / Elevation gain ~600m *

Transfer to your hotel in the late afternoon for a well-deserved rest.

Mid-morning, you head towards the traditional Bali Aga village of Trunyan , along the shores of Lake Batur. You discover this unique village by boat and visit its unusual cemetery, where the deceased decompose in the open air according to ancestral traditions.

Late morning, continue to Kehen temple, one of the most beautiful and emblematic temples of Bali, to admire its architecture and sacred atmosphere. After this visit, transfer to Sidemen to reach your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The morning is dedicated to a beautiful hike (around 4 hours) around Sidemen , through terraced rice fields and highland plantations. Along the way, you pass through several hamlets, offering great opportunities to meet locals and discover their daily life. You will also cross an old suspension bridge, surrounded by lush vegetation, in an exotic and enchanting setting.

During the night, transfer to the temple Pasar Agung, (1,600 m) to begin the ascent at midnight, after a ritual offering performed by the guide to ensure protection and safety. Hikers, as a sign of respect, light a few incense sticks and say a short prayer.

The trail bypasses the temple and quickly enters a dense and steep tropical forest, marked by ravines and roots that sometimes need to be crossed. After one hour, the vegetation becomes lighter, offering first views of the surroundings. The ascent continues through rocky and steep sections, where caution and focus are essential. As altitude increases, the volcanic landscape gradually reveals itself: the caldera, the Balinese coastline and neighboring islands unfold before your eyes.

The final part of the ascent is the most demanding: rocky and loose, requiring patience and endurance. After passing the base camp at 2,622 m and a final technical section, you reach the false summit (2,866 m), offering spectacular views over surrounding volcanoes and the mountain ranges of Bali. The guide’s offerings and prayers mark gratitude for the protection received during this exceptional climb. For the more adventurous, a few extra minutes allow you to reach the true summit of the Mount Agung (3,028 m).

The descent, long and technical, requires just as much attention as the ascent, but the beauty of the landscape and the pride of reaching this unforgettable summit make the effort worthwhile.

Trek duration between 10 and 12h round trip

Elevation gain ~1,430m

In the morning, transfer to the port of Padangbai, where you board a speed-boat to reach Lombok Island. Upon arrival, continue towards Sembalun Lawang, a village located at the foot of the island’s majestic volcanoes, the perfect starting point for the next adventures.

The day begins with a gentle walk through rolling hills, crossing vegetable fields and farmland, providing a perfect warm-up before the ascent. After crossing a small stream, the trail follows the remains of an old road project, started 30 years ago under President Suharto, but never completed. Nature has reclaimed the area, creating a pleasant route dotted with bridges crossing old lava flows.

The first section crosses hills and meadows, with a short forest passage at 1,220 m. Post 1, Pemantuan, offers shelter at 1,428 m, while most hikers take a lunch break at Post 2 – Tengengean (1,513 m) on one of the scenic bridges.

From Post 3 – Pada Balong (1,772 m), the trail becomes more challenging: the slope steepens, the terrain becomes more demanding, and the hike requires sustained effort. For three hours, the climb is intense, with a summit that always seems close… but is just a deceptive ridge.

Finally, after crossing this last ridge, the landscape opens up to a breathtaking panorama: to the left, the Mount Rinjani summit rises, and 600 meters below stretches the Lake Segara Anak, nicknamed “the child of the sea lake”, offering one of the most spectacular views in Indonesia. The trail then follows the crater rim for about twenty minutes to Sembalun Rim – Plawangan Dua (2,658 m), where the camp is set for the night with stunning views over the volcano and the lake.

Trek duration : 5-6h

Elevation gain ~ +1,665m

The summit ascent begins during the night, ideally during a half-moon period, when the clear skies of the dry season illuminate the trail without the need for a headlamp. Departure is after 3 a.m., and the moonlight already lights up the volcanic slopes, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.

The first 350 meters above the camp are steep and pass through high-altitude vegetation. Quickly, the ground turns into volcanic gravel from around 3,000 meters. The first stage leads you to the crater ridge (2,969 m), where the moonlit view over rinjani_mount and the crater rim is simply magical.

As the ascent continues, the trail becomes steeper and breathing more difficult as altitude takes its toll. Each step reveals increasingly impressive panoramas, and the ridge offers breathtaking viewpoints over the volcanic complex. The final 300 meters before the summit are a real challenge: the deep, loose volcanic sand makes every step slow and demanding. Progress is made step by step, catching your breath every few seconds, in a physically intense but incredibly rewarding climb.

At sunrise, the light transforms the entire landscape. The changing colors, shadows and relief of the Rinjani unfold in an extraordinary palette. The final ridge is narrow and windy, dotted with rocks providing shelter from the cold trade winds. Reaching the summit of the second highest volcano in Indonesia is a moment of pure wonder: the vastness of the landscapes, the majesty of the Lake Segara Anak and the impressive vertical cliffs will leave lasting memories.

The descent back to camp follows the same route and, although faster, still requires vigilance and concentration. It may be tempting to slide down the gravel to speed up, but the dramatic scenery deserves to be enjoyed every step of the way.

The next stage leads to the Lake Segara Anak, less physically demanding but more technical. The trail, initially steep, gradually flattens to cross alpine meadows and old lava flows reclaimed by vegetation. Finally, the lake appears around a bend: surrounded by a dramatic volcanic rim and protected by the steep slopes of Rinjani, it spreads out in all its beauty, a blue jewel at the heart of the volcano.

Trek duration 7-8h

Elevation gain ~ +1,070m / -1,705m

The Lake Segara Anak, perched at 2,020 m above sea level, offers an impressive spectacle, though sometimes affected by waste left by large groups of Muslim and Hindu pilgrims who stop there. Despite this, the area remains a key stage thanks to the presence of the hot springs of Aik Kalak, accessible within ten minutes’ walk.

To reach them, simply follow the lake’s outlet, cross the stream twice, then descend a steep slope over 200 m. Natural pools have been created to retain the thermal waters and allow bathing. Be careful, however: the upper pools are often too hot, and not very clean, while the larger pool below, decorated with two small waterfalls, offers an ideal temperature and clearer water.

The more adventurous can extend the experience by climbing Barujari (Gunung Baru), located in the center of the lake. By following the eastern shore, the crater can be reached in about two hours, then the smoking summit in an additional hour. This ascent requires at least a four-hour round trip: plan an extra night by the lake if needed. Note that access may be restricted in case of volcanic activity. In the afternoon, you continue north via Goa Susu (“milk cave”, 1,885 m), before reaching torean (over 10 km). A vehicle awaits you there to take you back to Sembalun Lawang. The journey then continues towards the port of Kayangan, where you board a ferry to Sumbawa island. This island, at the crossroads of Indian cultural influences, is famous for the cataclysmic eruption of Tambora in 1815, the deadliest ever recorded, which disrupted the global climate.

Trek duration : 5-4h

Elevation gain ~ -1,440m

This day is entirely dedicated to rest, offering the perfect opportunity to recover after the previous efforts. Meanwhile, your support team handles the final logistical preparations for the ascent of the majestic Tambora Volcano.

Your day begins on a low-altitude trail, where the heat and humidity of the jungle quickly make themselves felt. After about one hour of walking, you will find a clear water source, ideal for refilling your bottles before continuing the ascent. The route then progresses in stages through several checkpoints:

• Post 1 – 1,080 m
• Post 2 – 1,320 m (water point available)
• Post 3 – 1,630 m (water point available)
• Post 4 – 1,800 m

After 6 to 7 hours of hiking, you reach Post 5 at 2,060 m, where you set up your camp for the night. This stage marks the end of your long approach day and prepares you for the final ascent of Tambora Mount .

Trek duration around 6-7h

Elevation gain ~ +1,620m

In the middle of the night, you resume the ascent for the final 600 meters of elevation leading to the summit of Tambora volcano. Vegetation gradually disappears, giving way to a mineral landscape that reveals the nearby coastline. At dawn, you reach the final meters through black volcanic sands before arriving at the rim of the immense caldera (2,638 m). The view is breathtaking: one of the largest craters in the world opens before you, while to the west the silhouette of Mont Rinjani appears, bathed in a spectacular sunrise.

The highest point, located on the western edge of the crater, is marked by a cairn and an Indonesian flag. Be extremely cautious if you choose to approach it: some areas are unstable and require crossing deep trenches. You then descend back to your camp to enjoy a well-deserved brunch, before continuing down to Post 2, where you spend another night under the tent.

Trek duration around 6-8h

Elevation gain ~ +580m / -1,320m

After the intensity of the ascent, this day is all about relaxation. You enjoy a gentle 2 to 3-hour walk through the peaceful landscapes of the slopes of Tambora before reaching the pancasila_village . This return marks the end of your volcanic adventure, giving you time to enjoy the last moments in nature.

Trek duration around 2-3h

Elevation gain ~ -620m

The morning is free, ideal for resting or enjoying the surroundings. In the afternoon, you head towards the port of labuan Jambu. Off the beaten tourist paths, this port village is a true hidden treasure. Here, nature, culture and adventure meet to offer an authentic and unforgettable experience.

The Saleh Bay, located opposite Labuan Jambu, is famous for hosting majestic whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, reaching up to 12 meters long. Peaceful creatures, they mainly feed on plankton and small fish abundant in these rich waters.

In the middle of the night (around 4 a.m.), you board a traditional boat to reach, at sunrise, a small group of fishermen pulling in their nets. This is the perfect moment when the whale sharks appear. You put on mask, snorkel and fins to get as close as possible and swim alongside them. Their friendly and curious behavior makes this experience truly unforgettable.

You return to Labuan Jambu in the late morning for some relaxation before lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Sumbawa Besar, capital of the western part of the island, where your journey continues.

A full day dedicated to the discovery of Moyo Island, a true natural gem. Since 1986, a national park has protected its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, including birds, monkeys, bats, wild boars and deer. The marine environment around the island is also preserved thanks to a marine reserve, offering untouched reefs to explore. In 2019, UNESCO recognized the ecological importance of the island by including it in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon to relax after this nature immersion.

Two free days to fully enjoy the idyllic coastal setting. Relax on the beach, swim in turquoise waters, or simply unwind under palm trees. These days allow you to recover after the treks and fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty at your own pace.