Hiking Bukit Anak Dara: The Hidden Gem of Sembalun Valley

According to local society of Sembalun, Bukit Anak Dara is believed to be home of two beautiful maidens, known as anak dara in the Sasak language. They are said to be the daughters of Dewi Anjani, the legendary guardian of Mount Rinjani. People in Sembalun believe that only certain individuals with a special spiritual connection can see them.

As a hiking destination, Bukit Anak Dara is actually quite new. It started gaining popularity around 2015, when local residents saw the potential to introduce the hill to more visitors. Since then, they have worked together to create hiking trails, camping areas, and simple facilities while keeping the natural landscape as untouched as possible.

Today, Bukit Anak Dara has become one of the most popular hills in Sembalun. Some people come for the incredible sunrise, others stay overnight to camp under the stars, while many simply want to enjoy one of the best panoramic views in Lombok. Whatever the reason, a hike to Bukit Anak Dara is about more than just the scenery it’s also a chance to experience the stories, culture, and warm hospitality that make Sembalun so special.

Where is Bukit Anak Dara?

Bukit Anak Dara is located in Sembalun Lawang Village, Sembalun District, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. It sits in the middle of the beautiful Sembalun Valley, surrounded by green hills, farms, and mountain scenery.

Getting to Bukit Anak Dara is also fairly easy if you’re already staying around Sembalun. The trailhead can be reached by motorbike or car, and from there, the hike to the top usually takes around 1–2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

What You’ll See Along the Way

One of the best things about hiking Bukit Anak Dara is that the view starts long before you reach the summit. The trail takes you through the beautiful landscape of Sembalun, so there is plenty to look at along the way.

As you begin the hike, you’ll pass through farmland and open fields. Sembalun is well known for its agriculture, so depending on the season, you may see vegetable gardens and other crops growing around the trail. It’s a nice reminder that this beautiful mountain landscape is also home to local farming communities.

On a clear day, you can also catch views of Mount Rinjani in the distance. The mountain’s massive slopes create an impressive backdrop, especially when the morning light starts hitting the landscape.

The higher you go, the more open the trail becomes. This is where you’ll find plenty of spots to stop, catch your breath, and take photos. And honestly, you might find yourself stopping more often than planned not because you’re tired, but because the scenery keeps giving you another reason to take out your camera.

Best Time to Hike

For the best hiking conditions, the dry season, generally from April to October, is a popular choice. During this period, the trail is usually drier and easier to walk, while the views from the top are more likely to be clear. That said, weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it’s still a good idea to check the conditions before heading out.

Sunrise is probably the most popular reason people hike at Bukit Anak Dara. If you want to catch the first light from the summit, you’ll need to start hiking while it’s still dark.

Most hikers begin around 4:00–4:30 AM, depending on their walking pace and the sunrise time that day. Bring a headlamp or flashlight because the trail will be dark, and take your time on the steeper sections.