Gunung Anak Dara Day Trip: The Sunrise Summit

f you are seeking a truly epic sunrise and a challenging hike without the multi-day commitment of Mount Rinjani, the Gunung Anak Dara Day Trip is a must-do adventure.

Standing at an impressive 1,923 meters above sea level, Anak Dara is the second-highest peak in the Sembalun 7 Summits range. According to local folklore, the hill is named after the two beautiful teenage daughters of the Rinjani Prince (“Anak” meaning child, and “Dara” meaning teenage daughter) who are believed to spiritually guard the mountain. Today, it guards some of the most breathtaking views in all of Lombok.

Why Hike Gunung Anak Dara?

Make no mistake: while this is a day trip, it is a serious hike. The trail is famous for its steep, sustained inclines—affectionately named Tanjakan Sayang (The Climb of Affection) and Tanjakan Cinta (The Climb of Love) by local climbers, because they demand your whole heart to conquer!

Tour Highlights:

  • The Ultimate Sunrise: We time this trek so you arrive at the summit just before dawn. Watching the sun rise over the ocean, illuminating the valley below, is an unforgettable experience.

  • 360-Degree Views: Because the summit is a vast, open savanna with no tall trees, you are treated to unobstructed views. You will see the mighty Mount Rinjani to the west, the “Rice Carpet” of the Sembalun Valley below, and on clear days, Mount Tambora in Sumbawa and Mount Agung in Bali.

  • A Rewarding Challenge: The 3 to 4-hour ascent is steep and will test your leg strength, making reaching the summit incredibly rewarding.

The Sunrise Itinerary

To catch the famous sunrise, this day trip begins in the very early hours of the morning under a canopy of stars.

TimeActivity
01:00 AMWake up! If you are staying in Sembalun, our guide will meet you at your hotel. (Pick-ups from other areas like Senggigi will require an earlier departure).
01:45 AMArrive at the Anak Dara trailhead and begin the ascent. You will hike through the lower forests before hitting the steep, open savanna trails.
04:30 AMTake a quick rest at Tanjakan Cinta before making the final push to the top.
06:00 AMSummit! Arrive at the 1,923m peak just as the sky begins to turn purple and orange. Your guide will prepare hot local coffee or tea to warm you up.
06:30 AMEnjoy a light, freshly prepared breakfast at the summit while taking in the magnificent sunrise.
07:30 AMBegin the descent back down to Sembalun Village. The walk down offers entirely new, daylight views of the valley.
10:30 AMArrive back at the base. Transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

(Note: If you prefer not to wake up early, we also offer an afternoon Sunset Trip starting at 1:00 PM, where you reach the peak by 5:30 PM to watch the sun sink behind Mount Rinjani.)

What’s Included?

  • Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Sembalun.

  • Experienced, English-speaking local mountain guide.

  • All entrance fees and local village taxes.

  • Hot coffee/tea and a light breakfast at the summit.

  • Bottled drinking water for the hike.

What to Bring:

  • A Headlamp: Absolutely mandatory for the night hike.

  • Warm Layers: It is very cold and windy at the 1,923m summit before the sun comes up. Bring a warm jacket and a beanie.

  • Proper Footwear: The trail is extremely steep and can be slippery due to loose dirt. Sturdy hiking shoes with deep tread are highly recommended.

  • A Camera: You will not want to miss capturing this sunrise.