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Segara Anak Lake & Hot Springs: Complete Guide

Segara Anak Lake & Hot Springs: Complete Guide

Most people climb Mount Rinjani for the summit. And yes, standing at 3,726 meters watching sunrise is incredible. But here’s what summit-only trekkers miss: Segara Anak Lake.

Translated from Sasak language, “Segara Anak” means “Child of the Sea.” And when you first see it from the crater rim—a massive turquoise lake sitting 600 meters below you inside an active volcanic crater—you understand the name. It looks like a piece of ocean somehow transported to the sky.

But the lake offers more than just views. Natural hot springs bubble up along its shores, there’s a sacred temple, volcanic black sand beaches, and if you’re lucky, you might witness the baby volcano in the lake’s center steaming with activity.

This is the complete guide to one of Indonesia’s most spectacular hidden gems.

Understanding Segara Anak Lake

The Basics

Location: Inside Mount Rinjani’s massive crater, on the eastern side Elevation: 2,000 meters above sea level Surface area: Approximately 11 square kilometers Maximum depth: ~230 meters Water type: Freshwater (fed by rainfall and underground springs) Temperature: Cool (around 20-22°C)

The Baby Volcano: Gunung Barujari

In the middle of Segara Anak sits a smaller cone—Gunung Barujari (also called Mount Rinjani Baru). This is a young volcano, born from eruptions in 1944, and it’s still very much active.

Last major eruptions:

What you’ll see: Steam venting from the crater, volcanic rocks, black ash slopes

Can you climb it? No. Access is forbidden due to volcanic activity and safety concerns. You can admire it from the lakeside.

How to Reach the Lake

The Descent from Crater Rim

Starting point: Sembalun or Senaru crater rim (2,639-2,641m) Ending point: Lake shore (2,000m) Elevation loss: ~640 meters Distance: Approximately 2-3km depending on route Time: 2-3 hours down, 3-4 hours back up

The Trail

The descent to the lake is steep. Very steep. Think “controlled falling” in some sections.

Terrain:

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging on the way down (hard on knees), very challenging on the way back up (steep, relentless climbing)

Why it’s worth it: Hot springs, swimming, stunning views, fewer crowds

When You Reach the Lake

Most trekkers on 3-day or 4-day routes arrive at the lake around midday after summiting early that morning. You’ll camp on the lake shore overnight, giving you a full afternoon and evening to explore.

The Hot Springs: Nature’s Jacuzzi

This is why most people make the descent. Along the lake’s eastern shore, natural hot springs bubble up from underground, creating pools of mineral-rich water ranging from comfortably warm to almost too hot.

The Springs Layout

Main hot spring area: Concentrated in one section along the eastern shore, about 10-15 minutes walk from most campsites

Temperature range:

How it works: Hot volcanic water emerges from the ground, mixing with cooler lake water to create various temperature pools. The closer to the source, the hotter the water.

The Experience

Picture this: You’ve just climbed to Rinjani’s summit before dawn, descended back to crater rim for breakfast, then trekked down to the lake. Your legs are screaming. Your muscles are tight. You’re covered in volcanic dust and sweat.

Then you lower yourself into a natural hot spring with a turquoise crater lake before you and volcanic peaks towering above. Steam rises around you. The water is the perfect temperature.

This is peak bliss.

What the Water Does

The hot springs are rich in sulfur and minerals. Benefits include:

Smell: Yes, there’s a slight sulfur smell (think: rotten eggs). You stop noticing after 30 seconds. Small price for natural hot tub in a volcano.

Hot Spring Etiquette

  1. Wear swimming clothes: This is a public space. Swimsuit or shorts/sports bra minimum.
  2. Shower in the lake first: Rinse off the volcanic dust before entering the springs.
  3. No soap/shampoo in springs: Keep them natural. Wash in the lake instead.
  4. Share the space: Don’t monopolize the best pools if others are waiting.
  5. Watch your time: Limit sessions to 20-30 minutes. The heat can make you dizzy.
  6. Stay hydrated: Drink water before and after.

Best Times to Visit the Springs

Afternoon (2-5 PM):

Sunset (5-6:30 PM):

Morning (6-8 AM):

Night: Some groups visit after dark (bring headlamp). Seeing stars while soaking is incredible, but trails can be slippery.

Swimming in Segara Anak Lake

Beyond the hot springs, the lake itself is swimmable.

What to Know

Water temperature: Cool but not cold (20-22°C). Refreshing in the afternoon heat. Clarity: Usually quite clear with good visibility Depth: Drops off quickly from shore—be cautious if you’re not a strong swimmer Entry points: Black sand beaches along the eastern shore near camps

Why Swim?

  1. Rinse off after trekking: Better than wet wipes
  2. Cool down: After hours in the hot springs, a lake dip feels amazing
  3. The experience: How often do you swim in a volcanic crater lake at 2,000m?
  4. Photos: The lake is stunning from water level

Safety Notes

The Sacred Temple: Pura Segara Anak

On the northwestern shore sits a small Hindu temple, built on the lake’s edge.

The Significance

Segara Anak is sacred to Lombok’s Hindu Balinese community. Every year (usually during full moon in October-November), pilgrims trek to the lake for ceremonies, making offerings of gold and jewelry into the water.

The belief: The lake is spiritually connected to Bali’s sacred Lake Batur, and offerings here bring blessings.

Visiting the Temple

Location: Northwestern shore (not near the hot springs) Distance from camps: 30-45 minute walk Best time: Early morning for sunrise

Etiquette:

Most trekkers don’t visit the temple as it’s quite a walk from the standard campsites, but if you have time on a 4-day trek, it’s worth the journey for the cultural connection and quieter perspective of the lake.

Camping at the Lake

Campsite Locations

Main camping area: Eastern shore, near hot springs access Capacity: Can accommodate 15-20 groups comfortably Facilities:

What’s provided: Your trek operator provides all camping gear. Porters set up tents while you explore or soak in hot springs.

The Lake Shore Experience

Atmosphere: More intimate and peaceful than crater rim camps. Surrounded by towering crater walls, you feel like you’re in a private world.

Sounds:

Night sky: Incredible. The crater walls block light pollution, and at 2,000m the stars are brilliant.

Wildlife:

Temperature at night: Warmer than crater rim (10-15°C typically), as you’re 600m lower

Activities at the Lake

Afternoon Itinerary (Typical)

12:00-1:00 PM: Arrive at lake, set up camp, lunch 1:00-2:00 PM: Rest, explore immediate area 2:00-4:00 PM: Hot springs session #1 4:00-5:00 PM: Lake swim or relax 5:00-6:30 PM: Sunset by the lake or second hot springs visit 6:30 PM: Return to camp for dinner 8:00 PM: Stargazing, campfire stories 9:00 PM: Sleep (you’re exhausted anyway)

Morning Routine

6:00 AM: Wake up naturally (no 2 AM summit call—bliss!) 6:30 AM: Sunrise coffee by the lake 7:00 AM: Early morning hot springs or lake swim 8:00 AM: Breakfast 9:00 AM: Pack up, begin ascent out of crater

Photography at Segara Anak

Best Shots

The classic view: From crater rim looking down at the lake with baby volcano Hot springs steam: Early morning misty atmosphere Reflection shots: Calm lake mornings mirror the crater walls Underwater: The lake is clear enough for swimming photos Sunset: Golden light on the crater walls Stars: Long exposure night shots are spectacular

Pro tip: Bring a waterproof case or bag. You’ll want your phone/camera at the hot springs, but water and electronics don’t mix.

Common Questions

“Can I do just the lake without summiting?”

Yes! Some tour operators offer “crater rim to lake” treks that skip the summit entirely. Great for those who want the lake experience without the 3 AM climb.

“Is it worth the extra day?”

If you’re debating 2-day vs 3-day trek: YES. The hot springs alone justify the extra day. You’ll also have time to recover from the summit before descending to the base.

“Can I drink the lake water?”

Not recommended without treatment. While it’s freshwater, it’s better to stick with the boiled water your guides provide. The hot spring water is definitely not drinkable (mineral content too high).

“Are there fish in the lake?”

Yes! Several species, including introduced carp. You might see them near shore. Some locals fish here, though it’s not common among trekkers.

“What if the baby volcano erupts while I’m there?”

Guides monitor volcanic activity closely. If there’s any significant activity, the park authorities close access to the lake. You’re safe—authorities are very cautious.

The Ascent Back Up: What to Expect

After a night at the lake, you’ll climb back UP to the crater rim before descending via Senaru.

This is brutal. Be prepared for:

Strategy:

Which Trek Includes the Lake?

2-day trek: Summit only, no lake 3-day trek: Summit + lake + hot springs ✓

If the lake and hot springs sound amazing to you (and they should), book at least a 3-day trek.

Final Thoughts

Mount Rinjani has two main attractions: the summit and the lake. Most people come for the summit and are surprised to find the lake is equally memorable—just in a completely different way.

The summit is achievement, challenge, adrenaline, and that killer sunrise.

The lake is recovery, relaxation, natural beauty, and those hot springs that feel like a reward sent from the mountain gods.

Do both if you can. You won’t regret it.

Book Your Lake & Summit Trek

Experience both the challenge and the reward:

Questions about the lake or hot springs? WhatsApp: +62 87777 425255

Trust me—your sore muscles will thank you when you sink into those hot springs. 🌋💙