Complete guide to the Bukit Selon Rice Field Viewpoint, also known as Selong Hill, located in Sembalun, Lombok. How to get here, what to expect, plus some epic photos of this incredible mountain village.
Bukit Selong, or, Selong Hill is a small rice field viewpoint overlooking a carpet of fields and paddies in Sembalun, East Lombok.
This viewpoint is one of the best things to do in Sembalun if you’re looking for a great sunset or sunrise viewpoint without much of a hike involved.
How to Find Bukit Selong
Bukit Selong is located just behind the village of Sembalun. If you’re staying in Sembalun, then you can either walk or take a motorbike to the viewpoint. Following these directions on how to find Bukit Selong, it shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes to walk, or 10 minutes to ride.
I’ve pinned the exact location on the Google Maps below.
The easiest way to find Bukit Selong Viewpoint is to use Google Maps, which will direct you all the way to the viewpoint. However, here are some general directions if you get lost:
From the Rinjani National Park Office, follow the main road south and turn left just after “Putra Sembalun Homestay”. Keep walking until you cross a small bridge over a river and through the bamboo forest until you arrive at a small village. From here, you can already see some of the rice fields, Bukit Selong viewpoint is the small hill just forward from the village.
BUKIT SELONG PRICE: 5000 Per Person
Unfortunately, as of September 2019, the village here is still struggling to rebuild following the earthquake. A small donation of 5000 IDR per person to enjoy their local viewpoint will go a long way to helping them get back on their feet.
CHECK OUT THE NEARBY WATERFALL: Mangku Sakti Waterfall, Sembalun – East Lombok
Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint
Following the path up the hill, you’ll see the remnants of an old wooden star and treehouse bridge. Still, the view out to the ricefields are magical both at sunrise and sunset.
From the top of Selong Hill, you can also see the entire town of Sembalun and watch the sunset behind Rinjani. When we visited there was a lingering fog which coupled with the echoing nightly prayers to create a spectacular scene.
The rice fields form a pastiche rug that lies underneath the surrounding hills, including the popular hiking viewpoint; Pergasingan Hill.
STAYING IN SEMBALUN
Although it’s not the most touristy place in Sembalun, there’s so much opportunity for adventure that I’d definitely recommend staying here for at least a couple of nights. I stayed here for three days as we climbed Pergasingan Hills, explored rice and strawberry fields, found viewpoints like Bukit Selong and even located some nearby waterfalls.
Click the links below to get the cheapest rates with Booking.Com
MY SEMBALUN ACCOMMODATION: Radiyah Guesthouse
This is one of the best value accommodation options in Sembalun. I’d definitely recommend them. The rooms are small, but very clean and have everything you need. There’s unlimited free coffee and tea, as well as a free breakfast included. The owner is extremely helpful and will organize to loan you a motorbike for 50 000 IDR per day.
BEST INN-STYLE ACCOMMODATION: Sembalun Kita Cottage
This is probably the place I would have booked if I didn’t stay at Radiyah. They have great reviews, decently priced rooms, and large beds. It includes a free breakfast which is ranked as “very good” on Booking.Com
BEST VALUE HOTEL: Rinjani Hill Hotel
This hotel is for the travelers that prefer a little bit of modern comfort while still sticking to a reasonable budget. The Hill Hotel has epic views of the surrounding mountains and hills, has free breakfast and the staff will organize trekking trips to Pergasingan, Rinjani and Bukit Selong from their front desk.
EXPLORE ALL THE BEST ACCOMMODATION DEALS IN SEMBALUN
