Before climbing Rinjani via the southern route, tourists may be required to take part in the traditional Sembeq Buraq ritual. The new rule is proposed for 2027 and is currently being discussed in villages at the foot of the mountain.
Sembeq Buraq is a tradition of the Sasak people. Before setting out, participants receive a blessing from village elders and learn about the rules they must follow in the mountains. The ritual is described as a moral pledge to respect nature and local customs.
During the ceremony, a prayer is said for safety, after which a mixture of betel leaves and areca nut is applied to the forehead as a sign of blessing.
The initiative was proposed by a local youth association called South Rinjani Youth, which is working to develop the southern route. Together with nearby villages, the group is preparing a set of local rules. The national park administration has supported the idea, but the ritual has not yet become an official requirement for climbing.
The southern route is intended to become a pilot project combining climbing, Sasak culture and local community involvement. There are also plans for tourists to stay in guesthouses in nearby villages.
You can climb Rinjani with MyBaliTrips. The tour price includes transport within Lombok, a guide, meals, water, entrance tickets and overnight camping equipment. Two- and three-day options are available, including an overnight stay in a tent and watching the sunrise from the summit.
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