Lombok
Written in February 2021, updated in Jan 2022
Lombok, Bali’s neighbor, is becoming a more and more popular destination for tourists and expats.
Lombok has peaceful and slow vibes. There are no “attractions” at every corner but it has still so much to offer.
Stunning white-sand beaches, warm blue waters great for snorkeling and diving, quiet islands, green jungles with many waterfalls, volcano, and traditional villages.
It is very well accessible, only a 1hr 50min flight from Jakarta, 30 min drive from the airport to the nearest beaches.
There is a lot of new development going on these years with finishing the MotoGP circle in Kuta, South Lombok in 2022. It is a huge project and it will surely bring more attraction to the island and many new hotels raising up. Therefore, the best time to visit the island is now.
Lombok, Bali’s neighbor, is becoming a more and more popular destination for tourists and expats.
Lombok has peaceful and slow vibes. There are no “attractions” at every corner but it has still so much to offer.
Stunning white-sand beaches, warm blue waters great for snorkeling and diving, quiet islands, green jungles with many waterfalls, volcano, and traditional villages.
It is very well accessible, only a 1hr 50min flight from Jakarta, 30 min drive from the airport to the nearest beaches.
There is a lot of new development going on these years with finishing the MotoGP circle in Kuta, South Lombok in 2022. It is a huge project and it will surely bring more attraction to the island and many new hotels raising up. Therefore, the best time to visit the island is now.
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Lombok suffered from an earthquake in 2019, with about 6 months lasting aftershocks, which has lowered the tourism on the island. The most affected areas were North Lombok and Northwest Gillies.
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Why should you visit Lombok:
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Northwest of Lombok:
Gili Travangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno
Gili Islands are probably the most famous Lombok’s destination. In a normal time (no earthquake, no Covid) tourists stop here for 2 nights to 1 week. You either visit quickly just to feel the vibes of a tropical island or you come to stay and enjoy the quiet and relaxing time. If you are a traveler, you will probably visit more islands in one trip.
Expect turquoise sea, white sand beaches (although even most of them have a bit of coral “stones” ), coconut palms, coral reefs, sea turtles, and no cars or motorcycles. You can walk, rent a bicycle or even hire a horse taxi to bring your luggage.
The Northwest Gili islands are the most famous. Each of them has its charm. Do not expect 5star hotel luxury in Gilies, the islands have a rather relaxed and easy going atmosphere.
Gillies are very famous for snorkeling and diving, both suitable for kids. But since the islands are very popular lately and because of many dive shops and dives sites reachable within just a short boat ride, the underwater life suffered and many corals are destroyed.
Gili Travangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno
Gili Islands are probably the most famous Lombok’s destination. In a normal time (no earthquake, no Covid) tourists stop here for 2 nights to 1 week. You either visit quickly just to feel the vibes of a tropical island or you come to stay and enjoy the quiet and relaxing time. If you are a traveler, you will probably visit more islands in one trip.
Expect turquoise sea, white sand beaches (although even most of them have a bit of coral “stones” ), coconut palms, coral reefs, sea turtles, and no cars or motorcycles. You can walk, rent a bicycle or even hire a horse taxi to bring your luggage.
The Northwest Gili islands are the most famous. Each of them has its charm. Do not expect 5star hotel luxury in Gilies, the islands have a rather relaxed and easy going atmosphere.
Gillies are very famous for snorkeling and diving, both suitable for kids. But since the islands are very popular lately and because of many dive shops and dives sites reachable within just a short boat ride, the underwater life suffered and many corals are destroyed.
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Gili Trawangan (Gili T)
Gili Trawangan, the largest island, by some called the “party island”. Well, not that much, but you got an idea. Gili T is more built-up than the other two islands, so if you are looking to do lots of shopping, eating and drinking, it could be the best island for you.
The reputation has been changing and if you still want to come here and not to party, just stay out of the main town. Still, there are amazing beaches.
Since this is the largest island, it will take you a little longer to get around but your resort should have bicycles available or you can simply hire them anywhere.
Snorkeling - Sunken ship at Wreck Point near Mentigi Beach
Gili Trawangan, the largest island, by some called the “party island”. Well, not that much, but you got an idea. Gili T is more built-up than the other two islands, so if you are looking to do lots of shopping, eating and drinking, it could be the best island for you.
The reputation has been changing and if you still want to come here and not to party, just stay out of the main town. Still, there are amazing beaches.
Since this is the largest island, it will take you a little longer to get around but your resort should have bicycles available or you can simply hire them anywhere.
Snorkeling - Sunken ship at Wreck Point near Mentigi Beach
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Gili Air
Gili Air is just off the coast of Lombok. The island is not as quiet as Meno, but not as “party” as Trawangan. It became popular for the combination of both and its white-sand beaches.
Most of the accommodation and other tourism facilities are on the south and east coasts, facing Lombok. There are many beautiful and high-ranked accommodations to choose from.
A coastal path leads you around the island, and all the way around leisurely will take about 90 min. For such a small island, the maze of paths that criss-cross the island can get surprisingly confusing, but these always lead back to the coast path eventually.
The southwest side of Gili Air is your best bet if you are looking for a world-class beach with a high degree of comfort.
Gili Air
Gili Air is just off the coast of Lombok. The island is not as quiet as Meno, but not as “party” as Trawangan. It became popular for the combination of both and its white-sand beaches.
Most of the accommodation and other tourism facilities are on the south and east coasts, facing Lombok. There are many beautiful and high-ranked accommodations to choose from.
A coastal path leads you around the island, and all the way around leisurely will take about 90 min. For such a small island, the maze of paths that criss-cross the island can get surprisingly confusing, but these always lead back to the coast path eventually.
The southwest side of Gili Air is your best bet if you are looking for a world-class beach with a high degree of comfort.
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Gili Meno
Unfortunately, there are currently no services at Gili Meno, due to the pandemic. You may still try to find out directly with the resorts.
It is the smallest and the quietest island among the three Gilies.
The Southeast side of the island has a sunrise and stunning panoramic views of the island of Lombok with majestic Rinjani in the background and beautiful white sand beaches, while the northwest side has gorgeous sunsets (best from Mahamaya resort) and white coral beaches suitable for snorkeling. There is a lake on one side of Gili Meno and you can pass on your way from one side of the island to another.
Even the center of the island has many different types of accommodation, usually a bit cheaper than the coast ones. The village is very local and there is a mosque in the middle. You can easily rent a bike, with wide tires for the sand, to move around the island.
The situation in Gili Meno has been different since the earthquake in 2019 and especially now, in Covid time. Lots of resorts were destroyed, which is still very visible and many others are closed. This island was always quiet but now it is almost empty of tourists.
However, we love this island and it is especially suitable for small kids since it is such a quiet place.
Snorkeling - Turtle point, Statues, Blue coral
Where to stay: Mahamaya, Seri resort
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How to get to the Northwest Gilies:
Private boat form: Teluk Nara harbor (arrange in advance), about 400.000rp one way
Public boats from: Bangsal harbor - leave on regular scheduled times, very low price, 15-30.000rp but be prepared to travel with the local people, chickens, rice bags, etc.
Boats from Bali go to Gili T.
Driver: we recommend pak Awal Udin and his family, he has been driving us around Lombok since 2013, he can organize a boat, car, trips, anything. He speaks very good English. Tel.: +6285337897802 ([email protected])
Private boat form: Teluk Nara harbor (arrange in advance), about 400.000rp one way
Public boats from: Bangsal harbor - leave on regular scheduled times, very low price, 15-30.000rp but be prepared to travel with the local people, chickens, rice bags, etc.
Boats from Bali go to Gili T.
Driver: we recommend pak Awal Udin and his family, he has been driving us around Lombok since 2013, he can organize a boat, car, trips, anything. He speaks very good English. Tel.: +6285337897802 ([email protected])
Southwest Lombok
The so-called “secret Gilies” in the Southwest of Lombok are still undiscovered by tourists. You can either stay on the island or you can just do an Island hopping tour.
Most of the islands are well known for snorkeling and diving, the waters are rich for beautiful corals and fish.
The islands have white sand beaches, some of them green hills and with only few fellow travelers, you will have them mostly for yourselves. Relax and enjoy your time on these beautiful quiet tropical islands.
Gili Nanggu, Gili Sekotong, Gili Gede, Gili Layar - great for a day trip, snorkeling, beach relaxing
Gili Asahan - definitely stay longer! Great resort with fantastic restaurants, green hills with awesome views, clear waters for snorkeling, sandy beach and even a horse stables! Amazing place for family holiday.
Where to stay: Eco-lodge, www.giliasahan.com
Where to eat: Nautilus - Italian, within the Eco-resort but they welcome outside guests - island hoppers.
How to get to Southwest Gillies:
Private or public boat leaves from: Lembar harbor, about 1hr drive south from Kuta.
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2. beaches of south lombok, kuta, bat caves
South Lombok is famous for its stunning beaches. There are more then ten beaches over just 25km of coastline. It is our most favorite part of Lombok. Peaceful, quiet, undiscovered. The beaches are truly awesome and the landscape around consists of green hills. You can discover the area by car, on motorbike or even on your bicycle. The roads are great for runners.
Selong Belanak - one of the finest beaches in South East Asia. 3km of white sand beach, great surfing for beginners, and amazing sunsets. Almost every late afternoon you can enjoy a scenery of a herd of water buffaloes passing.
It is definitely the best place for kids. The waves are calm and the sand here make wonderful playground.
There are many local warungs combined with a surf shop and you cannot miss the awesome restaurant Laut Biru. In the late afternoon, you can watch the local fisherman taking their boats out to the sea for overnight fishing. It is impossible to get bored of this beach.
Selong Belanak - one of the finest beaches in South East Asia. 3km of white sand beach, great surfing for beginners, and amazing sunsets. Almost every late afternoon you can enjoy a scenery of a herd of water buffaloes passing.
It is definitely the best place for kids. The waves are calm and the sand here make wonderful playground.
There are many local warungs combined with a surf shop and you cannot miss the awesome restaurant Laut Biru. In the late afternoon, you can watch the local fisherman taking their boats out to the sea for overnight fishing. It is impossible to get bored of this beach.
Mawun Beach - this beach is stunning. Just be careful of the riptide here. Swimming is possible but better closer to the rock in the back on the right side. Do not be put off by many kids offering handmade bracelets for sale and women selling sarongs. Buy fresh coconut and enjoy the scenery.
Mawi Beach - small but beautiful bay loved by most experienced surfers and sunbathers. Not suitable for kids. You can watch the waves here all day long from a small warung with a beer in your hand. There are two nice rock beaches nearby (Semeti and Telawas) which are wonderful for photography lovers.
Lancing Beach - a long white sand beach with gorgeous scenery and clear waters.
Tampah Beach - a peaceful, romantic, secluded beach with a lengthy stretch of white sand good for snorkeling. Local warung provides refreshments here.
Are Goling Beach - this beach offers surfing for experienced surfers and paragliding.
Kuta Mandalika Beach - it is a town’s beach and the most developed in the area with many restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. The scenery is pretty nice and many gather here for the sunset scenery.
Seger Beach (Merese Hill) - it is one of the most romantic and picturesque places to enjoy the sunset or watch surfers catch the waves.
Tanjung Aan Beach - the second largest, most beautiful and loved one.
A couple of years ago this was an empty and natural beach with a one really bad road leading here. Therefore, only the brave ones used to come here on the motorbike, or all shaken in cars.
A new asphalt road has been built and also many warungs along the beach. They are all made out of bamboo and nice looking and they all rent beach beds, serve simple but tasty food, and beer. Many of them have swings in the water. It is never busy here and the owners are nice to chat.
You can hire a boat - always negotiate the price - to take you across the bay where you can walk up to the hills and enjoy stunning views of the area and the Indian ocean. The boat can also take you about 200m to the great surf break! Go with a guide if you take kids and have great fun. Check with the guides how are the waves that particular time. Waves are suitable for experienced beginners and intermediates. Non beginners surfers will for sure have fun, too.
The sunsets are the best. You can also come by car from your hotel and park directly below the hill and just walk up. No boat ride is needed.
Gerupuk Beach - this is a fishing village famous for its amazing surfing. It counts two great breaks. Inside - which is perfect for those who are in between beginner and intermediate level, while Outside - suit better to advanced surfers, although still super fun surfing for anyone at any level.
Pictures from all around the beaches:
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Novotel Lombok
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Novotel Lombok
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Where to stay:
Sempiak Villas - fantastic, right on the best beach of Selong Belanak, Biru Laut restaurant belongs to the resort, family houses on the lower grounds, villas with the best views on the hill - shuttle provided
Segara Lombok - hotel further down about 5min drive from Selong Belanak, has a beach, very private, awesome sunsets
Mawun Raya Resort - nice calm resort on the hill, amazing views, shuttle to Mawun beach
Mango Lodge - 8min walk from Selong Belanak, smaller but new, clean and very friendly place
Ola Ola Lombok - budget accommodation with fantastic reviews, 10min walk from Selong Belanag
Juli's homestay - surfer’s budget accommodation, three pools, great host, great food, friendly vibes (closed in pandemic)
Novotel Kuta - smaller, pleasant and comfortable, with all its hotel facilities, 2 pools, and good location close to beautiful Aan Beach and its surrounding hills
As always, There are many other places, growing up quite fast. Find what suits your needs the best.
Where to eat:
Biru Laut Restaurant - Selong Belanak, fantastic food - western and indonesian, best location right on the beach
Selong Belanag warungs - right on the beach, great local food, try Mull's. our favourite!
Ashtari restaurant - Jl. Mawun, on the hill, just off Kuta, amazing views, great food, coffee, yoga shala
Segara hotel - one further beach from Selong Belanag - great food
Amber hotel - even one further up - brand new, recommended
Kuta
If you travel without a family, you come for surfing, you like to be in the hustle and bustle of everything, you like local shops and markets, you want to be close to the moto GP circle, or you have your 20+ yrs old niece or nephew coming, send them to Kuta to stay in one of many budget accommodations here, hotels, resorts, home stays and air bnbs at least for a couple of days.
The number of restaurants and bars has grown in the past few years and you will always meet people and new friends here.
Many surf shops are here, a few dive ones, also yoga places.
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Bat caves- interesting to visit, all three very close to each other and very similar
Goa Buwun Prabu, Jl. Mawun - only for the enthusiasts. The smell is quite strong, with many bats hanging inside, the guide will show you a few rooms of bats. Worth bringing your flashlight.
Open: 8.45am-4pm
Goa Bangkan Prabu, Jl. Mawun - the recommended cave, worth visiting, but same what applies to other caves - great for pictures - amazing lights, many bats, tuns cockroaches and even pythons
Phone: +6281917394284
Gua Sumur, Jl. Mawun - the best time to visit 11am-1pm for the amazing sunlight!
Quite an adventure for the brave ones. Thousands of bats in the caves, probably millions of cockroaches everywhere. It is said to be a very unique experience.
The bats come out at sunset.
Open: 9am-6pm
3. surfing in south kuta
., aHere are the best places to surf in Lombok.
Always check the conditions with the local guides, as the tide changes with the moon.
One day particular waves are good, the other not so good and you might want to travel to a diffent place.
We recommend Mul's surf school at Selong Belanak, they are trustworthy, reliable, friendly and English speaking. If you are non-surfer, they can take you spear-fishing or cook a delicious dinner for you with the catch of the day in his beach front cozy warung!
Mul: +62 818-0525-9105.
Selong Belanak - absolutely the best beach and waves to learn to stand up on the board and catch your first wave!
Closer to the moon you will get some small but nice waves here and you can stay in the water for many hours either surfing, bodyboarding or just having fun. No need to travel anywhere else!
Gerupuk - if you already have some experience you might consider coming to the village of Gerupuk. From here you will jump on the junker boat and the guys will take you to the inner or outer spot. It is about 15min boat ride. From slightly experienced to very experienced, all will have fun here! The surrounding high rocks are amazing to look at, too!
Serangan - our favourite spot! When we came after the new moon, the waves were just perfect. They might get pretty high around the full moon when the tide is high. You can get thereby a boat from Selong Belanak, it is only about 5min ride. You can also paddle to the break from Segara beach but it maybe a bit of a long distance paddle.
Tanjung Aan - for people who haven't surfed yet to experienced surfers. Dependinng on the tide. Boat ride to the break about 5min. Absolutely lovely surroundings, beautiful beach, green hills on both sides of the bay.
Are Guling - for experienced surfers. Again, in low tide kids can surf here, too. Boat ride to the break, about 3min (paddling to the break and back is also an option, but it will get tiring.) As you're surfing, mind the pros as they will be in your way most of the time and no doubt, it is their right!
Mawi beach - most of the time for the professional surfers only. If there is very very low tide, and your trustfull instructor advises so, exceptionally, you can surf here too, as a slightly experienced surfer. Our friend's kids did!!
Always check the conditions with the local guides, as the tide changes with the moon.
One day particular waves are good, the other not so good and you might want to travel to a diffent place.
We recommend Mul's surf school at Selong Belanak, they are trustworthy, reliable, friendly and English speaking. If you are non-surfer, they can take you spear-fishing or cook a delicious dinner for you with the catch of the day in his beach front cozy warung!
Mul: +62 818-0525-9105.
Selong Belanak - absolutely the best beach and waves to learn to stand up on the board and catch your first wave!
Closer to the moon you will get some small but nice waves here and you can stay in the water for many hours either surfing, bodyboarding or just having fun. No need to travel anywhere else!
Gerupuk - if you already have some experience you might consider coming to the village of Gerupuk. From here you will jump on the junker boat and the guys will take you to the inner or outer spot. It is about 15min boat ride. From slightly experienced to very experienced, all will have fun here! The surrounding high rocks are amazing to look at, too!
Serangan - our favourite spot! When we came after the new moon, the waves were just perfect. They might get pretty high around the full moon when the tide is high. You can get thereby a boat from Selong Belanak, it is only about 5min ride. You can also paddle to the break from Segara beach but it maybe a bit of a long distance paddle.
Tanjung Aan - for people who haven't surfed yet to experienced surfers. Dependinng on the tide. Boat ride to the break about 5min. Absolutely lovely surroundings, beautiful beach, green hills on both sides of the bay.
Are Guling - for experienced surfers. Again, in low tide kids can surf here, too. Boat ride to the break, about 3min (paddling to the break and back is also an option, but it will get tiring.) As you're surfing, mind the pros as they will be in your way most of the time and no doubt, it is their right!
Mawi beach - most of the time for the professional surfers only. If there is very very low tide, and your trustfull instructor advises so, exceptionally, you can surf here too, as a slightly experienced surfer. Our friend's kids did!!
3. sengigi coast and autore pearl farm
Sengigi coast
Nowadays other parts of Lombok got ahead in popularity.
Still, if you like the tranquility and comfort of a hotel resort, your small kids prefer swimming pools to the sea, this might be the right spot for you.
Easily reachable from the airport, easy to get to Lombok’s attractions. You can take day trips to Gilies, to Waterfalls or Safari.
Check if your hotel offers a sandy beach or if the coastal road does not go just behind your bungalow!
Some parts of the coast are suitable for surfing.
There are beautiful views of Gunung Agung in Bali from the coast.
Where to stay: Sheraton hotel, Kila resort, Quinci Villas, Cafe Alberto
There are many different kinds of accommodation, from 5star hotels to budget home-stays. There are also many restaurants and dive shops in the area.
Nowadays other parts of Lombok got ahead in popularity.
Still, if you like the tranquility and comfort of a hotel resort, your small kids prefer swimming pools to the sea, this might be the right spot for you.
Easily reachable from the airport, easy to get to Lombok’s attractions. You can take day trips to Gilies, to Waterfalls or Safari.
Check if your hotel offers a sandy beach or if the coastal road does not go just behind your bungalow!
Some parts of the coast are suitable for surfing.
There are beautiful views of Gunung Agung in Bali from the coast.
Where to stay: Sheraton hotel, Kila resort, Quinci Villas, Cafe Alberto
There are many different kinds of accommodation, from 5star hotels to budget home-stays. There are also many restaurants and dive shops in the area.
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Autore Pearl Farm
Wonderful and informative experience and a must visit when on Lombok coast.
Active pearl farm that offers tours to visitors, showing the full process of culturing a South Sea Pearl is shown and explained.
The guides are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the pearl industry. You will learn what makes pearls valuable and how to identify the real ones.
They will also provide an insight into an interesting process of breeding oysters, how they seed them, harvest them.
The only active pearl farm in Lombok offering pearl farm tours to visitors on the island. The full process of culturing a South Sea Pearl is shown and explained. See the surgical
Address: 25km north of Senggigi, just off Teluk Nara harbor, close to Bangsal harbor, at the end of a jetty
Teluk Nara, Jl. Raya Pamenang, Malaka, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352
Open: Thu-Tue (closed on Wed), 9am-5pm
Price of the tour: 180.000rp/person
4. waterfalls in north lombok
Natural wonders in the green Lombok jungle. The journey to a waterfall is usually a trek through the forrest, mosthly on a path but that can be slippery in rainy season.
You can hire a local guide so you do not have to worry about the way from one waterfall to another plus you support the local business. The guides can usually provide interesting information and often help you to entertain the kids :)
Be enough physically fit for the treks you choose. Respect nature by bringing your trash back with you, do not pick up plants or flowers, and do not feed animals. You will be passing by bamboo trees, cocoa trees, and seeing monkeys.
There are many waterfalls in Mt. Rinjani caldera. Some more in the North, some in the Eastern parts. We will mention the most famous ones and those easily reachable when visiting the North part of the island.
Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelap
In the village of Senaru, on the foot of the majestic Mount Rinjani, about 2,5hrs drive from Mataram, are two of Lombok's finest and most popular waterfalls.
It only takes 15 minutes on foot from the entrance to view the marvelous Sendang Gile waterfall (which is a continuation of the Tiu Kelep waterfall). The clear path to the waterfall passes through a lush protected rain forest filled with towering tropical trees. Once you get there, you can enjoy the sight of the water crushing the rocks or swimming in its cool pool!
If you crave a more adventurous trek in the woods that will lead to a more satisfying endgame, then venture further to Tiu Kelep.
The journey takes around 45 minutes to trek through a lush forest. The bridge across the river is quite intimidating for those who are scared of heights. You come to the majestic rush of water going around 45 meters down the cliff before crashing against the rocks on the bottom. Worth it!
You can hire a local guide so you do not have to worry about the way from one waterfall to another plus you support the local business. The guides can usually provide interesting information and often help you to entertain the kids :)
Be enough physically fit for the treks you choose. Respect nature by bringing your trash back with you, do not pick up plants or flowers, and do not feed animals. You will be passing by bamboo trees, cocoa trees, and seeing monkeys.
There are many waterfalls in Mt. Rinjani caldera. Some more in the North, some in the Eastern parts. We will mention the most famous ones and those easily reachable when visiting the North part of the island.
Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelap
In the village of Senaru, on the foot of the majestic Mount Rinjani, about 2,5hrs drive from Mataram, are two of Lombok's finest and most popular waterfalls.
It only takes 15 minutes on foot from the entrance to view the marvelous Sendang Gile waterfall (which is a continuation of the Tiu Kelep waterfall). The clear path to the waterfall passes through a lush protected rain forest filled with towering tropical trees. Once you get there, you can enjoy the sight of the water crushing the rocks or swimming in its cool pool!
If you crave a more adventurous trek in the woods that will lead to a more satisfying endgame, then venture further to Tiu Kelep.
The journey takes around 45 minutes to trek through a lush forest. The bridge across the river is quite intimidating for those who are scared of heights. You come to the majestic rush of water going around 45 meters down the cliff before crashing against the rocks on the bottom. Worth it!
Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu
This is another must see cascade pair of waterfalls.
Situated in Central Lombok regency, just a one and a half hour’s drive from Senggigi beach.
Both waterfalls are located only around one kilometer apart from each other. You will see fascinating views of water flowing down among lush plants.
The road is paved, so the trek is comfortable but still exhausting. There are some stalls on the sides of the road where you can buy drinks and snacks.
Benang Setokel waterfall consists of two levels and each is as high as 20 meters. The water comes from a river upstream on Mount Rinjani. You can play in the pond that is created by the water poured down from both.
Afterward, the journey to the stunning Benang Kelambu waterfall that consists of around two to three levels. “Kelambu” means curtain, plants here frame the waterfall just like a window and curtain. The water that flows directly from a water spring on Mount Rinjani is clean and said to be safe to drink (do not try, though!).
Tiu Tedja
Tiu Tedja is the perfect destination for those who do not wish to trek and for those who want a simple trip through the green forest to a glorious waterfall.
The journey to Tiu Tedja only takes around 20 minutes from the entrance, it is the most friendly pathway in Lombok, a soft trek of semi-permanent steps, which are steeper closer to the waterfall.
When the sun shines into the waterfall, you can see a rainbow at the bottom of it which makes this waterfall beautifully unique. The pool underneath the waterfall is relatively shallow and perfect for swimming or splashing around.
The entrance to the waterfall path starts at Santong village, located at the edge of the Rinjani National Park.
What to bring:
Good and steady shoes (do not worry about the locals wearing flip flops).
Change of clothes as you will most probably get wet! (Respect local culture (i.e. try to avoid bikini)).
Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent. Water and own snacks if you wish.
5. sasak villages
Sade village - is a traditional village located in central Lombok, famous for its elevated woven huts, handmade woven textile (songet), and occasional street performances, often visited by tourists. It is a beautiful place and very interesting for the fact that it has kept its traditional way of life until today.
Meet a guide and let him lead you through the pathways and give you an introduction about the Sasak culture, history, life in the village, shapes of the buildings, and much more if you are interested.
Remember that the textile prices are always negotiable, the vendors expect that. Pay attention to the layers, the more of them, the better quality.
Address: Rembitan, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency
Open: 8am-7pm, you can spend here 1 or 2 hrs.
Senaru Traditional Village
Senaru Traditional Village is situated next to the Rinjani Trek Centre where the Rinjani trail begins. The Sasak inhabitants are the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding forest and safeguard its spiritual values. Locally guided visits include opportunities to experience the villagers’ daily life, visit their thatched houses, prepare meals using local produce, and understand their traditional way of life.
Local guides can take you for walks along the amazing landscape, rice fields, for sunrise or sunset walks, or visit the sacred waterfalls (see the article above)
Meet a guide and let him lead you through the pathways and give you an introduction about the Sasak culture, history, life in the village, shapes of the buildings, and much more if you are interested.
Remember that the textile prices are always negotiable, the vendors expect that. Pay attention to the layers, the more of them, the better quality.
Address: Rembitan, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency
Open: 8am-7pm, you can spend here 1 or 2 hrs.
Senaru Traditional Village
Senaru Traditional Village is situated next to the Rinjani Trek Centre where the Rinjani trail begins. The Sasak inhabitants are the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding forest and safeguard its spiritual values. Locally guided visits include opportunities to experience the villagers’ daily life, visit their thatched houses, prepare meals using local produce, and understand their traditional way of life.
Local guides can take you for walks along the amazing landscape, rice fields, for sunrise or sunset walks, or visit the sacred waterfalls (see the article above)
6. gunung rinjani
Located in the north of the island, it dominates the landscape of the relatively small island of Lombok. An active volcano rises to 3,726 meters, making it the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. It is part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network since April 2018.
Its caldera is partly filled by the crater lake (about 2000m high). The caldera also contains awesome hot springs!
Gunung Rinjani is a fantastic mountain to climb. It is a great adventure since It is not an easy hike. I would not recommend the hike for children under 14yrs old. Some parts can be very challenging, steep or slippery and also remember you climb up to 3000m above sea level! Prepare yourself well physically to avoid any troubles along the way.
Many agencies organize the trekking to Gunung Rinjani. All of them will send local guides and 1 or more porters depending on the number of participants in the group.
The porters usually carry lots of food and they would want to stop frequently. Check and agree on this when planning the trip with the agency. The porters or the guide also carry a tent for you and additional bottles of water.
We recommend taking your minimal belongings plus water to your backpack, counting with carrying it all the way long.
Make sure you and your crew carry all the trash back or dispose of it only to the dedicated places!
Wear good and steady hiking shoes, ideally ankle height. Remember that it will be very cold during the night!
Its caldera is partly filled by the crater lake (about 2000m high). The caldera also contains awesome hot springs!
Gunung Rinjani is a fantastic mountain to climb. It is a great adventure since It is not an easy hike. I would not recommend the hike for children under 14yrs old. Some parts can be very challenging, steep or slippery and also remember you climb up to 3000m above sea level! Prepare yourself well physically to avoid any troubles along the way.
Many agencies organize the trekking to Gunung Rinjani. All of them will send local guides and 1 or more porters depending on the number of participants in the group.
The porters usually carry lots of food and they would want to stop frequently. Check and agree on this when planning the trip with the agency. The porters or the guide also carry a tent for you and additional bottles of water.
We recommend taking your minimal belongings plus water to your backpack, counting with carrying it all the way long.
Make sure you and your crew carry all the trash back or dispose of it only to the dedicated places!
Wear good and steady hiking shoes, ideally ankle height. Remember that it will be very cold during the night!
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Rinjani Lodge
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What to bring and how to plan the trip: http://www.trekkingrinjani.com/
Check for a detailed list of what to bring and mainly check what program would you prefer. There are few options such as 2d/1n, 3d/2n, etc.
Where to stay: https://www.rinjanilodge.com/, awesome for families!
How we did it:
We designed a slightly different program than anyone offered. One that suited our needs the best. We managed to follow that plan upon discussion with the agency. We did 2d/1n on the volcano. Spent 1 night in Senaru, start hiking at 6am next morning.
We preferred to spend 1 night on the rim of the crater, go a different way up (from Senaru) and come different way down (to Sembalun). We preferred to descend to the lake in the crater and swim in the hot springs. We did not necessarily want to climb to the very top of the volcano via the slippery sandy way and because one of us does not feel well in high altitudes.
So just to give an idea that there are very many options, depending always on your physical ability, on your preference and your time.
The very top part , where you usually climb for the sunrise, is apparently the most difficult one. 1km that a fit person can don in 1hr there and 1hr back, another one can do in 3-6hrs. 1 step up and 2 down, that is how some describe it. It is volcanic sand and very slippery.
We used: [email protected], but there are so many agencies, just read the reviews on Tripadvosor.
When to go:
April - November is dry season, best to climb the mountain. December is still ok. (In December our friends climbed up with kids 10 and 12 (not to the very top, but to the rim and down to the crater, well done!!)
January - March Mt Rinjani National Park is closed (due to the peak of rainy season)
Always check before going if the volcano isn't active and safe to climb due to weather conditions.
Check for a detailed list of what to bring and mainly check what program would you prefer. There are few options such as 2d/1n, 3d/2n, etc.
Where to stay: https://www.rinjanilodge.com/, awesome for families!
How we did it:
We designed a slightly different program than anyone offered. One that suited our needs the best. We managed to follow that plan upon discussion with the agency. We did 2d/1n on the volcano. Spent 1 night in Senaru, start hiking at 6am next morning.
We preferred to spend 1 night on the rim of the crater, go a different way up (from Senaru) and come different way down (to Sembalun). We preferred to descend to the lake in the crater and swim in the hot springs. We did not necessarily want to climb to the very top of the volcano via the slippery sandy way and because one of us does not feel well in high altitudes.
So just to give an idea that there are very many options, depending always on your physical ability, on your preference and your time.
The very top part , where you usually climb for the sunrise, is apparently the most difficult one. 1km that a fit person can don in 1hr there and 1hr back, another one can do in 3-6hrs. 1 step up and 2 down, that is how some describe it. It is volcanic sand and very slippery.
We used: [email protected], but there are so many agencies, just read the reviews on Tripadvosor.
When to go:
April - November is dry season, best to climb the mountain. December is still ok. (In December our friends climbed up with kids 10 and 12 (not to the very top, but to the rim and down to the crater, well done!!)
January - March Mt Rinjani National Park is closed (due to the peak of rainy season)
Always check before going if the volcano isn't active and safe to climb due to weather conditions.
