At the northern foot of Mount Rinjani, the forest thickens, rivers run fast and cold, and the whole landscape feels a world away from Lombok’s beaches. This private full-day tour takes you into that country, combining a visit to a traditional highland village with a trek to two of the island’s best-known waterfalls.
Pickup is early, since the drive north is long enough to be an experience in itself. The route runs along the coast before turning inland and climbing through monkey forest and plantations, with the volcano looming ahead whenever the cloud lifts. You arrive in Senaru, a village strung along a ridge where traditional thatched houses still stand among newer buildings and daily life revolves around farming and the mountain above.
From the trailhead, steps lead down through dense green to Sendang Gile, a broad two-stage waterfall that drops into a river-cut gorge. It is the easier of the two and a natural place to cool off. The path then continues toward Tiu Kelep, crossing the river more than once and passing through a stretch of old irrigation works, before opening onto a wide amphitheatre of rock where water falls in a single powerful column. The spray hangs permanently in the air, rainbows appear when the sun angles in, and swimming in the pool below is bracing in the best way.
- Private vehicle with driver for the round trip from your hotel
- Local trekking guide for the waterfall trail
- Stop in Senaru village to see traditional Sasak houses
- Time to swim at both waterfalls
- Relaxed pace with rest stops along the way
The trek is the heart of the day and deserves a little preparation. The trail involves steps, uneven rock, shallow river crossings and a return climb, so shoes with grip are important and sandals are not ideal. Bring swimwear, a towel, water and a dry bag or plastic bag for your phone. Expect to get wet, and expect that to be part of the fun.
This tour suits reasonably active travellers, couples, groups of friends and families with teenagers. Anyone who prefers a shorter option can stop at the first waterfall and relax there while the rest of the group continues on. Because the trip is private, that flexibility costs nothing and nobody is left waiting on a bus.
Total time is about eight hours including travel, returning to your accommodation in the evening. If you would like an earlier departure to reach the falls before the midday visitors, or a lunch stop with mountain views on the way home, let us know when you book.