Indonesia > Senaru
Hidden in the northern foothills of Mount Rinjani lies the small mountain village of Senaru, one of the most peaceful and authentic places you can visit on Lombok. While many travellers pass through on their way to climb Rinjani, Senaru is much more than just a trekking starting point. The village sits high above the coastline, surrounded by jungle, waterfalls, and traditional Sasak culture, making it feel completely different from Lombok’s beach destinations.
Life in Senaru moves slowly. Locals still farm the surrounding hills, children walk through narrow village paths, and the views toward Mount Rinjani dominate the landscape. It’s the kind of place where you come to disconnect, enjoy nature, and experience traditional village life.
Why visit Senaru
Senaru is best known as one of the gateways to Mount Rinjani, but even without trekking the volcano, the village is worth visiting. The main highlights are its relaxed atmosphere, panoramic mountain views, and easy access to some of Lombok’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Compared to southern Lombok or the Gili Islands, Senaru feels far less touristy. Accommodation mostly consists of small guesthouses and homestays run by local families. Many travellers end up staying longer than planned simply because the peaceful atmosphere is hard to leave.
The waterfalls near Senaru
One of the biggest reasons to visit Senaru is the pair of stunning waterfalls hidden in the jungle just outside the village.
Sendang Gile Waterfall
Sendang Gile is usually the first waterfall travellers visit because it’s the easiest to reach. From the entrance near Senaru, a short walk down a series of stairs leads to the waterfall in about 15 to 20 minutes.The waterfall drops in multiple tiers, surrounded by thick rainforest and constant mist rising from the rocks below. It’s impressive year-round but especially powerful during the rainy season.
Tiu Kelep Waterfall
From Sendang Gile, a jungle trail continues deeper into the valley toward Tiu Kelep Waterfall. The walk usually takes another 30 to 45 minutes and involves crossing small rivers, walking through rainforest paths and climbing over rocks.Tiu Kelep is widely considered the more spectacular of the two waterfalls. Water crashes down in a wide circular curtain into a natural swimming pool, often creating strong mist and rainbows when sunlight hits the spray. Swimming here is possible, although the water is cold and currents can be strong near the main cascade.
How to visit the waterfalls
Visiting the waterfalls is relatively straightforward and can easily be done as a half-day activity from Senaru.
Most travellers start from the official entrance near the village, where you’ll pay a small entrance fee. From there, a marked path leads down to Sendang Gile, followed by the jungle trail to Tiu Kelep.
Wear sturdy shoes or sandals with grip, as the trails can be wet and uneven. Bringing swimwear, water, and a dry bag is also useful, especially if you plan to swim near Tiu Kelep.