Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu: Lombok's Most Magical Waterfalls

While Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile receive most of the tourist attention, Central Lombok hides two waterfalls that many argue are even more magical. Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu — a short distance from each other near Aik Berik village — offer a genuinely unique waterfall experience. Benang Kelambu in particular, where water cascades through a curtain of aerial roots creating a natural veil of falling water, is one of the most extraordinary natural sights in all of Indonesia.

Benang Stokel Waterfall

Benang Stokel (meaning 'gathered water' in the Sasak language) is the first waterfall encountered on the trail from Aik Berik. The water here doesn't fall from a single cliff edge but instead flows down a wide, moss-covered rock face and through a series of natural channels and pools, creating a diffuse, gentle cascade that spreads across the rocky terrain like a living tapestry of green and white.

The effect is particularly beautiful and different from the dramatic plunging waterfalls more commonly encountered in Indonesia. Natural swimming pools collect at various points, offering cooling dips in clear, fresh mountain water. The surrounding vegetation is dense tropical rainforest with enormous ferns, ancient trees, and an extraordinary variety of plant life.

Benang Kelambu Waterfall

Continue further up the trail and you reach Benang Kelambu — and here the experience becomes genuinely extraordinary. The name translates roughly as 'mosquito net waterfall,' and when you arrive you understand why. Water flows down a rocky wall through a curtain of aerial roots from the trees above, creating a veil of falling water and hanging vegetation that you can actually walk behind. The effect is like standing inside a natural shower enclosed by living roots and water — utterly unlike any other waterfall experience.

The pool beneath Benang Kelambu is excellent for swimming, and walking behind the curtain of water is an experience that visitors consistently describe as one of the highlights of their time in Lombok.

The Trek Between the Two Waterfalls

The trail between Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu takes approximately 30-45 minutes through dense jungle. The path involves crossing several shallow streams (river crossing sandals recommended), climbing some moderately steep sections, and navigating through a forest that becomes progressively more primordial as you approach Benang Kelambu.

Local guides are available at the entrance to Aik Berik (strongly recommended for Benang Kelambu) and cost approximately 75,000-150,000 IDR. The guides know where to find natural swimming spots and can explain the ecological significance of the forest through which you pass.

Aik Berik Village

The gateway to both waterfalls, Aik Berik is a traditional Sasak village on Rinjani's southern slopes. The village itself is picturesque, and the surrounding landscape — looking south toward the coast with Rinjani's peak above — is dramatic. Small warungs near the entrance serve simple food and cold drinks.

Practical Information

Location: Near Aik Berik village, Central Lombok (Lombok Tengah)

Distance from Mataram: Approximately 30-40km (1-1.5 hours)

Distance from Kuta Lombok: Approximately 40km (1.5 hours)

Entrance fee: Approximately 25,000-40,000 IDR per person

Trek duration: Allow 3-4 hours for both waterfalls including swimming

Best time to visit: Morning for best light and cooler temperatures. Year-round accessible, most dramatic November-March

What to bring: Waterproof footwear, change of clothes, dry bag, sunscreen, insect repellent

Fitness level: Moderate — some steep sections and river crossings, but accessible for most healthy visitors

Tips for the Best Experience

Arrive early to have the waterfalls to yourself — tour groups from Mataram typically arrive from 10 AM onward. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends when domestic tourists visit in larger numbers. Don't leave your valuables in an unattended vehicle — use the lockers available at the entrance.