Senaru
Senaru sits at about 600 m on Mount Rinjani's northern slopes, where the road out of the coastal plain runs out and the jungle begins. It is cooler and considerably wetter than the coast, and it is the base for the two best-known waterfalls in Lombok.
Sendang Gile is a few hundred stepped metres from the ticket gate — a broad two-tier fall dropping into a shallow pool, reachable by almost anyone. Tiu Kelep is the reason to come: another 20–30 minutes on from Sendang Gile along a path that crosses the river several times, ending at a tall fall in a natural amphitheatre with a swimmable pool and a permanent rainbow in the spray. The crossings mean wet feet and, after rain, real current. A combined ticket covers both, and local guides wait at the gate for a small fee.
Senaru is also the northern trailhead for Mount Rinjani — the steeper, jungle-covered route, more often used for descent than ascent, and requiring the same eRinjani permit and licensed guide as the Sembalun side.
Just below the waterfall gate is Dusun Senaru, a traditional hamlet of the Wetu Telu community, with thatched houses and a customary layout still in use. Entry is by donation and a village member walks you through.
Travel tips for Senaru
- Go early. Coaches arrive from about 10am; before 9am you can have Tiu Kelep almost to yourself.
- Wear shoes you can soak. The Tiu Kelep path crosses the river repeatedly — sandals with a strap beat flip-flops.
- Skip the swim after heavy rain. The pool is fine in normal conditions but the river rises fast and flash flooding has happened here.
- The combined ticket covers both falls and runs a few tens of thousands of rupiah; guides at the gate charge a small extra fee and are genuinely useful on the crossings.
- It is 3 hours from Kuta and about 2 from Senggigi. This is a north-coast day, not a south-coast detour.
- Bring a dry bag. Spray at Tiu Kelep soaks everything within about 20 m of the pool.
Popular tours here
- Lombok Waterfall Tour: Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep
- Mount Rinjani Trek 3D/2N
- Lombok Private Tour with Local Guide & Driver
Frequently asked questions
What are the waterfalls at Senaru?
Sendang Gile, a broad two-tier fall a short stepped walk from the gate, and Tiu Kelep, a taller fall in a natural amphitheatre about 20 to 30 minutes further on.
How hard is the walk to Tiu Kelep?
Moderate — 20 to 30 minutes past Sendang Gile with several river crossings, so expect wet feet and stronger current after rain.
Can you swim at Tiu Kelep?
Yes in normal conditions, but avoid it after heavy rain when the river rises quickly.
How far is Senaru from Kuta Lombok?
About three hours each way, which is why the northern waterfalls do not combine with a south-coast day.
Is Senaru a Rinjani trailhead?
Yes — it is the northern, steeper jungle route, more commonly used for the descent, and it needs the same eRinjani permit and licensed guide as Sembalun.