If you’re planning a trip to Lombok, Indonesia, be sure to include a visit to Senaru on your itinerary. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Rinjani, Senaru is a charming village that offers a variety of activities and attractions for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. From hiking to waterfalls to learning about the traditional Sasak culture, there’s no shortage of things to do in Senaru.
Senaru is one of my favorite towns in all of Indonesia. It sits right at the base of Mount Rinjani and is the perfect jump-off point for trekkers looking to embark on the journey to the summit. Most of the homestays in Senaru have epic views over the rice fields and you can walk just about anywhere in town.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY ON LOMBOK
HOW TO GET TO SENARU
Senaru is located on the northern side of Lombok and can be easily accessed from Mataram, the capital city of Lombok. The most common way to get to Senaru is by hiring a car or taking a taxi from Mataram or Senggigi/Kuta, which are both about a two-hour drive away.
Alternatively, you can also take a public bus from the Mandalika bus terminal in Mataram to Bayan, which is the nearest town to Senaru, and then hire local transport to take you to Senaru.
If you’re coming from Bali, you can take a fast boat or ferry to Lombok, and then follow the same route to Senaru. Once you reach Senaru, you can easily explore the village on foot or hire a local guide to take you to the nearby waterfalls and other attractions.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SENARU
In this blog post, I’ll explore the top things to do in Senaru, Lombok, so you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful part of Indonesia.
Senaru Sunrise
Wake up early and head down to the entrance of Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfall. Here you will find a path that leads along the ridge and looks out over the rice fields. The sun rises directly opposite you. We just sat out on the hill chatting and watching as the rice fields slowly lit up. This is also where you begin the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep adventure so you can just add it to your daily Lombok itinerary.
Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint
Bukit Selong Rice Fields viewpoint is a patchwork of farm plots viewed from various mountain tops. We had seen a ton of photos but couldn’t find a set location. Arriving before sunrise we managed to find a designated viewpoint without a big climb. There are more epic spots but this is the most accessible and simplest way to get a cool view of the fields.
A variety of different colored crops create a contrasting patchwork quilt, covering the entire valley. There is a flat viewpoint, which gives you a great view of the whole valley but there is also a higher viewpoint. We climbed up the hill, still with heavy legs from trekking up Rinjani and sat under the wooden star while it began to rain.
The wooden star seems to have been constructed just for epic photos and it was pretty corny but still fun to hang out on. A lot of tourists began to come after the sunrise so I’m glad we went really early even though we never even saw the sun. This was one of the less popular things to do in Lombok but well worth it for the views!
Sendang Gile Waterfall
Sendang Gile Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located on the island of Lombok in Indonesia. The waterfall is situated in the foothills of Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. The crystal-clear water cascades down from a height of 30 meters, creating a picturesque pool at the base of the waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs, Sendang Gile is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts and easily one of the top things to do in Senaru.
Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Tiu Kelep is the most famous waterfall in Lombok. From Sendang Gile you follow the river for fifteen minutes, often walking through the water and making several crossings along the way. You will arrive in an incredible amphitheater with mist blowing everywhere. It is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been and definitely up there with my favorite things to do in Senaru.
Waterfalls pour out of the wall and then a huge, diagonal gushing flow pours down with extreme force over the top of them all. Be careful swimming beneath the falls as some people have gotten into trouble being sucked into the extreme pull of the waterfall impact zone.
Click Here: to read the full blog post about Senaru Sunrise, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.
Book a tour: Hire a driver for the day and visit Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Sendang Gile Waterfall, Mount Rinjani Viewpoints, and more on the North Lombok Day Tour. This tour is a great way to see the best attractions the north of Lombok has to offer.
Click Here: to read the full blog post about Senaru Sunrise, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.
Trekking up Pergasingan Hill
Pergasingan Hill is an epic viewpoint at the top of a steep 1-hour trail north of Lombok. The trail is suitable for most hikers and offers some of the best views in all Lombok! It is best done for sunrise or sunset and you can even camp at the top with the help of a trekking guide.
Pergasingan Hill is in Sembalun, which is right near Mount Rinjani. In fact, you pass by the launch-off spot for the Mount Rinjani Trek and the big volcano looms in the background on the other side of the valley throughout the Pergasingan Hill Trek.
The trek up Pergasingan Hill takes about 1 hour but it was halfway up that the light flowed into the valley and the conditions were just prime. Fog covered the farm fields and the base of the mountains while the morning light created beautiful shadows in the creases of the sharp ridges on the mountains in the distance.
Contact Rinjani Dawn Adventures: If you would love to get in touch with Rinjani Dawn Adventures about trekking Pergasingan Hill or other hikes in Lombok you can do so by clicking through to their booking page here.
Full Blog Post: TREKKING PERGASINGAN HILL IN NORTH LOMBOK
Camping on Pergasingan Hill
When I camped on Pergasingan Hill, I came from the backway in a small village and instead of an hour up, it took 2.5 hours to wind our way around the ridge. You will only find this private access point at the back of houses with tour guides.
We had a bonfire at night and an epic sunrise in the morning. If you do have the time to camp here it is a great place for an overnight stay. There are lots of little areas to explore and an awesome experience. My first hike was great but camping was 10x better.
Full blog post: TREKKING & CAMPING ON PERGASINGAN HILL IN NORTH LOMBOK
Mount Rinjani Trek
Trekking Mount Rinjani was one of the most epic journeys of the year for me! We endured three days and two nights led by our guide and two porters to the summit of Mount Rinjani, an incredible 3,726 meters.
Mount Rinjani trekking opens from April until January. After January the rainy season kicks in and Mount Rinjani trekking can get quite dangerous. April and May are the quietest months of the year for trekking and actually, have some of the best views as the landscape is incredibly green. The best time to climb Mount Rinjani would be in May to enjoy the best views and quieter crowds.
Embarking on a Mount Rinjani trek is an unforgettable experience that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. The trek is challenging, but the rewards are worth it. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and the surrounding scenery is simply stunning. The trek takes you through lush forests, past beautiful waterfalls, and to the edge of a stunning crater lake.
Click Here: to read my full review about Trekking up Mount Rinjani with my mates
Camping on Senaru Crater Rim
During the earthquakes and often during variable weather, hiking to the summit of Mount Rinjani is closed. However, the Senaru Crater Rim hike is usually open. It is very safe with no real drop-offs. You walk up through the jungle on a mostly shaded trail. It is incredibly steep and a real leg-burner. The hike to the crater rim takes about 6-8 hours.
When you arrive at the campsite for the night, you are right on the rim of the volcano crater. So you essentially see everything you would from the summit anyway… from just a little lower. You can see all the way into the crater, out over the horizon to Mt Agung and you are above the clouds for sunset.
Black Sand Beach near Senaru
The morning after our Senaru Crater Rim hike, we headed on a 20-minute drive down toward the coastline. There aren’t too many beach names but this whole stretch is amazing with black sand beach and coconut trees. On a clear day, you even look back up to Mount Rinjani from the beach.
You can type in Pantai Greneng on google maps but I headed right from the little port there rather than to the left to Pantai Greneng. The water was beautiful and there were zero other people at the beach making it one of my favorite things to do in Senaru.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING LOMBOK
- What is the best time to visit Lombok? The best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach hopping.
- What is the currency used in Lombok? The currency used in Lombok is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It’s recommended to bring cash, as some places may not accept credit cards.
- What language is spoken in Lombok? The official language spoken in Lombok is Bahasa (Indonesian), but many locals also speak Sasak, the local dialect. English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.
- What are the popular tourist attractions in Lombok? The popular tourist attractions in Lombok include Mount Rinjani, Gili Islands, Tiu Kelep waterfall, and Kuta Beach.
- Is it safe to travel to Lombok? Yes, Lombok is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it’s always important to take necessary precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings at all times. It’s also recommended to check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN NORTHERN LOMBOK
If you are visiting attractions in the north such as Tiu Kelep or Mount Rinjani you should choose one of the three accommodations in the ‘Northern‘ section below.
- Jeeva Santai Villas – Luxury Villa: Great location on the beautiful Mangsit Beach but also within driving distance of Tiu Kelep and Mount Rinjani. It is a location that offers the best of both worlds.
- Hakiki Inn Bungalows – Value: Set on the edge of rice fields with the jungle feel but the comfort of a private bungalow.
- Blue Mountain Cottage – Budget (but also value): This is where I stayed. The room was very basic but it was comfortable enough with a basic private bathroom.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF LOMBOK
If you are staying in the south to enjoy the beaches and surf in Kuta, Lombok you should choose one of the three accommodations in the ‘Southern‘ section below.
- Harmony Villas – Luxury: The beautiful white theme throughout the property contrasts against the emerald green pool and plants. The villas are laid out impeccably and the best part about this 4-star villa is that it actually isn’t as expensive as it looks.
- Martas Windows – Value/Luxury: This place is incredibly beautiful. Bungalow-style villas surround the modern pool at this amazing property. For less than $80 a night, you can get yourself what would cost hundreds of dollars in most other countries at Martas Windows.
- Boogie Hostel Kuta Lombok – Budget: The Boogie Hostel is everything you ask for in a hostel. It’s super modern and clean and has lots of chill spaces as well as lockers for your gear and blinds for privacy at your dorm.
READ MORE OF MY LOMBOK GUIDES
