Senaru Village, entrance to Mt Rinjani National Park

Senaru is the main entrance to Gunung Rinjani National Park, Indonesia’s second highest peak (3,726 m). 

Petani Lokal di Lombok Utara
Local farmers in the ricefield of North Lombok

The cool, flower – filled mountain village of Senaru on the slopes of Mt. Rinjani stretches up a hill side spur along a winding rood above Bayan. It is a scenic 2,5 hours drive from Mataram or Senggigi to Senaru. The desa includes the hamlets of Senaru, Batu Koq and Tumpang Sari, and all over accommodations in simple but pretty home stays (losmen) with lovely views.

 

 

National park and village entry fees are paid here. Village guides, including several local women, have been specially trained to escort visitors around the sights. Arrange a guided excursion through Lombok Network Outdoor & Adventure.

 

Waterfall

Senaru’s best known attraction is the Sendang Gila waterfall which attracts many thousands of Indonesian and foreign visitors annually.

 


Located at about 600m above sea level, the waterfall is an easy 20 minute walk down a graded trail and steps from Senaru Village, a pleasant alternative return route winds along the edge of the steep valley, following the irrigation canal.

 

For the more adventurous, Senaru’s “second waterfall” Tiu Kelep is another hour’s walk upriver from Sendang Gila. The scramble over rocks through the tropical forest is rewarded by the beauty of the waterfall and a swim in its deep pool. It is said locally that every time you swim behind the main waterfall of Tiu Kelep you become a year younger!

 

With access from the main road, Senaru’s “third waterfall” Betara Lenjang is a true rainforest adventure strictly for rock climbers with local guide and equipment.

 

Wildlife

During early morning and evening walks in Senaru you are likely to see interesting birds, butterflies and at least one of the two species of monkey who live in the surrounding forest.

Long tail macaques, known locally as kera, often seat on the road.

 

More elusive is the rare Silvered Leaf monkey, and also known as the black monkey or lutung, which can often be glimpsed in the forest around the waterfalls.

Sendang Gile Waterfall, Senaru Panorama Walk
Sendang Gile Waterfall in Senaru, North Lombok

Senaru Traditional Village

A visit to the Senaru Traditional Village, situated next to Rinjani Trek Center where the Rinjani trail begins, is greatly enhanced by asking a local guide to show you around. The Sasak inhabitants are the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding forest and safeguard its spiritual values. Locally guided visits include opportunities to experience the villagers daily life, visit their thatched houses and gardens of fruits and spices.

For a romantic highlight, ask to be shown the “sunset view” where you may see the tropical sun setting against the distant skyline of Bali.

 

Cultural Performances

By special request in advance, the people of Senaru and Sembalun can treat you to the very special spectacle of their traditional music and dance performances in a village setting beneath Mt. Rinjani.