Senaru Village
Senaru Village is a small mountain village located in the shadow of the majestic Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. It is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers alike, offering breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience. This blog post will provide a brief overview of Senaru Village and its attractions, as well as explain why it’s an ideal destination for those wishing to explore this part of the world!
Reasons to visit Senaru Village
Senaru Village lies at the foot of Mount Rinjani and serves as the main entrance to Mount Rinjani National Park. It is also the gateway to the picturesque Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, which offer stunning views and photo opportunities. Visitors to Senaru Village will find plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxurious boutique hotels. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
There are many reasons to visit Senaru Village, but the most notable of these is the opportunity to explore Mount Rinjani National Park. Hiking to the summit of the mountain is a popular activity, providing stunning views and an unforgettable experience. The Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls are also popular attractions, as are the terraced rice fields that lay on the surrounding hillsides.
Senaru Traditional Village
Senaru traditional village is one of Lombok’s cultural landmarks. But it’s also very much a working village, where people live, and go about their daily business. For a small fee, visitors can be guided around the village, and learn about the way of life and Sasak customs and culture. There are currently around fifty families living in Senaru Traditional Village.
Senaru Waterfalls
The Senaru village, located on the slopes of Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia, is home to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area: Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep. Tui Kelep is a wide waterfall with a natural pool at the bottom, perfect for a refreshing swim. This waterfall is also a great spot for some amazing photos. Sendang Gile is a series of cascading waterfalls, surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation. Both waterfalls are located within easy reach of Senaru Village and are easily accessible by foot.
Tui Kelep Waterfall
Tui Kelep waterfall is a stunning waterfall around one hour’s walk from Senaru village. It is situated in the rainforest, and is surrounded by steep valley sides. To access the waterfall you follow a trail, and have to cross a small river. For these reasons, we recommend you use a local guide or trekking company. There used to be a great swimming pool under the waterfall, but a landslide a few years ago filled most of this in. It is still possible to bathe at the waterfall, and no doubt the swimming area will return, when the rocks are moved downstream by the water. If you’d like to explore Sendang Gile and Tui Kelep waterfalls, we offer free guiding, if you’ve booked one of our Mt Rinjani packages. We also offer these as part of our Lombok Explorer package.
Sendang Gile Waterfall
Sendang Gile waterfall is a set of cascading waterfalls close to Senaru Village, North Lombok. It is easily accessed via a ticketed entrance and set of steps, taking around 10-15 minutes to reach from the main road and entrance point. What many tourists don’t know is that there is a walk that bypasses the main entrance and follows a beautiful irrigation channel to the waterfall. The start-point for this walk is opposite Cafe Rinjani Dawn (see map). If you’d like to explore Sendang Gile and Tui Kelep waterfalls, we offer free guiding, if you’ve booked one of our Mt Rinjani packages. We also offer these as part of our Lombok Explorer package.
Secret Way to Sendang Gile Waterfall
If you’re interested in a slightly longer and more interesting walk to Sendang Gile waterfall, it’s possible to use a “back-route” that follows a beautiful irrigation stream. The easiest way to find the start of this walk is to make your way to Cafe Rinjani Dawn, which just off the main road up the hill, 50m to the left (you can search Google Maps to find it). You can either ask some of the friendly staff there, or carry on down the hill to where the path follows the irrigation stream. If you walk up-stream, you will eventually reach Sendang Gile waterfall (it takes around 20 minutes this way). You may come across monkeys on the way, which is why we sometimes recommending taking a guide (as sometimes monkeys can act territorially, and bare their teeth at imposters!).
Culture and Religion
The local culture and customs in Senraru village are rooted in the ancient Sasak way of life. This includes a strong sense of community and mutual respect among the villagers. The people are predominantly Muslim, and traditional practices like the wearing of a head scarf (for women) and the recitation of the Koran are still observed. The village is also home to a number of traditional festivals, including the annual Rebo Rarung ceremony that honors the ancient Sasak gods. The festival includes music, dance and other activities that help to bring the community together. The locals also practice traditional farming techniques, and the village is known for its production of rice, coffee and other crops.
The Sasak people of Senaru village follow the unique branch of Islam, known as the ‘Wetu Telu’. This branch is a combination of both Islamic and traditional Sasak beliefs and is practiced in the local villages. There is an ancient mosque situated in Bayan, which is a major pilgrimage site for the locals. The mosque is believed to be at least 500 years old and is a reminder of the Sasak people’s Islamic faith.
Senaru Accommodation
Senaru is a great destination for tourists looking for a relaxing and peaceful retreat, and there are a range of accommodation options to choose from. The most well-known hotel Rinjani Lodge, which is nestled in a beautiful landscape and provides comfortable and modern rooms or cottages. Other popular accommodation options include Pondok Senaru and Rinjani Lighthouse. Hotels offer a range of amenities and services, such as pools, restaurants, and spas. Homestays provide a more intimate experience, allowing travelers to stay with local families and experience the culture and customs of Lombok up close. Whatever your accommodation preference, Senaru has something to offer.
Conclusion
Senaru village is one of Lombok’s hidden gems, and with its untouched natural beauty, friendly locals and variety of attractions, it is easy to see why. Despite being overlooked by more popular destinations such as the Gili Islands and Kuta, the village offers a unique experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take in the natural beauty of Lombok. Whether you are looking for a peaceful hike up Mount Rinjani, a dip in the waterfall, or to simply enjoy the stunning vistas, Senaru village is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
