Tetebatu Village Waterfalls & Rice Terraces in Lombok: A Complete Travel Guide
Welcome to Lombok, Indonesia!
Tetebatu Village is often called the "Ubud of Lombok," but that does not really do it justice. While Ubud is packed with tourists and trendy cafes, Tetebatu feels quiet and authentic. With endless rice fields, small villages, and peaceful waterfalls tucked away in the jungle, Tetebatu is the perfect place to slow down and experience a different side of Lombok. Whether you are here to chase waterfalls, wander through rice fields, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Tetebatu’s waterfalls, monkey forests, and rice terraces.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling please :)
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Tetebatu Village: Lombok Travel guide
Why Visit Tetebatu Village
If you prefer to be in nature with lush green rice terraces and jungles, then Tetebatu is your haven. This small centrally located village is covered in rice fields and farmland, making it a serene escape from other areas of Lombok. There are a few restaurants around Tetebatu, but not too much else aside from them. It is not as popular among expats yet aside from a visit for a few days, although I imagine in years to come it will be the next Ubud. For now, it is a peaceful getaway for those looking to get more in touch with nature and enjoy Lombok’s natural landscapes. You can find hidden waterfalls, a more authentic monkey forest, and rice terraces for miles.
Best Time To Visit Tetebatu Village
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Tetebatu Village in Lombok is during the dry season. I last visited Tetebatu in mid-November and the rice terraces were flourishing green and the skies were blue.
How To Get To Tetebatu Village In Lombok
Flying Into Lombok:
To get to Tetebatu Village in Lombok, you must first fly into the island’s international airport in Praya (LOP). I suggest looking on Kiwi.com or Skyscanner.com for the best flight deals.
Pro Tip: Many foreigners traveling to Indonesia receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival upon entry for 500,000 IDR (30 USD) which can be extended an additional 30 days for an additional fee. You can find more information on which countries qualify and apply for this VOA here.
The airport is around 45 minutes from Tetebatu, and local taxis and Grab Drivers should be available to bring you to your accommodation. However, your best option is to coordinate your transport with your accomodation ahead of time.
Ferrying Into Lombok:
There are also numerous ferries daily from various ports in Bali to either the Bangsal/Senggigi Port in North Lombok. These ferries average around 3 to 4 hours (although the one I took felt much longer). I would not recommend this option to anyone who is easily seasick. They can be choppy the entire journey. The ferry cost varies from 12-30 USD, depending on the season. I always book ahead by searching on 12GoAsia or messaging the ferry companies directly on WhatsApp. If you decide to arrive in Lombok by ferry, you must hire a taxi from the Bangsal Port to your accommodation in Tetebatu, Lombok.
For the complete Bali to Lombok ferry guide, head here!
Once In Lombok:
Once you are in Lombok, you have two options to reach Tetebatu Village, by motorbike and car rental or by taxi. I suggest renting a motorbike so you have the freedom to roam around the area and do not have to rely on finding a driver. You can find more information on renting a motorbike in the next section.
As for a taxi or private driver, you can coordinate with your accomodation to arrange one or book a driver for the day here. Finding a driver in Lombok is usually not too difficult it is just a matter of asking around and finding the right price for you. Since Grab is not as prominent, drivers usually get away with asking for more money. This is another reason why I suggest renting your own motorbike.
How To Get Around Tetebatu Village
The best form of transport in Lombok is by motorbike. Points of interest in Lombok, even just in Kuta, are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so quite impossible. It is also easier to cover more ground when you can move about on your own accord.
Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 75,000/80,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. If you plan to have two people and bags on one bike, renting a bigger bike with more CC is best. The bigger the bike, the more expensive it will be, but you will have an easier time climbing hills, especially near Rinjani. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will throw out a more expensive price to see if you will take it.
Motorbike Tips:
Be sure to wear your helmet while riding.
Some roads around Kuta are not properly paved, so watch out for potholes, etc.
Be careful of trucks, especially once you are outside of downtown Kuta—they are reckless drivers.
Be mindful of dogs crossing the street while riding!!
I Prefer To Rent A Car:
Car rental is possible in Lombok, but keep in mind some of the roads can be tough to navigate due to road damage, unpaved areas, and narrow roads. You can find some reliable car rental options here, or look for a rental shop once you arrive. I have never rented a car in Lombok myself.
I Prefer To Have A Driver:
Local taxis are around, and you can usually hire one from your accommodations, but they can become expensive. Grab and Gojek are not as prominent in Kuta yet.
Those who prefer private drivers between each destination in Lombok can hire a private driver for each day here. (I.e. Kuta to Tetebatu, Tetebatu to Sembalun, Sembalun to Bangsal Port). Or, many of the locals are happy to arrange a driver for the day for you as well.
Where To Stay In Tetebatu Village
Although you can visit Tetebatu on a day trip, it is a beautiful and quiet place to decompress in nature. I reccomend spending 1-2 nights here minimum to fully enjoy the peacefulness this place offers. The best accommodation options in Tetebatu Village:
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Tetebatu Hostel (Dorm) or Satu Lingkung (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Kembang Kuning Cottages
Best Mid-Budget: Novia Guest House Lombok-Tetebatu or Bunga Maliq Bungalow Lombok
Best High-End Budget: Les Rizieres Lombok or MyHome
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World!
Best Things To Do: Rice Terraces, Waterfalls, & More
Rice Terraces in Tetebatu Village, Lombok.
#1: Swim In Tetebatu Waterfall & AIR TERJUN SARANG WALET
The bamboo ladder that leads to Tetebatu Waterfall.
Tetebatu Waterfall in Lombok.
Tetebatu Waterfall and Air Terjun Sarang Walet are two hidden gems tucked away through the beautiful Tetebatu rice terraces. Tetebatu Waterfall is a fun spot for a swim, with a specific place for jumping in—just ask the locals to point it out. The center of the pool is deeper and perfect for cooling off. The waterfall often gets crowded since it is included in many day tours (you can check one out here). The walk down to the waterfall takes you over a makeshift bamboo ladder and into a canyon that makes you feel like you are deep within the jungle. You can visit this waterfall on your own while visiting the Tetebatu rice terraces. If you prefer a guide that includes transportation, you can find the best option here!
To get to Sarang Walet Waterfall, walk through rice terraces and shallow water, pass through a cave, and cross a few bamboo bridges. It is a great spot for swimming and even jumping in, making it a perfect adventure for those looking to cool off and explore. Similar to Tetebatu Waterfall, you can visit this waterfall on your own, or opt for a guided tour that includes transportation like this one.
Location: Tetebatu’s Google Maps location is here and Sarang Walet’s is here.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR (1.22 USD) for each waterfall.
#2: The 4 Waterfall Trek: Kelambu & Stokel
Kelambu Waterfall near Tetebatu Village in Lombok.
Me standing in front of Sesere Waterfall!
The 4 Waterfall Trek, also known as the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall Trek, is a spot you do not want to miss. Benang Stokel is an easy 15- to 20-minute trek leading to two cascades flowing side by side. Benang Kelambu is another short 10- to 15-minute walk through the jungle. This waterfall features several cascades streaming down a green rock face, spilling into smaller pools before continuing their descent. There is truly no other waterfall in Lombok—or even neighboring Bali—quite like Kelambu.
Between the two, you will also find Sesere and Kilwun, making it a full four-waterfall adventure. You can hire a guide to lead you through the jungle and ensure you do not miss any of them. You can find more information on how to hire and guide, the best time of day to visit, and more here!
Location: The waterfall’s Google Maps location is here.
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (7-8 USD) for both waterfalls with a guide. | Parking: 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD)
For even more of the best waterfalls in Lombok, click here.
#3: Wander The Rice Terraces
Hey Bali! Lombok has some breathtaking rice terraces too! Tetebatu’s entire landscape is covered in green rice fields pouring over Lombok’s hillsides. Walking around here is magical, and you can get a glimpse of the local farmers working the fields. You can hire a rice terrace tour, as many are included in the day trips to Tetebatu Waterfall. However, if you are staying overnight in Tetebatu I reccomend just wandering through them on your own and riding your bike around the roads and watching the terraces pass you by!
#4: Monkey Forest
The monkeys of Tetebatu’s Monkey Forest.
A monkey climbing in the Tetebatu Monkey Forest.
The Monkey Forest in Tetebatu offers a completely different experience from Bali’s more touristy monkey encounters. Here, the monkeys are truly wild and roam freely through the jungle, so you will not find them waiting for snacks or posing with you for selfies (thank goodness). To spot them, you will venture into the jungle, searching for monkeys leaping from tree to tree high above you. It is much more rewarding. If you are looking for a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path monkey adventure near Kuta Lombok, the Monkey Forest in Tetebatu is the best place to visit!
Want a tour that includes transport from Kuta and a visit to the monkey forest, Tetebatu rice terraces, and the waterfalls? Head here!
Tips For Visiting
Being a small village with less Western influence, cash is king here. Be sure to carry enough cash for food, adventures, accommodation, etc.
Warung Monkey Forest is a must-visit restaurant in the area!
Don’t forget mosquito repellant to protect yourself from annoying bites and unwanted illnesses.
The sun gets more intense throughout the day, so pack some sunscreen or a hat to protect your skin.
Wear good and comfortable shoes— for walking around the rice terraces, hiking to waterfalls, etc.
Exploring early in the morning is best to avoid the midday heat and enjoy places with fewer people around.
Respect the locals. Ask locals before wandering around their rice terraces—it is their livelihood.
Remember to pack a swimsuit to swim in the waterfalls near Tetebatu.
Tetebatu is near to Mount Rinjani base camp. I reccommend visiting the small town of Sembalun to find epic views of the volcano!
Frequently Asked Questions
IS Tetebatu WORTH VISITING?
Yes! Tetebatu is such a beautiful village, filled with rice terraces and waterfalls to explore. Tetebatu is worth visiting even if it is just for the day and is worth adding to your Lombok itinerary.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED IN Tetebatu?
If you want to see all 6 waterfalls, the monkey forest, and the rice terraces, I would reccomend spending at least 1.5 days in Tetebatu to cram it all in. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, then perhaps 2-3 days is best!
How far is tetebatu from Kuta?
55 KM — around 1.5-2 hours by motorbike. The roads are rough in some parts.
IS LOMBOK SAFE?
Lombok has always felt safe to me and I lived there for an entire year. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Be careful with the street dogs. Due to previous abuse, some tend to be afraid of humans or feel the need to warn us off to protect themselves.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSim.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 110 | Fire: +62 (0)370 672013| Ambulance: 118
You can find a complete list of Lombok and Gili Island’s Emergency #’s here.
THERE ARE SO MANY STRAY DOGS IN LOMBOK, HOW CAN I HELP?
Lombok’s culture is MUCH different from Bali's, and the island is far less developed–therefore the dogs are treated very differently here.
Without getting into the nitty-gritty of what life is like for stray dogs, just know that you can make a positive impact on their lives in some of the simplest ways. This can be through something as simple as giving a street pup a meal, rice, and plain chicken is best, or something to drink like water or even coconut water! A lot of the dogs are terrified of human interaction here, especially as you get further out of downtown Kuta, so you can always place the food and water nearby to the dog and then give it some space to eat and enjoy. I promise you they will eat it once you walk away!
If you want to be more involved, you can volunteer with The Shelter for Lombok Dogs (my favorite place in the world) by helping with sterilizations, feeding the baby street pups, or helping at their shelter near Mawun Beach. If you want more information on how you can help, head here!
If you are thinking: ‘Feeding and volunteering is not for me,’ you can also donate money to their GoFundMe, donate items they need (usually collars, towels, medications, etc.), or purchase some of their merchandise from Flow or Elamu! Every donation makes a huge difference in the lives of the Lomdogs!
