The 8 Best Waterfalls in Lombok, Indonesia
Welcome to Lombok, Indonesia!
Lombok’s untouched jungles are home to some incredible waterfalls just waiting to be explored. After living on this island for an entire year, I had the chance to uncover so many of them. If you are planning a trip to Lombok and want to know the best waterfalls to visit, you are in the right place. From the northern slopes of Mount Rinjani to the southern fishing village of Kuta, I have compiled a guide to the 8 waterfalls you absolutely cannot miss while you are here.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling please :)
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best waterfalls in Lombok
Table of Contents:
The 8 Best Waterfalls In Lombok
Me walking across the rocks in front of Tiu Kelep Waterfall in Lombok.
#1: Tiu Kelep
First on the list of the best waterfalls in Lombok is Tiu Kelep! Located just north of Mount Rinjani, near Sendang Gile Waterfall (see #2 on the list), this waterfall is one of Lombok's most stunning natural wonders. It features multiple cascades, including a powerful 45-meter drop, with smaller falls following as the water flows into a large pool below—perfect for swimming!
Getting to Tiu Kelep is a bit more adventurous than some other waterfalls, requiring a 30-40-minute trek through the jungle and across a river. If you are not feeling confident, you can hire a guide to help you navigate the route. The trek takes you through dense jungle, across a bridge, and involves crossing the river twice before you reach the waterfall.
Location: Here.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR (1.22 USD)
There is an additional fee for a guide if you prefer to have one. The pathway to the waterfall can be a bit confusing with the river crossing especially if you are the only one there. If you feel comfortable navigating on your own, you can try using this AllTrails map. However, I have not used it myself, so I am unsure where the trail starts and ends. Otherwise, I suggest hiring a guide or joining a tour like this one.
#2: Sendang Gile
Sendang Waterfall, the second waterfall located North of Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia.
Sendang Gile, the first waterfall located along your trek to Tiu Kelep, is another perfect opportunity to experience Lombok’s natural beauty up close. Sendang Gile is easy to reach via a well-maintained trail with 300–400 steps. While descending, you are surrounded by Lombok’s jungle, and if you are lucky, you might spot a monkey or two swinging from the towering trees. The trek takes around 10–15 minutes, leading you to the waterfalls’ 31-meter (100-foot) cascade that pours over a two-tier cliff. A small additional set of steps leads you down to the base of the waterfall—be cautious, as the waterfall is extremely powerful.
Location: Here.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR (1.22 USD)
If you are only visiting Sendang Gile, a tour guide is not necessary. However, if you plan to add Tiu Kelep to your trek, a guide may be a good choice to avoid getting lost.
#3: Benang Kelambu
This is Kelambu Waterfall, located near Tetebatu in Lombok.—my photo does not do it justice as it was raining while I was there.
Me swimming in Kelambu Waterfall.
Kelambu Waterfall, located just outside Central Lombok, is a spot you do not want to miss. Kelambu has several cascades flowing down a lush, green rock face, spilling into smaller pools before continuing their descent. There is truly no other waterfall in Lombok, or its neighboring Bali, quite like Kelambu. You can swim in the small pools beneath this waterfall, but make sure to cover up first! Swimsuits are not allowed.
Along the trek to this waterfall, you will pass three additional ones, Stokel, Sesere, and Kilwun! You can hire a guide for the journey, who will lead you through the jungle and ensure you do not miss any of the four waterfalls.
Location: The waterfall’s Google Maps location is here.
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (7-8 USD) for all 4 waterfalls with a guide. See waterfalls #4-6 for the additional three included in the price.
Parking: 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD)
Although a guide is not necessary, I did choose to go with one because I wanted to see all 4 waterfalls and did not want to get lost finding my way through the jungle. If you prefer to go on your own, you could try using an AllTrails map to help you navigate your way. Otherwise, you can find a great tour option here!
#4: Benang Stokel
Benang Stokel in Lombok.
Jacob standing under one of the cascades at Benang Stokel Waterfall.
Benang Stokel is another stunning waterfall along the Kelambu trail. The trek is an easy 15-20 minutes, leading you to two cascades flowing side by side. The hike to Benang Stokel, along with the other three waterfalls, was a lot of fun. It wound through what felt like the heart of the jungle, with vines to climb over, water pipes to cross, and more. Once at the waterfall, you can walk behind it and swim in its shallow pool!
Location: The waterfall’s Google Maps location is here.
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (7-8 USD) for all 4 waterfalls with a guide. See waterfalls #3, 5, and 6 for the additional three included in the price.
Parking: 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD)
As mentioned previously, a guide is not necessary for these waterfalls, but I did choose to go with one to avoid getting lost. This AllTrails map can you help navigate independently if you prefer, otherwise, you can find a great tour option here!
Find everything you need to know before visiting Benang Stokel, here!
#5: Air Terjun Kilwun
Jacob in front of Kilwun Waterfall.
Kilwun is the third waterfall along the Kelambu trail, just a 10-15 minute trek from Benang Stokel, depending on your pace. It’s manageable for all fitness levels—overall, quite easy. For the entire trek to the four waterfalls, including Kilwun, I wore flip-flops but eventually went barefoot since much of the area was wet, and it felt more practical. The cascade at Kilwun is powerful! I would not recommend swimming here—be ready for the force of the waterfall to nearly blow you away!
Location: The waterfall’s Google Maps location is here.
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (7-8 USD) for all 4 waterfalls with a guide. See waterfalls #3, 4, and 6 for the additional three included in the price.
Parking: 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD)
Although a guide is not necessary, I did choose to go with one because I wanted to see all 4 waterfalls and did not want to get lost finding my way through the jungle. If you prefer to go on your own, you could try using an AllTrails map to help you navigate your way.
#6: Sesere Waterfall
Me in front of Sesere Waterfall wearing a leaf crown my guide made me.
Sesere is the fourth and final waterfall along the Kelambu trek and is by far the best for swimming. This single cascade pours into a deeper pool below, and you can even walk right under the waterfall since it is not as powerful as its predecessor, Kilwun. Sesere Waterfall, along with the other three waterfalls along the Kelambu trek, is absolutely worth a visit for anyone in Lombok. These waterfalls in Lombok are the closest to Kuta and make for an easy and enjoyable day trip!
Location: The waterfall’s Google Maps location is here.
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (7-8 USD) for all 4 waterfalls with a guide. See waterfalls #3, 4, and 5 for the additional three included in the price.
Parking: 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD)
#7: Tetebatu Waterfall
Tetebatu Waterfall, located through Lombok’s rice terraces.
Next on the list of the best waterfalls in Lombok is Tetebatu Waterfall, a hidden gem tucked away through the beautiful Tetebatu rice terraces. It is a fun spot for a swim, with a specific spot for jumping in—just ask the locals to point it out. The center of the pool is deeper and perfect for cooling off. It does tend to be busier since it is included in a lot of 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’re deep in the jungle.
Location: The waterfall’s Google Maps location is here.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR (1.22 USD)
You can visit this waterfall on your own while visiting the Tetebatu rice terraces as well. If you prefer a guide that includes transportation, you can find the best option here!
#8: Air Terjun Sarang Walet
Last on the list is Sarang Walet Waterfall, located close to Tetebatu Waterfall. To get there, you 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.
Location: The waterfall’s Google Maps location is here.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR (1.22 USD)
Similar to Tetebatu Waterfall, you can visit this waterfall on your own, or opt for a guided tour that includes transportation like this one.
Best Time To Visit The Waterfalls:
The best time to visit the waterfalls in Lombok is outside of the rainy season, which lasts from November to March. During this period, the trails can become nearly impassable, and the water flow may be much higher, more powerful, and potentially dangerous. However, I did visit the waterfalls in late November and had no issues!
Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile actually close every year from January 1 to March 31 due to extremely heavy rain. I do not believe the other waterfalls close year-round, but I would not recommend visiting outside of the March-December window.
As for the time of day, the slightly cooler morning temperatures make the morning the best time to visit and the treks more manageable compared to the midday heat. The earlier you visit, the better chance of having the waterfalls all to your own and seeing wildlife throughout your hike.
Be sure to pack plenty of water and electrolytes—coconut water is always a great option.
Where To Stay In Lombok:
The best area to stay in Lombok is Kuta— a small fishing village on the southern coast of the island that has become a popular spot for expats and Westerners. There are gyms, amazing beaches, surf spots, cafes, etc. all located in this one area. You can easily use Kuta as your base while visiting these waterfalls.
If you are looking for other great places to stay in Lombok, I will be releasing a travel guide on this soon!
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Kuta
You can help support my blog by booking directly through the links below.
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Botchan Hostel (Dorm) or Ebucu (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Yuli’s or Mengalung Bungalow
Best Mid-Budget: Twiny's or El Tropico Boutique Hotel
Best High-End Budget: Mana Eco Retreat (Yummy restaurant and yoga shala attached) or Rascals Hotel
Best Luxury Budget: Lina Boutique Villas and Spa or Jivana Resort (Great massages)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World!
How To Get To The Waterfalls:
To reach the waterfalls you have a few options…
Option 1: Hire a motorbike
If you are a confident driver, you can rent a motorbike and drive yourself to the waterfalls. There are motorbike rental places all over the island. 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.
Be sure to wear your helmet while riding.
Many roads around Lombok, especially on your way to Tetebatu, are not paved properly, so watch out for potholes, etc.
Be careful of trucks, especially once you are outside of downtown Kuta—they are reckless drivers.
Be careful of dogs crossing the street while riding!!
Option 2: Hire a private driver
Local taxis are available, and you can usually hire one from your accommodation to the waterfalls, but it may be more costly. Grab and Gojek are not as prominent in Lombok yet.
You can hire a private driver for the entire day here. Or, many of the locals are happy to arrange a driver for the day for you as well.
Option 3: Join a tour
If you prefer an organized tour that includes transport to the waterfalls, you can choose from one of the links below.
What To Bring:
Cash for the entrance and parking fees.
A swimsuit and towel! – You can swim in some of the waterfalls, but keep in mind women need to stay covered up along the Kelambu trek, so you should not swim in a small bikini. The other waterfalls did not have any rules regarding swim attire.
Water shoes or some old sneakers to protect your feet while walking around the water and cliffs. This is not a necessity, but it is a good addition to protect your feet and prevent slipping.
A waterproof camera or GoPro to capture epic moments near the falls. Bring something to wipe off your phone and camera lens, as the waterfalls splash a lot of water around, even from a distance.
Sunscreen and mosquito spray—there were many mosquitos around the trails.
Reusable water bottles and snacks—there are some food and beverage stands before Tetebatu Waterfall and Kelambu, but none near the others.
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas, 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.
Download the AllTrails App to your phone for a map of the trails—especially if you plan to venture there yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Best Time To Visit Lombok?
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Lombok is anywhere during the dry season, however, the surf tends to be better during the wet season (less windy). If you want to see Lombok at its greenest, you can visit during the wet season or right after (in March/April) if you prefer sunny skies and green hills. If you visit towards the end of the dry season Lombok’s terrain will be drier and brown. I have been in Lombok for every season, and it did not rain too much in November / December. It was mostly short showers or one full day of rain. January and February were very rainy, and March was somewhere in the middle.
If you plan to Trek Rinjani or visit the Sendang Gile/Tiu Kelep, keep in mind the trail is closed from January 1 to March 31.
IS LOMBOK WORTH VISITING?
YES! It absolutely is. Many people refer to Lombok as the “old Bali,” referring to when Bali was better—less busy and less developed. The beaches are beautiful, the surf is less crowded, the viewpoints are incredible, and the landscape is picturesque.
IS LOMBOK BETTER THAN BALI?
Everyone will respond to this question differently, but I prefer Lombok. It is less crowded, less Westernized, and has more of an authentic Indonesian feel. However, I think both are worth the visit!
WHICH PART OF LOMBOK IS THE BEST?
My favorite parts of Lombok are Kuta, Sembalun, Tetebatu, and the Gilis. Kuta is my preferred area and is where I spent my year living.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN LOMBOK?
This all depends on what you want to do. If you only want to see Kuta and catch some waves, then 1-3 days is fine. Although, most people end up staying for an entire week. If you want to trek Rinjani, visit the waterfalls, and do all the best things, then yes, 5 days is fine, but 8-10 offers a more relaxed schedule.
You can find the perfect 7-10 day Lombok itinerary here!
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 eSims.
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!
