A quick roundup of the absolute best waterfalls on Lombok! Explore some well-known Lombok waterfall highlights like Tiu Kelep, as well as some hidden waterfall gems you won’t find anywhere else online!
Those visiting Lombok from neighboring Bali might not expect to find the large variety of epic waterfalls on offer on Lombok. But, scattered throughout the volcanic island are a diverse range of waterfalls from rainforest giants to refreshing swimming spots.
Although Lombok has a generally drier climate, you’ll still be able to visit many of these waterfalls year-round. In fact, I visited all of these Lombok waterfalls in the dry season and they were all spectacular. However, there were a few falls that I would would miss if you are on Lombok during the dry season. You’ll find them. atthe pbottom of this post.
In this travel guide, I’ll detail some of the best Lombok waterfalls that you should visit on your trip. I’ve also written independent waterfall guides on each of the falls listed so you can click through to find out how to get there, what to expect and to see more photos.
If you’re looking for more adventures or travel inspiration for Lombok, don’t miss my mega-guide to the Best Things to do on Lombok.
Lombok Waterfall Map
Before we get into the list, here is a map to help you find the Lombok waterfalls mentioned in this article.
The Best Waterfalls on Lombok
Alright, let’s not beat around the bush. Here’s my full list of the best waterfalls on Lombok. Again, remember that I visited all of these waterfalls in the dry season.
Still, below the main list, you’ll find a few waterfalls which I would recommend only to visit in the wet season.
1. Batu Santek and Tibu Bunter Waterfalls
Like a few of the waterfalls on Lombok, travelers visiting Batu Santek and Tibu Bunter falls will be rewarded with two waterfalls in the same location!
Reaching Batu Santek and Tibu Bunter Waterfall takes just over an hour on motorbike from Senggigi as well as from Tetebatu. On the way you’ll small villages and large fruit markets.
These waterfalls are hardly visited by tourists, so you’ll almost be guaranteed to have them to yourself.
Batu Santek Waterfall
Batu Santek waterfall is a 10-meter waterfall plunging into a shallow pool. The encaving rock face also has several adjacent streams that create a peaceful ambiance. Although the pool is too shallow for swimming, Batu Santek makes a great spot to chill out and cool off.
Tibu Bunter Waterfall
Only 10 minutes away from Batu Santek waterfall is another secret waterfall named Tibu Bunter. This waterfall is hidden underneath some beautiful rice paddies and has a similar height and shape to Batu Santek.
Again, it’s not the best for swimming, but definitely worth a visit. Check out the drone shot I captured of the waterfall hidden beside the rice fields!
READ DETAILED BLOG POST ON HOW TO GET HERE: BATU SANTEK AND TIBU BUNTER WATERFALL – CENTRAL LOMBOK
2. Benang Stokel
Besides Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls, Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel are some of the best and most popular waterfalls on Lombok. Most probably agree that these two are the best waterfalls in central Lombok.
You’ll find these waterfalls located approximately 1.5 hours from Senggigi, or about 45 minutes from Tetebatu. I rode here myself from Senggigi after visiting Tibu Bunter and Batu Santek falls. However, you can also organize a waterfall day-tour from Senggigi, Tete Batu or even Kuta Lombok.
Benang Stokel is located in a large clearing and is actually made up of three, high-falling flows of water. However, in the dry season, expect only two streams to actually be flowing. Although in my opinion, this one is not as impressive as Benang Kelambu, it’s quite unique and definitely worth visiting.
3. Benang Kelambu
After a quick walk through the dense banana plantations and a small descent, you’ll reach Benang Kelambu waterfall. This one is one of the most unique waterfalls on Lombok, if not the world!
Rather than plunging flows of water, Benang Kelambu flows in gentle sheets down a green carpet of lush vegetation. Here, you’ll find a deep, albeit man-made swimming pool, as well as some hidden jungle spots to shower underneath the waterfall.
READ THE COMPLETE BLOG POST ON HOW TO GET TO BENANG STOKEL AND BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALLS HERE
4. Kilwun and Sesere Waterfalls
You might be surprised to find out that there are in fact 3 other waterfalls that can be found at the same location as Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu.
Although easily accessed and only within 10-15 minutes walking distance, these waterfalls are often missed in favor of the larger falls. That being said, you will need a little bit of local insight to find them if you don’t hire a guide. You can find read the full blog post here for detailed directions.
Kilwun Waterfall
Although smaller, Kilwun is my personal favorite waterfall in this Geopark. Surprisingly, this Lombok waterfall had the strongest flow out of all the others, despite being smaller. It’s tucked away around the bend in a small jungle ravine.
For those visiting in the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to catch some pretty spectacular light rays as the waterfall droplets paint the scene with warm, glowing stirpes.
Sesere Waterfall
Following the steep and slippery trail down from Kilwun Waterfall leads to yet another; Sesere Waterfall. Compared to the others, Sesere is definitely not the most spectacular waterfall on Lombok. However, the fact that you’ll probably have it all to yourself makes it a great spot to chill out and even go for a swim in the shallow pool.
5. Sendang Gile
Although often upstaged by its neighbor, Sendang Gile is still one of the best waterfalls on Lombok. This tall, plunging waterfall is located in the trekking town of Senaru and is actually on the same path as Tiu Kelep. So, even if you were only planning on visiting Tiu Kelep waterfall on Lombok, you’ll get to stop at this one on the way.
Like most of the waterfalls so far, this one also isn’t the best for swimming, due to the lack of a deep pool. That said, it’s powerful flow, the jungle surrounds and double-stream shape make it a spectacular addition to the waterfall list.
6. Tiu Kelep Waterfall
This waterfall is so famous in Indonesia, that you’ll often find it displayed on tourist posters and billboards in Bali! Despite its fame, Tiu Kelep definitely doesn’t attract the Bali-scale hordes. In fact, we spent a little over an hour at Tiu Kelep in the early morning and didn’t see another soul – waterfalls on Lombok eh…
Reaching Tiu Kelep only takes about 25 minutes on the same path leading right after Sendang Gile Waterfall.
After laying eyes on Tiu Kelep for the first time, I understood the hype. The waterfall looks like a perfectionist’s grand design. There is a wide, curving curtain of water that immaculately frames a huge diagonal streak of plunging water across the scene.
Unfortunately, after the earthquakes, the deep pool has been shallowed and replaced with large fallen boulders. Still, the integrity of the waterfall has remained and is still an incredible place to visit and everybody’s favorite waterfall on Lombok.
FULL WATERFALL GUIDE: SENDANG GILE AND TIU KELEP WATERFALL LOMBOK (SENARU)
7. Mangku Sakti Waterfall
What’s great about the waterfalls on Lombok is that they’re all unique, each with a unique feature or twist. Mangku Sakti waterfall is certainly no exception.
Unlike the other waterfalls on Lombok, Mangku Sakti is carved into limestone, with a much more barren and dry surrounding landscape.
Located near the trekking town of Sembalun, Mangku Sakti takes approximately one hour to reach. The road here is incredibly bumpy and rocky, which makes reaching the waterfall an adventure in itself.
A great feature of this waterfall is that you can actually climb up and behind the waterfall. Check out the photos below and read the full waterfall guide here for a detailed description on how to get here.
Bonus – Saltwater Waterfall?
Alright, it’s not really a waterfall, but still a cool addition to the list of waterfalls on Lombok that you’ve likely never heard of.
Air Terjun Pentai Nambung, translated to Nambung Beach waterfall, is more or less just a flat rock which when smashed by big waves on low tide, creates a saltwater waterfall effect that is quite famous among locals.
To get to Nambung waterfall, you’ll want to take a bike from Kuta Lombok. It takes a bit over an hour to reach it, however you’ll pass many of the best beaches around Kuta Lombok on the way, so for this reason, it’s worth a day trip.
READ THE NAMBUNG BEACH WATERFALL GUIDE HERE.
Bonus Number 2 *If* You Can Find it – Tiu Sekeper Waterfall
For the super adventurous, I’ve got a challenge for you in the form of a secret, hidden waterfall deep in the Rinjani jungle – Tiu Sekeper Waterfall.
Tiu Sekeper is the tallest of all Lombok waterfalls according to Top Lombok. Therefore, I really wanted to try and find it. However, after a lot of research, I found that not even most locals know about this waterfall.
After an eventful mission overheating and bashing the motorbikes through dense mountain roads, on the side of steep cliffs and through isolated banana plantations, we eventually found Tiu Sekeper waterfall – however only by drone.
It turns out that we followed the wrong path up to Tiu Sekeper, and ended up on an adjacent ridge with no plausible way down. Nevertheless, we managed to snap some frustrated photos of Tiu Sekeper from the air and, to our surprise, spotted another, nearby and unnamed waterfall.
Tips on How to Find Tiu Sekeper
While there are very limited English resources online, there are some Indonesian bloggers who provide some limited but useful information. Most, however, suggest hiring a local guide, which I couldn’t find anywhere in the Ganga or Santong areas. The exact pin location is true on Google Maps as “Air Terjun Tiu Sekeper”, however, don’t rely on Google Maps to reach it.
How to Get to the Lombok Waterfalls
By far, the best and cheapest way to reach all of the waterfalls on Lombok is to rent a motorbike and explore by yourself. Typically, motorbike rental on Lombok will cost between 50 000 Rupiah to 70 000 Rupiah per day.
Remember though that Lombok is much bigger than it looks. Depending on where you choose to stay, it can take more than an hour to reach each waterfall.
Most of the roads on Lombok are quite good. However, for some of the less-visited Lombok waterfalls, you’ll have to navigate rocky, unsealed roads. If you’re not confident on a motorbike, you’ll also have the option of booking a Lombok waterfall tour.
COMPARE THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT DEALS TO AND FROM KUTA LOMBOK HERE
Lombok Waterfall Tour
As mentioned, another great way to see the best of the best Lombok waterfalls is to book a Lombok waterfall tour online.
For the northern waterfalls, there is a fairly good deal online which takes you to arguably the most spectacular waterfalls on Lombok; Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile. You can click here to check the prices and book in advance.
Alternatively, if you’re traveling in a group, you could also rent a car to explore the entire island of Lombok yourself. Click here to find a good car rental deal on Lombok. With a car, you’ll easily be able to reach all of the main beaches near Kuta Lombok.
Waterfalls Not to Visit in the Dry Season
My initial goal was to see as many Lombok waterfalls as I could over the two months I spent exploring the island. Unfortunately, some of the Lombok waterfalls that I visited were completely dried up in the dry season.
Below is a short list of some more waterfalls on Lombok that could be worth a visit in the wet season, but should be avoided in the dry season.
Gangga Waterfall
Gangga waterfall is a great example of why building too much tourism infrastructure around a natural feature can ruin it. It’s almost as if its been turned into a theme park rather than a waterfall. To make things worse, the concrete structures, pathways, and bridges are now severely damaged from the recent earthquakes, which means locals have had to gather resources to rebuild the site.
Although the concrete puts me off a little, the waterfall itself is quite spectacular, at least I would imagine it would be in the wet season or following heavy rain. Gangga was almost completely dried up when I visited in September, however, it still had a large swimming hole at its base.
Tibu Bunter (Tete Batu)
There are seemingly dozens of worthwhile waterfalls located in and around the rice terraced villages of Tete Batu. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to visit all of these waterfalls on this trip. However, I did visit Air Terjun Tibu Bunter (Tete Batu). This shares the same name as another waterfall on this list of Lombok waterfalls, however is completely dry in the dry season.
After seeing photos of this and other waterfalls on Lombok during the wet season, it’s convinced me to revisit this amazing island and see them in full-force for myself
Where Should I Stay to See the Waterfalls on Lombok?
Most of the waterfalls on Lombok are located in the central and northern regions. For this reason, I’d recommend either staying in Senggigi, Senaru, Sembulan or Tetebatu in order to make day trips to some of the epic Lombok waterfalls on this list.
Below I’ve listed a few of the best accommodation options to make the most of your waterfall trips on Lombok.
Where to Stay in North Lombok – Senaru or Sembalun
The two main areas to stay in north Lombok are Senaru and Sembalun. These are two great places to stay for hiking, especially if you want to climb Mount Rinjani or Pergasingan Hill. You’ll also find some of the best waterfalls in this region, including Tiu Teja, Sendang Gile, and Mangku Sakti waterfalls.
Where to Stay in Sembalun
Sembalun village isn’t exactly the most touristy location on Lombok. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any great guest houses or hotels available.
- Bukit Tiga Lima Boutique Hotel – the location is hard to beat with impeccable views over the surrounding rice fields. The 3-star hotel features triangular rooms with BBQ facilities and an included breakfast. Perfect for couples wanting to relax away from the bustling center.
- Radiya Guesthouse – one of the best-value accommodation options in Sembalun. The rooms are small, but very clean and have everything you need. There’s unlimited free coffee and tea, as well as a free breakfast included.
- Sembalun Kita Cottage – set among the mountains the Sembulan Kita Cottage offers its guests incredible views from its rooms, hot water, free breakfasts, and the option of sleeping in a 100-year-old traditional Indonesian house.
Where to Stay in Senaru
- Rinjani Lodge – the perfect option for those wanting a luxurious experience surrounded by mountains. Boasting 2 outdoor swimming pools and breakfast delivered to your room Rinjani Lodge sits at the top of the list.
- Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage – the homestay you didn’t know you needed! With incredible views over the mountains from the infinity pool Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage is a hidden gem with Tiu Kelep Waterfall just a short 1 km walk from the property.
- Tiu Kelep Homestay – This one is located literally across the road from Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. The owner is super friendly, offers free unlimited coffee and tea, breakfast, and can also organize waterfall, or Rinjani trekking tours. A double room is the cheapest in Senaru at only $7 per night.
Where to Stay in Senggigi
- Katamaran Hotel & Resort – those wanting a resort experience go no further! The Katamaran Hotel & Resort ticks all the boxes, boasting a swimming pool, wellness center, and on-site restaurant you won’t ever want to leave.
- Cozy Cottages Lombok – this villa-style cottage accommodation screams relaxation. It is located just 600 m from Mangsit Beach and has an on-site restaurant. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by luscious gardens that provide a tranquil experience.
- Bale Mandala Villas – a great option for those traveling in large groups or families. The villas can sleep up to 10 people and some include a private pool. A fully equipped kitchen and beautifully designed lounge areas make this a perfect choice. It is a short 1.6km walk to Senggigi beach.
TIP: If you’re arriving from the airport, I’d recommend booking a pre-arranged private transfer to your accommodation. This will save you having to pay ridiculous prices coming out of the airport gate.
Got Some Insights? – Lombok Waterfall Recommendations
Do you have any recommendations for other waterfalls on Lombok? I know that there are several more hidden away and I’d love to know about them. Feel free to shoot me a message or leave a comment below to help out other travelers if you happen to stumble upon an epic Lombok waterfall gem!
For more travel guides and articles from Lombok, make sure to check out the list of links below.
