Ask anyone in Lombok which waterfall to see first, and Tiu Kelep almost always comes up. It sits in Senaru village at the foot of Mount Rinjani, and the best part is you get two waterfalls on one short hike: Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.
Sendang Gile is the easy one, reached in about 15 minutes from the gate. Tiu Kelep takes a bit more effort, but most people agree it’s the more dramatic of the two. The cool mountain air around Rinjani makes the whole walk feel refreshing from the first step.
Our team runs trips to Senaru regularly, so this guide is based on what actually works on the ground, not just what looks good online.
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How to Get to Senaru
The waterfalls are in Senaru, North Lombok, roughly 96 km and a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Mataram. There’s no reliable public transport straight to the village, so most travelers either rent a vehicle or join a tour.
- From Senggigi: You’re already about halfway. Expect a 2 to 2.5 hour drive north through Pemenang, Tanjung, and Bayan.
- From Kuta / Mandalika (south Lombok): A longer haul, around 3 to 3.5 hours. Many travelers break it up by staying a night in Senggigi or Senaru.
- From Bangsal Harbour or the Gili Islands: If you arrive by boat from Bali or the Gilis, Bangsal is the closest jump-off point, about a 2 hour drive to Senaru. Agree on a taxi price before you get in, as harbour drivers often quote high.
Once you’ve decided, your options are: hire a private car with driver (the easiest), rent a scooter (cheapest, but it’s a long winding ride), or book a day tour that covers transport, entrance, and a guide.
Entrance Fee, Opening Hours & What to Expect
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Come early. Mornings are cooler, quieter, and better for photos.
- Foreign visitors: IDR 20,000 per person
- Indonesian visitors: IDR 10,000 per person
- Parking: around IDR 10,000
One ticket covers both waterfalls. A local guide costs around IDR 100,000 per group (more on whether you need one below).
Sendang Gile Waterfall
Sendang Gile is the first fall you reach. From the main gate you head down a long flight of steps that locals call the “1,000 steps,” though nobody has actually counted. The walk down takes about 15 minutes and stays mostly shaded.
The waterfall drops around 30 meters in two tiers. The upper flow gathers in a small channel, then spills over again into the pool below. Plenty of visitors stand under the rushing water for a natural massage. There’s a flat area nearby with gazebos, changing rooms, and a small prayer room.
Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Getting to Tiu Kelep is where the adventure starts. From Sendang Gile, it’s about a 45 minute trek along forest paths, an irrigation channel, and a couple of shallow river crossings. You will get wet, so plan for it.
The payoff is a roughly 40 to 45 meter wall of water that breaks into a fine, flying spray as it falls. That’s where the name comes from: in the local Sasak language, tiu means water or pool, and kelep means flying. On a clear midday, mist and sunlight often form a small rainbow at the base.
One safety note: don’t swim directly under the falls. The current is strong. Wading at the edges of the river is plenty.
The Hike: Trail Options & What to Bring
Most people don’t realize there are two ways in:
- The main stairs. Through the main gate and down hundreds of steps. Steeper but shorter, and this is the route that passes Sendang Gile first.
- The irrigation trail. A gentler, flatter path that follows the water channel, with open forest views. Better if you have knee issues or just want an easy walk.
Our suggestion: take the stairs on the way in so you catch Sendang Gile, then consider the gentler trail on the way back when your legs are tired.
What to bring: grippy sandals or shoes, a change of clothes, and a dry bag for your phone. Keep an eye out for monkeys along the trail, and don’t wave food or drinks around.
Do You Need a Local Guide?
Some travel blogs call the IDR 100,000 guide fee a tourist trap. The honest answer is: it depends.
The path to Sendang Gile is easy and well marked, and many people walk it without a guide. The continuation to Tiu Kelep is a different story. The river crossings get slippery, and after heavy rain the current is no joke. That’s when a local guide earns the fee, knowing which crossing points are safe.
There’s also the community side. That money goes straight to Senaru locals who help keep the area maintained. If you’re traveling solo in the wet season or bringing kids along, we’d take the guide. If it’s dry season and you’re a confident hiker, you’ll likely be fine on your own.
Best Time to Visit & Insider Tips from Our Local Team
- Go in the dry season, May to September. Trails are safer and skies are clearer.
- Arrive before 9 AM for cooler air, fewer people, and better light.
- Wear footwear with grip. The path is often wet.
- Pack a dry bag. Phones and river crossings don’t mix.
- Watch your belongings around the monkeys.
- For a shot at the rainbow, aim for midday on a clear day.
Day Trip Options from Senggigi & Mataram
Most of our guests do Senaru as a full-day trip. Leave in the morning, reach Senaru by late morning, hike both falls, have lunch, then stop by the traditional Senaru village before heading back.
If you’d rather not sort out transport, tickets, and a guide yourself, our One-Day Tiu Kelep Waterfall Tour includes transport, lunch, and the guided walk to both falls.
One Day Trip Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Lombok
From
IDR 240.000
per person
FAQ
How long does it take to see both waterfalls? About 3 to 4 hours round trip at a relaxed pace, including breaks and photos.
Is it suitable for kids? Sendang Gile is fine for children. For Tiu Kelep, mind the river crossings and consider a guide, especially in the wet season.
Can you swim there? You can wade at the river edges. Avoid going directly under Tiu Kelep, where the current is strong.
Do I need to book in advance? Not for entry. But if you want transport and a guide sorted, booking a day tour ahead saves you arranging it on arrival.
Is there phone signal and an ATM in Senaru? There’s signal around the village, though it weakens near the falls. Bring cash from Mataram, as ATMs are limited.
Final Thoughts
Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep give you two of Lombok’s best waterfalls on a single hike, wrapped in the cool forest air of the Rinjani foothills. Bring the right shoes and a change of clothes, start early, and it’s an easy highlight to add to any Lombok trip. If you’d like a hand arranging the day, our local team is here to help.
