Led by local women guides, this easy half-day walk explores the foothills of spectacular Rinjani volcano in Lombok’s northern district of Bayan. Starting near the border of Gunung Rinjani National Park, your route follows old pathways among shady bamboo groves and village gardens before entering a wide, open landscape of rice terraces and palms. Following a winding irrigation channel you reach the lush rainforest of the famous Sindang Gila Waterfall Reserve.

The local people believe that a refreshing bath behind these thundering falls can cure any disease. Along the way, discover tropical plants as your guide explains how the local people make practical use of them. You come across the cheeky long tailed monkeys and, with a bit of luck, may even spot the rare ebony leaf monkey. Passing small hamlets where age-old traditions are practiced, you will gain insight into the colorfull village life of the Sasak.

There is always something interesting happening here as you meet local people and admire traditional houses along the way.

Make sure you bring your camera – the views are simply spectacular! On a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of Bali’s famous Gunung Agung volcano rising high above the blue waters of the Lombok Strait. Each turn of the track offers new vistas as finally Rinjani – the sacred mountain of the Sasak people – emerges majestically above rice terraces and rainforest. This natural and cultural diversity makes the Senaru Panorama Walk an unforgettable Lombok experience.

The cool, flower-filled mountain village of Senaru on the slopes of Mt. Rinjani stretches up a hillside spur along a winding road above Bayan. It is a scenic 2.5 hours drive from Mataram or Senggigi to Senaru. The Desa includes the hamlets of Senaru, Batu Koq, Tumpang Sari, and alloffer accommodation in simple but pretty homestays (losmens with lovely views).

The Rinjani Trek Center is located at the top of the village at the trai lhead. It offers all information for visitors on the Rinjani Trek, the National Park, Sasak culture and the arrange of ecotourism activities available for visitors to Senaru. National Park and village entry fees are paid here, and all the porters for trekkers have to be hired from Porters’ association which is also based in the Rinjani Trek Center.

Village guides, includes several local women, have been specially trained to escort the visitors around the sights. Arrange a guided excursion through then Rinjani Trek Center or your Waterfalls Senaru’s best known attraction is the Sindang Gila waterfall which attracts many thousands of Indonesian and foreign visitors annually.

Located at about 600m above sea level, the waterfall is an easy 20 minutes walk down a graded trails and steps from Senaru village. A pleasant alternative return route winds along the edge of the steep valley following the irrigation canal.For the more adventurous, Senaru’s second waterfall “Tiu Kelep” is another hour’s walk upriver from Sendang Gila.

The scramble over rocks through the tropical forest is rewarded by the beauty of the waterfall and a swim in its deep pool. It is said locally that every time you swim behind the main waterfall of Tiu Kelep you become a year younger!. With access from the main road, Senaru’s third waterfall Betara Lenjang is strictly for rock climbers with a local guide and equipment.

Wildlife

During early morning and evening walks inSenaru you are likely to see interesting birds. Butterflies and at least one of the two species of monkey who live in the surrounding forest. Long-tailed macaquesknown locally as Kera, often sit down in the road. More elusive is the rare Silvered Leaf monkey, and also known as the blackmonkey known locally as Lutung which can often be glimpsed in the forest around the waterfalls.

Senaru Traditional Village

A visit to Senaru Traditional Village, situated next to the Rinjani Trek Centre where the Rinjani trail begins is greatly enhanced by asking a local guide to show you around. The Sasak inhabitant are the cultural guardians of Mountain Rinjani andits surrounding forest and safeguard its spiritual values. Locally guided visits include opportunities to experience the villagers’ daily life, visit their their thatched houses prepare meals using local produce, and understanding their traditional way of life.

Morning waterway walk and sunrise

Leave your losmen early for a one and a half hour escorted walk through the fields past the traditional village and along the irrigation channel that winds through village fields past crops and houses. Enjoy visiting local homes, seing early morning activities and learning about farming methods. Witness the sun rising from the sea beneath the spectacular sweeping views of north Lombok from the summit of Mt. Rinjani to the coast.

Evening walk and sunset

Below the Senaru Traditional Village, a one and a half hour escorted walk along village trails brings you to the “sacred waterfall” or “traditional swimming pool”, the Tumpasan Senar. Enjoy a refreshing swim or late afternoon laze. On the return trip, visit some local hamlets as the people return from their fields, and enjoy the sunset over Mt. Agung in distant Bali from a vantage point in a local orchard.

Cultural performance

By special request in advance, the people of Senaru and Sembalun can treat you to the very special spectacle of their traditional music and dance performances in a village setting beneath Mt. Rinjani.