5 Best Things to Do in Senaru, Lombok
Are you looking for the best things to do in Senaru, Lombok? Senaru is a small village that is the gateway to Mount Rinjani for hikers. It is famous for its beautiful hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and lush rice terraces.
Wondering what to do in Senaru, Lombok? Hike to Mount Rinjani, see the Tiu Kelep & Sendang Gile Waterfall, visit Senaru’s traditional village, try authentic Indonesian and Sasak cuisine, and take a day trip to Pergasingan Hill.
This ultimate guide includes the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Senaru.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT
Best things to do in Senaru, Lombok
Although most people come just for the Mount Rinjani tour, it’s worth staying here and exploring the nearby waterfalls and hiking trails.
1. Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfall
One of the best things to do in Senaru is to explore the waterfalls. You can visit two waterfalls during your stay, so this is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Lombok’s beautiful waterfalls. Tiu Kelep is one of the most stunning waterfalls we have visited in Lombok.
Air Terjun Tiu Kelep and Air Terjun Sendang Gile can be visited from 7 AM to 5 PM. Once you arrive at the official ticket office, buy your entrance ticket and hike to the waterfalls.
TIP
Avoid the crowds and arrive as early as possible!
After visiting the waterfalls, we recommend having lunch at the nearby Rinjani Lighthouse Cottages, where you can eat delicious Indonesian food. Those delicious local flavors are still missing today.
Read the full post → How to Visit Tiu Kelep Waterfall
2. Pergasingan Hill
We think this is one of the best hikes in Lombok that you shouldn’t miss. So take a day trip to Pergasingan Hill and enjoy the breathtaking view. From Senaru, we traveled by scooter to Sembalun and visited Pergasingan Hill.
You can visit Pergasingan on your own or join a guided tour. It is a popular hiking and camping spot, so it’s worth spending a night there.
The hike uphill takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on how many breaks you take.
It’s a steep hike but well worth the effort when you see the magnificent views of Mount Rinjani Volcano, green mountain peaks, and colorful agricultural fields below. There is also a swing at the top, which also offers a fantastic photo opportunity.
Recommended post → How to Hike Pergasingan Hill
3. Hike to Mount Rinjani
Are you looking for an exciting adventure in Senaru? Mount Rinjani is the most popular and challenging hike in Lombok.
At 3,726 meters, Mount Rinjani is one of the highest peaks in Indonesia, where you can do an epic crater rim hike.
Depending on your time, fitness level, and budget, you can choose a 1-night or multi-day Mount Rinjani tour. The most popular option if you’re short on time is a 2-day, 1-night trek, but if you want to get the most out of your experience, we recommend booking a 3-day, 2-night hike.
The entrance fee to Mount Rinjani National Park is 150,000 IDR (9 USD) per person per day. The Mount Rinjani hike is difficult and is only recommended for those in good physical condition.
Good to know
Due to heavy rains, Mount Rinjani is closed from January to March.
Read our → Lombok Itinerary
Traveling to Lombok and the Gili Islands?
Your trip just got easier! Use our handpicked private Google Maps: best beaches, waterfalls, turtle spots, to do’s, our favorite restaurants & more
4. Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint
This star-shaped viewpoint offers fantastic photo opportunities, with colorful agricultural fields below and green hills in the background. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset!
The viewpoint is only a 50-minute drive from the village.
We recommend visiting Bukit Selong before or after your Pergasingan Hill hike. It is only a 10-minute motorbike ride from the Pergasingan parking lot.
The entrance fee to Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint is 10,000 IDR (0,65 USD) per person and 5,000 IDR (0,35 USD) for parking.
It’s only a 20-minute trek from the parking lot to the viewpoint, and we loved the beautiful view.
Senaru is a popular hiking destination in Indonesia, but if you’re looking for more adventurous places, visit the island of Java.
5. Explore Senaru Village
Are you looking for free things to do in Senaru, Lombok? Visit the traditional village, walk around, and meet the friendly locals.
As this is one of the oldest traditional villages in Lombok, hire a local guide to learn more about the Sasak culture and get an insight into their way of life.
Where to Stay in Senaru
Senaru is a small village in Lombok with few accommodation and activities available. However, if you are planning to hike Mount Rinjani and visit Tiu Kelep Waterfall, this is the best base. These are our accommodation recommendations.
Best hotels in Senaru
- Mid-Range: Rinjani Lodge or Rinjani Lighthouse
- Budget: Ila Homestay
Wondering where to stay on the island? We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Lombok.
How to Get to Senaru, Lombok
Senaru is located at the foot of Mount Rinjani in North Lombok, Indonesia. Most people arrive from Lombok Airport or Bangsal Harbour. The village is about 1.5 hours from the port.
We arrived from Senggigi by motorbike, and the travel time was 2 hours.
The nearest airport is in Lombok, the Lombok International Airport (airport code LOP). The distance between the airport and Senaru is 115 km, and the travel time is approximately 3 hours.
You can fly from Bali, the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (airport code DPS), to Lombok and then take a taxi or private transfer to Senaru.
The flight takes just 45 minutes, and tickets start from 65 USD (without luggage) per person for one way.
TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Lombok, Indonesia.
We have a detailed post on how to get from Bali to Lombok with all the information you need.
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Senaru is to rent a scooter, hire a private driver, or join an organized tour. Unlike Nusa Penida, Lombok has well-maintained paved roads.
Book a private customized tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
We rented a motorbike and explored Senaru at our own pace. Scooter rental starts from 65,000 IDR (4 USD) per day, but we don’t recommend paying more than 85,000 IDR (5 USD). If you rent a scooter for several days, ask for a discount!
Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, and avoid driving at night.
Best Restaurants
You can find many local restaurants (warungs), vegetarian options, and the best places to eat with all budgets.
- Rifka Cafe (Tasty and cheap food with vegetarian options)
- Dragonfly Bar and Resto (Perfect place for lunch or dinner)
- Rinjani Lodge Restaurant (Serves Indonesian and Western cuisine)
- Warung Bukit View (Delicious local food with stunning views)
- Rinjani Lighthouse Cottages (Our favorite restaurant)
Best Time to Visit Senaru, North Lombok
Indonesia has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. Lombok is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Senaru is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for chasing waterfalls, hiking, and exploring Lombok Island. August is the driest month.
Senaru has a tropical climate with high humidity, and the average temperature is 23°C all year round. It is usually colder here than in Senggigi or Kuta Lombok, so bring warm clothes, especially if you want to do a multi-day trek.
The rainy season runs from November to April.
The busiest months are July and August. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
How many Days do you Need in Senaru, Lombok?
Since there is not much to do, most people only make a short visit. But we recommend that you spend at least 3-4 days there and enjoy the best things to do in Senaru.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Senaru will help you plan your next trip to Lombok. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
5 Best Beaches in Senggigi, Lombok You Must Visit
15 Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali
