Tiu Kelep Waterfall in Lombok: Hidden in the shadows of Mount Rinjani is a small village, Senaru. This village, considered the gateway to Mount Rinjani, is a hub for travelers who are waiting for their triumph on Lombok’s highest mountain. Many people consider this village just a transit stop, but we thought, let’s go and see up close what’s in it!
Getting There: Explore Waterfalls in Lombok
While we were eating our banana chocolate pancakes, we started talking to the locals, they asked us about our plans, so we told them we were going sightseeing. We were very happy in our minds. Waterfalls? Exactly what we wanted.
They opened a map on their phone which had pictures of a popular waterfall, which many people scaling Rinjani visit. Taking advantage of local knowledge, we were curious to know if we would find any hidden gem if we went deeper into the jungle?
A boy told us there’s a good waterfall, mainly visited by locals, which is better than the popular tourist spot. We were lucky!
As soon as he started giving directions, left, right and center, he explained that we would still enter the national park, but just before the popular waterfall, we would turn right onto a dirt path. Trying to repeat the directions and seeing our confusion, he offered us a lift!
We were sitting behind their scooters and continued past Jl. Pariwisata, up the mountain and past the village.
The entry cost to the park was less than $1. But as in most tourist areas, there are local touts who sell their “guide” services. The boys at the guesthouse had told us about them, that using a local guide is best but not absolutely necessary.
As soon as we got off the bikes, they came to us. Some people were quite forceful in selling themselves, making the waterfall difficult without their knowledge and expertise… We decided to go alone, a decision we absolutely did not regret!
The Journey to Tiu Kelep:
Moving past the ticket office, we walked through the jungle towards Sendang Gile waterfall. The water was falling down towards the river, hitting the rocks, and we wanted to go down quickly, however we had to wait for tourists to take photos… and we thought how bad we are at taking photos!!
Moving forward, we walked on the path and reached a bridge. On the other side of the bridge, near the waterway and past a yellow dam structure. We encountered two rivers that we had to cross.
Discovering Tiu Kelep:
A few minutes later, there was a very loud sound of the waterfall falling into the river below. Only a few boulders were between our destination and us. Our breaths quickened as we climbed the rocks.
As soon as our eyes fell on the waterfall, we were amazed. Senaru’s most hidden secret. So many waterfalls meeting at the end of their journey, it was truly magical. Its freezing water was pinching our skin.
All around were lush, green forests and Rinjani peeking from above the rocks, reminding us of our feat of the previous day. Alone in the jungle, with each other and Tiu Kelep, this was the best way to spend our time in Senaru.
FAQ about finding Tiu Kelep Waterfall:
Q1: Where is Tiu Kelep Waterfall?
Its near a village called Senaru, which is by Mount Rinjani in Lombok.
Q2: How do I get to Senaru?
Its a common place for people who want to climb Mount Rinjani.
Q3: Can I find the waterfall by myself?
Yes! We did it. Locals might try to offer help, but its not a must.
Q4: Do I have to pay to get in?
Yes, but it’s very cheap, less than $1.
Q5: Is it hard to get to the waterfall?
You walk through a jungle. You will see another waterfall first (Sendang Gile). You will also cross a bridge and two rivers.
Q6: What special about Tiu Kelep Waterfall?
Its a beautiful, hidden spot. Many waterfalls come together there, and the water is really cold! It’s surrounded by green forests.
