North Lombok combines a stunning coastline, beautiful rice terraces in the shadow of Mount Rinjani and a traditional culture that holds strong to its values. Only 35 km east of Bali, there is a charm in North Lombok; a destination that few tourists dare thus awaits your discovery.
north of Senggigi
The northbound on Senggigi hugs the ocean and the road winds around the coast road, offering high cliff views at regular points. Dotted along the coast are beautiful, idyllic white beaches and coves that lend themselves to a standstill. You will not find smaller warung offering local dishes, as very few tourists visit this beautiful region. There are no large tourist developments along this part of the coast; However there is a small oasis in Sire Beach.
Discreetly tucked away in its own little world Tugu Lombok. It's worth a stop for lunch and a swim. This boutique hotel is a showcase of Indonesian heritage, beautifully furnished with antiques and paintings of a bygone era; you can spend a lot of time here. There are beautiful old statues in the gardens and a restaurant in the huge barn shaped rice decorated with classical art works and relics of the past.
If you have time, a bit of pampering at the Buddhist temple Borobudur spa style is simply out of this world. After a delicious lunch, I took a walk along the white sandy beaches perfect for Sire Beach. From the beach you have a view of the Lombok Strait to the Gili Islands, a group of three small paradise islands, which are accessible from Tugu by boat.
Senaru Magic Waterfall
The awesome power of Kelap Tiu Waterfall near Senaru. Photo by David Metcalf
picturesque villages and fishing villages distributed at intervals along the coastal road cliff linked, and our detour inland to Senaru was the next highlight. At the foot of majestic Mount Rinjani, this charming little town is alive with climbers and avid hikers. They are preparing to take on the seriousness of two days trek to the summit of Rinjani, the second highest mountain in Indonesia, which is 3.726 meters (12.222 feet) above the level of the sea. You must be in good physical condition to attempt the difficult climb and the necessary preparations for the trek as tents, porters and a guide.
For those not so inclined to reach such heights, including myself, Senaru offers beautiful nature walks.
It is worthwhile to take a day or two to soak up the atmosphere, cool temperatures and enjoy the forest trails for walks and highlights of this region of beautiful mountain .
approaching Senaru you wind your way up the hill and the temperature drops significantly. A small hotel with picturesque cottages is a great stopping point, and I found it quite difficult to motivate yourself to leave this idyllic place. The Pondok Senaru Cottages and restaurants have placed room tables, perched on the edge of two very spectacular views. Sipping coffee perched your position you take first in the forests that adhere to the mountain and to the eyes, you look through one of the highest waterfalls on the mountain. The fall is 40 meters, but from this place there is only silence and nature between you and the water thundering mass that prompts you through the valley. When you drag your perspective away from this spectacle of power and beauty, you look to the ocean through a series of cascading rice terraces in the valley. Perhaps some of the most beautiful you will ever see; Local guides will gladly take you on walks through the beautiful landscape.
Porters trek across the savannah before beginning their steep climb into the clouds that surround Mt. Rinjani. Photo by Angela Richardson
The highlight of Senaru is the path of well-maintained forest that leads to the two massive waterfalls, very close (only 20 minutes) and the other a hour later. As I entered the forest, I heard crashing over me in the trees and looked up to see a family of monkeys swinging from branch to branch, on a serious search for jungle food. The first waterfall, known as Air Terjun Sending Gila is quite impressive with a long fall of 40 meters. The trail takes you right under the spray of the waterfall natural beauty. If this is all you can manage, it is worth, however, with a little extra effort, the next waterfall offers a bit more.
I was eager to see the next waterfall and my guide took me an alternative way by an old tunnel, head flashlight. We had company on the way bats as docile hung above us. The knee-deep water fast flowing kept me alert and moving at a brisk pace. We went out into the sunlight for about 10 minutes and continued, accompanied by a variety of bird songs, and we arrived about 30 minutes later to Air Terjun Tiu Kelap.
I heard the thunder of this massive waterfall long before I saw him. This waterfall was bigger and worth the extra hour hike. The waterfall volume on the black volcanic rock wall left me speechless (and deaf). A perfect, natural pool beckoned me, and I took the plunge and braved the cold, clean pure ice water and soaked in the exhilarating power of the thunder of falling. Rejuvenating experiences deliciously.
Sembalun Valley
The rich fertile volcanic soil of the beautiful Sembalun valley stretches from the eastern slopes of Mount Rinjani and turns a verdant green in the rainy season. Agritourism is growing in this area, and I stopped at a newly opened complex of villas. Sembalun Agro Villa and Restaurant, which is located in a strawberry field and gave me the chance to savor something that was a first for me, the juice of fresh strawberries. The fruit was picked in the fields around the villa - what a delight! A wide array of colorful fields spreads across the valley floor and carefully planted rows of cabbages, potatoes and garlic greets you in all directions. It is a scenic wonder of the top of the hill above the city of Sembalun Lawang.
Country Sembalun Lawang is another point to start hiking at Mount Rinjani access and outside Sembalun Agro Villas, there are several, clean affordable homestays and other low budget options on offer. The Rinjani Information Centre worth a stop with their vast information display explaining the Mt. Rinjani trekking routes and short walking options. The center can also provide tents, local hiking guides and supplies. Outside the hike to the top, there is one to four hours guided walks village and a wonderful walk with wild flowers, which can be easily disposed of the information center.
North Lombok is an adventure. Under the shadow of Mount Rinjani you a world of beauty and wonder of nature, with very few tourists sharing space with you, making it one of the best kept secrets in the vast Indonesian archipelago.
Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani crater lake with a new volcano growing in the center. Photo by Angela Richardson
Mount Rinjani is sacred to Hindus and Sasak, and offerings are made to the gods at certain times of the year. These pilgrimages involving many people, including Balinese, offering gold and jewelry in the lake Pekelan ceremony before their final ascent to the summit. Cobalt blue, lake crescent, Danau Segara Anak, is 0 meters below the crater rim and extends over six kilometers.
The mountain now has a baby active volcano. This cone has emerged there are only a few hundred years. The summit is 3,726 meters (12.222 feet), but it used to be more than 4,000 meters (13.123 feet) before the rash breaks out in 1257. The peak at intervals and during the last decade has sent ash and smoke over the whole Rinjani caldera. The healing properties of natural hot springs are well known to local people and visit a lot to soak in mineral water.
Trekking season is April to October. Check first with the Rinjani Information Centre. Because of landslides, the trail is closed during the rainy season from November to March
Rinjani Information Centre (RIC), Sembalun Lawang :. 0878 6334-4119 (6:00 to 6:00 p.m.)
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