Every traveller to a new place needs to know the essentials… the best places to stay, where to eat, where to go, what to do, etc. In this fourth chapter of “Lombok Essentials” we give you an overview of the best trekking and adventure activities on Lombok!
The number one adventure activity whenever you mention Lombok has to be climbing the island’s famous volcano, Gunung Rinjani (Mt Rinjani). The volcano attracts thousands of visitors every year, many of whom come to climb the 3726m high mountain.
Located in the north of the island, Rinjani towers above most other volcanoes in Indonesia and is surrounded by the protected jungle and tropical rainforest of the Rinjani National Park. The huge caldera near the top of the volcano is around 4 kms wide and is almost filled by a beautiful crescent-shaped lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea). There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano, most importantly Aik Kalak on the northeast of the crater, where the volcanically heated springs are said to cure illnesses, and where many trekkers come to rest in the hot healing waters after their arduous climb to the crater.
There are a variety of different options for climbing Rinjani. Two day, one night treks are the shortest available, taking visitors to the crater rim, to view the wide crater and the emerald green lake within. However the most popular is the three day, two night trek which allows trekkers to climb down into the lake district and enjoy a soak in the hot springs. It takes three to four days to reach the summit of the volcano, a demanding climb with magnificent views from the highest point on Lombok – taking in the vista of the surrounding mountain range, the lush green landscape below, and the ocean to the west studded with the Gili islands and Bali floating in the distance.
If climbing volcanoes is not your style, a visit to the Rinjani National Park is still a “must”. On the lower slopes of the Rinjani mountain range are small villages where local farmers work the rich volcanic soil and lifestyles are reminiscent of a time gone by. The area is surrounded by green rice terraces, fields of corn, tobacco and peanuts, and groves of cashew nut trees. It is a peaceful and picturesque rural scene, with the volcano providing a stunning backdrop. Spend some time walking through the villages and talking to the friendly people in this area, or organise a walking tour with a local guide from the National Park office in Senaru.
Senaru is well known as the main take off point for climbing Rinjani, and also popular as a base for exploring the National Park and the nearby waterfalls. The first waterfall, Sendang Gile, is reached from the main car park at the end of the road into Senaru. There is a lovely restaurant just to the left of the car park, with inexpensive meals, snacks and drinks available and there are berugaks (lounging pavilions) in the garden for resting and enjoying the scenery.
From the car park there is a long flight of steps leading down to the base of Sendang Gile waterfall. This awesome waterfall cascades down the side of the mountain in a powerful sheet of sparkling water, before tumbling into a shallow river at the base. Try standing under the waterfall to feel the force of the water falling from far above. The water is icy cold, as it has travelled down the mountain from the Crater Lake high on the volcano. The small river underneath carries the water away; feeding streams and rivers further down the valley.
From the restaurant it’s possible to hire local guides for a small fee to take you on a trek through the jungle to the second waterfall, Tiu Kelep. The trek itself is a delightful way to explore the National Park, with paths leading through the jungle and a profusion of tropical plants, monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Tiu Kelep waterfall is as beautiful as Sendang Gile, although less powerful. Cool off by swimming in the clear pool at the base of the waterfall. If you climb up the rocks behind the falls, local legend says that you will take one year off your age! The path back to the restaurant leads through more forest and an old irrigation tunnel filled with bats, before opening onto more idyllic scenery.
There are a number of other waterfalls and trekking opportunities around Lombok, depending on the area. The rice terraces and tobacco fields on the southern side of the Rinjani mountain range near Tetebatu provide a different aspect of the island, lush and cool, with stunningly beautiful vistas down the slopes. Nearby Jeruk Manis waterfall is a pretty location reached by an enjoyable trek through the rice fields and forest.
In the east of Lombok, the mountainous area of Sapit is breathtaking in its natural beauty. Set on the eastern slopes of Rinjani, the air is cool and fresh, and night time temperatures can get quite cold. Views from Sapit are amazing, with the towns and villages set out below and the eastern coastline of Lombok, and the neighbouring island of Sumbawa, in the distance. From Sapit it is possible to trek through the jungles in the region, visiting waterfalls, viewing a diverse range of flora and fauna, and soaking your tired body in the hot springs and thermal pools fed by the volcano.
If so much nature wears you out, but you still crave adventure, Flicker Air and Water Sports might have the thrill you seek. Located on the beach at the southern entrance to Senggigi, between The Beach Club and Café Alberto, Flicker offers a range of air and water activities for all the family.
Banana boat rides are great fun, bouncing across the water on the big yellow banana towed behind the speedboat. Flicker also has speedboats and canoes for hire, or for more sophisticated fun, hire a jet ski and go racing across the sea to the nearby bays. Lastly, if you crave an adrenaline rush, try parasailing. The huge colourful parachute will lift you high in the air as the speedboat pulls you out into the bay and up the coast. Thrill to the speed and height as you marvel at the fantastic views below.
