Senaru

Senaru is a village in North Lombok. Senaru is normally thought of as the key gateway village to an arduous trek up Mount Rinjani. There is a lot more to this area than that though, and those visitors less inclined towards serious trekking should not be discouraged from visiting here.

Understand
There are some cute little places to stay, and glorious scenery all around, including some notable waterfalls.

The village of Batu Koq about 1 km to the north, almost merges as one with Senaru these days.

Culture
The area around Senaru (and the wider Bayan district) was the birthplace of Lombok's unique Wektu Telu belief system — ancient animist practices combined with Islam.

Get in
If you come to do Rinjani trek, most operators will include transport before and after the trek, from/to Bangsal, Senggigi, Mataram, and sometimes more.

By car
From the main north coast road, turn south at the small town of Bayan from where it is about 8 km to Senaru village.

If you are coming from the main tourist areas in West Lombok, expect to pay about Rp 300,000-400,000 for a taxi or chartered vehicle.

It is about 1 hr 15 min from Bangsal harbour by car. New wide road from 2023 between Tanjung and Banyan.

By bus
It is possible, if a little difficult, to get to Senaru by bus from Mataram Mandalika bus terminal. From the main Mataram bus terminal, take a bus headed towards Anyar or Bayan. These are infrequent, there is no reliable timetable and the journey is 2½-3 hours. From Anyar or Bayan, try local transport like bemos or taxis to Senaru.

Get around
Once you are in Senaru, just walk: it is stunning here.

Depending on your hotel and trek tour, you may be offered free transport to waterfall or some other places.

Waterfalls


Aside from Mount Rinjani itself, the key attractions around here are the two well known waterfalls (air terjun). Guides abound in Senaru, and you might find it difficult walking anywhere without one. The best strategy is often to find a guide you like, agree a nominal price (under Rp 50,000) and have he or she (very unusually for Lombok, women guides are available here) accompany you. If nothing else, this will keep the others from hassling you.

Do
Climbing Mount Rinjani is not to be taken lightly and full details are given that article.

There are many other less demanding treks in the area, for example a panorama walk, or a day trip Senaru—Bayan. Senaru is a great base for these local treks.

Eat
All of the local bungalows and homestays have simple cafes attached.

There are a few simple warungs on the road between Senaru and Batu Koq villages. The local Sasak food is excellent — try to stick with the authentic local cooking as the dull, generic western traveller dishes may disappoint.

Go next

 * Mount Rinjani Go climb an active Volcano.
 * Tanjung Luxurious villas to rent, a golf course, boating marina and facilities, Lombok's premier resort the 5-star Oberoi Resort and Tugu, one of Lombok's more eclectic resort newcomers.
 * Bangsal just to get to the Gilis.
 * Gili Islands - an archipelago of three small islands off Lombok's northwestern coast with each island full of resorts
 * Senggigi Hotels large and small to suit all budgets, stylish boutique resorts, car and motorbike rentals. forest trekking. restaurants and nightlife.
 * Mataram Shopping, restaurants, museum, Namarda Water Park and on toward the central south of the island for the airport to leave Lombok for Java, Bali, Sumbawa, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
 * Kuta Surfing, Tangung Aan and explore the coastline of the south.