5 amazing waterfalls to see in Central Lombok

In addition to gorgeous white sandy beaches, an amazing underwater vista and the breathtaking Mount Rinjani, Lombok has plenty of beautiful waterfalls to visit. Some of them can be found around Mt. Rinjani, several are located in central Lombok while others are situated on the western and northern side of the island.

During my last trip to Lombok, I chose to visit Aik Berik village in Batukliang Utara district, Central Lombok regency -- just on the southern side of Mt. Rinjani's foot or around an hour drive from the city of Mataram -- in my search to marvel at the region's waterfalls.

I discovered five of them, with the help of a local guide, at a cost of Rp 100,000 (US$7.6) excluding an entrance fee of Rp 10,000 per person.

Our first destination that day was a waterfall called Pengkelep Udang. It is a rather hidden one as it is situated lower than the trekking path. At a height of 11 meters, the waterfall should be a favorite among adrenaline-pumping seekers as you can choose to jump from the very top to the water below.

The second waterfall, which is a twin called Benang Setokel, is only a ten-minute walk from Pengkelep Udang Waterfall. Literally meaning “a roll of yarn”, it is said that the locals who lived around the mountain a long time ago used to go to the waterfall and tried to measure its closest pond using a roll of yarn. Thus, until today, the 30-meter waterfall is known as Benang Setokel.

Getting to Kliwun and Sesere waterfalls was an adventure as we crossed the forest in the rain.

"It was us, the locals, who opened this path so that we could explore other waterfalls and boost tourism for our village," the local guide, Afif, told me during our rainy trek.

Hidden on the southern side of Mt. Rinjani's foot, Kliwun and Sesere waterfalls have their own myths. According to locals, there used to be a light seen at the Kliwun Waterfall on a kliwon day according to Javanese calendar. Meanwhile, people used to meditate at Sesere Waterfall, which literally means “desire”.

My trip later ended at the last waterfall, Benang Kelambu, which is situated around 500 meters from Benang Setokel Waterfall. I've seen photographs of it before, but still found myself mesmerized by its beauty. Up to 40 meters in height, Benang Kelambu Waterfall seems like a giant curtain on a wall of leaves. That is why the locals called it “kelambu”, which means curtain.

Benang Kelambu’s cliff was covered by leaves from its surrounding trees.

According to Afif, the spot is believed to be the bathing spot of Goddess Anjani, with its curtain-shaped waterfall being the curtain of her shower.

Tips
- The best time to embark on waterfall hopping is during the dry season

- Don't forget to wear proper shoes and bring enough water.

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