Tiu Kelep Waterfall & Sendang Gile Waterfall, Lombok

Many visitors coming to Lombok Island mostly know Senaru village as a gateway before climbing the famous Mount Rinjani. These visitors are not wrong. But aside from Rinjani, Senaru offers several best-kept secrets often overlooked by tourists. Tiu Kelep Waterfall is only within a walking distance from Senaru. It would be a shame to miss it.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall is still within the area of Mount Rinjani National Park. The waterfall is surrounded by a dense protected forest fill with tropical plants. Particularly such as Bajur Tree (Pterocarpus sp.), Sentul Tree (Sondarium), and Teak Tree (Tektona grandis). These trees are the home to protected fauna such as wild monkeys and a species of cockatoo.

The same forest hosts another waterfall close to Tiu Kelep, called Sendang Gile Waterfall. Tiu Kelep means flying beads of water. A 45-m high waterfall. Locals gave the waterfall its name because water flies wildly from this waterfall due to its height.

Locals also say that the roaring sound of water dropping gets louder. Especially when people talk noisily around the waterfall. During the earthquake that devastated Lombok and Bali in 2018, Tiu Kelep is one of the destinations severely affected by the disaster.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall Track

Trekking to Tiu Kelep Waterfall is a moderate journey of around 20 minutes. Walking through the lush tropical jungle. Muddy paths comprise most of the trails leading into several shallow rivers without bridges. Expect to walk along knee-deep in these rivers.

Better take off the shoes, and enjoy the sensation of cold river pebbles on the barefooted feet. The beauty of the Tiu Kelep waterfall will make mouths agape. Once trekkers arrive at the destination. Tiu Kelep has a unique waterfall formation. The looming canyon spits out one single, strong pillar of water.

Several meters below. Dozens of small streams look like they seep out. In between the overhangs on the cliff wall. Mist fills the air, and sprays of water create small rainbows on some parts. These streams of water crash into a rounded pool below. There’s nothing separates visitors from the water other than small river rocks around the edge.

Swim, because what else does this pool invite to. The water is freezing but it’s not something discouraging. Keep a distance from the big waterfall. The sheer size of it makes the waterfall not something to stand under.

Sendang Gile, a Crazily Breathtaking Sight

Sindang Gile is a curious name for a waterfall. Translates into ‘Crazy Waterfall’ in English. Many would ask why the waterfall is called so. The name relates to a local story about villagers chasing a mad lion. But, in the end, found this waterfall instead. Sendang Gile Waterfall is only several minutes’ easy trek from the Tiu Kelep entrance.

Actually, many people visit this waterfall first, before the Tiu Kelep waterfall due to its easy access. If canyon overhangs at Tiu Kelep are thick. Vegetation at Sendang Gile canyons is three times thicker and denser. Water struggles to maintain a consistent single fall.

The effect is amazing, the vegetation forms a tiered waterfall as a result. Cascading streams race impatiently toward the jungle’s floor, forming a small lake. Another myth says Sendang Gile Waterfall keeps whoever bathes here young. An elixir of youth, now that’s definitely something everyone wants to believe.

Regardless of whether it’s true or not, just make a plunge. The refreshing water will take the stress away, and stress-less people stay young. So in some way, the waterfall does have a youthful benefit.

Climbing Mount Rinjani

A climb to Rinjani is not something to take lightly. A lot of preparations have to be made, whether it’s mental or physical. Tourists may visit Lombok Island only for destinations under the mountain. Like its beaches and the waterfalls. But those with physical fitness and a hunger for adventure. Should definitely try to conquer one of the hardest climbs in Indonesia.

Readmore: Tips & Guide To Summit Mount Rinjani, Explore Lake & Crater.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall & Sendang Gile Opening Hours

Tiu Kelep waterfall and its neighborhood fall open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit Sendang Gile waterfall and Tiu Kelep is early in the morning. This is when the wild monkeys do not go into hiding.

See: Guide To See Komodo Dragon in Komodo National Park.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall Entrance Fee

The ticket is only Rp20.000 so it is very cheap. Some spots along the waterfall trail are still recovering from the recent 2018 earthquake. So expect some rocks and debris along the way that have not been cleaned up.

See: Guide To Explore Padar Island, Hill & Beach Hopping.

Facilities

Toilets and changing rooms are available near the waterfall. Parking is small but accommodating enough. Food vendors are plenty and some can be persistent in persuading tourists to buy something from them.

A guide isn’t required, but there’s a service for this should visitors need assistance. There are many guesthouses around Senaru Village as affordable as Rp100.000 per night.

See: Trekking To Wae Rebo Village & Staying Overnight in Traditional House.

How To Get To Tiu Kelep Waterfall

Senaru Village is around 2,5 hours from Lombok’s capital city, Mataram. The most convenient way to get to Senaru is by renting a chartered vehicle. Usually costs from Rp400.000 to Rp600.000. There is a public bus service Mataram-Senaru but the schedule is not reliable.

It also takes longer since buses have to make several stops along the way. Once at Senaru, visitors can get around the village simply by walking. Tiu Kelep’s entrance is approximately 20 minutes from the village center. Could be shorter if visitors book accommodation closer to the waterfall.

A motorcycle taxi service is available if tourists don’t feel like walking. Visitors can also rent a motorcycle, which costs around Rp50.000 per day.

See: Kelimutu National Park & Tri-Colored Crater Lake.

Address & Location

Tiu Kelep waterfall and Sendang Gile are located in the same village, Senaru, Bayan, North Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83354.