For Australian travellers seeking an adventure beyond Bali, the neighbouring island of Lombok offers a surprising natural bounty: spectacular, towering waterfalls that dwarf their Balinese counterparts. While drier and flatter than its famous neighbour, Lombok is dominated by the mighty Mount Rinjani, which stands at 3726 metres. This single, colossal volcano is the source of cascades that are both taller and, in many cases, far more challenging to reach.
Giants of the Jungle: Lombok's Towering Cascades
The crown jewel is Tiu Sekeper, Lombok's tallest waterfall at 110 metres. To put that in perspective, it's a full 30 metres higher than Sekumpul, the tallest waterfall in Bali. However, this natural wonder is reserved for the most determined adventurers. Hidden deep within the Rinjani jungle in the island's north, reaching Tiu Sekeper involves a challenging six-hour return trek from the carpark, navigating slippery and steep sections of dense rainforest.
For most visitors, a more accessible yet equally stunning option is the Benang Kelambu waterfall on Rinjani's southern slopes. This site is part of a cluster of four waterfalls that are relatively close together, allowing explorers to experience multiple cascades in a single, manageable trip. During peak tourism periods, these spots can attract hundreds of daily visitors, often on day trips from popular resort areas like Senggigi or Kuta.
An Insider's Escape to the Highlands
To truly escape the crowds, one savvy travel strategy is to arrive in the late afternoon and stay overnight. The village of Aik Berik, situated 550 metres above sea level, offers a perfect retreat with cabin accommodations. The climate here is noticeably milder and more refreshing than the coastal lowlands, and the local community is renowned for its charm and hospitality.
From this tranquil base, the waterfall park is easily accessible. A morning walk leads to the office and parking area at the entrance, where a modest entry fee of $10 includes the services of a mandatory guide. This policy supports the local economy and ensures visitor safety. Guides like Ali, who was leading this particular expedition, are deeply knowledgeable about the area's ecology and history, and often share a genuine passion for their work that transcends financial gain. "Money is number seven on my list," Ali remarked, highlighting his primary motivation.
Navigating the Waterfall Circuit
The trek to see the four waterfalls in the Benang Kelambu group takes roughly an hour through lush jungle paths. The experience is a feast for the senses, combining the sounds of rushing water, the sight of sunlight filtering through dense canopy, and the cool mist from the cascades. Among them, the Benang Stokel waterfall presents a particularly mesmerising scene, with water flowing over a wide, curtain-like rock face.
This Lombok adventure offers a compelling alternative for Australians looking to delve deeper into Indonesia's natural wonders. It combines physical activity, cultural interaction, and the reward of discovering some of the region's most impressive and less-crowded waterfalls, all under the shadow of the majestic Mount Rinjani.
