Overview
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About Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall
Tiu Kelep is probably the most famous waterfall on Lombok, but what most people don’t know is that, on your way there, you pass another impressive waterfall: the Sendang Gile. So, you get two of the most impressive waterfalls of Lombok for the price of one! These waterfalls are located in the north of Lombok, in Senaru, the village where most people stay for trekking to Mount Rinjani.
The Tiu Kelep is a giant wall of water with one big stream crossing the wall. Sendang Gile consists of two levels: an upper level with one stream, that splits into a small curtain of water in the second level, that falls down in the river below. To reach the waterfalls, you have to do a short hike through a lush green, jungle environment. Keep an eye on your belongings, because you can certainly encounter some monkeys along the way.
Swimming in the waterfalls didn’t seem like a good idea to us, because of the force of the water. We also didn’t think there was a proper pool. However, you can definitely find refreshment at the waterfalls through the splashing water, so make sure to protect your belongings!
For the real adventurers, there is an exciting alternative to just walking back from Tiu Kelep to the entrance. You can jump on a tube and slide your way back for a couple of hundred meters. The tricky thing about this is that the waterway goes along a kind of sewer, so you slide through a dark tunnel for a long stretch. Certainly not an experience for people with claustrophobia, but fun for the real daredevils.
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The hike to the waterfalls
There are two places where you can start your walk to the waterfalls: gate 1 at Warung Poetri and gate 2. We advice you to start your hike at gate 1. At gate 2, there are often locals, who will try to convince you that you need a guide, which is not true. Gate 1 is the more official gate, where you can make sure you are not being scammed and where you can avoid hassle. The trail from gate 2 is also steeper than the trail starting from gate 1.
From both gates, you start hiking down a set of concrete stairs. Keep following these stairs all the way down. After around 10 minutes, you first reach the Sendang Gile waterfall. To continue your way to Tiu Kelep, you have to go back up just a few stairs and then take the path to Tiu Kelep. The first part of this trail is a proper path that changes halfway into a path made of stones in an iron wire frame. You will have to cross the river several times (so make sure to bring some water sandals because your feet will get wet!), but overall the path is very clear. You just keep following the river. From Sendang Gile, it takes around 20-25 minutes to reach the impressive Tiu Kelep.
As we mentioned before, on your way back from Tiu Kelep, you can choose to slide back a part of the trail. They provide you with a rubber tube, a life jacket and a helmet. We are quite sure it is a fun experience, but we decided to just walk back. We can therefore not tell you whether it is nice to do it or not.
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How to get to Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile
To get to the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile, you can either rent a scooter and drive yourself or book a complete day tour, depending on where you are staying and how long you are willing to drive. From the famous area of Senggigi, it is around a 2-hours drive. A complete day tour can be a great opportunity to see the best attractions of the north of Lombok.
If you are planning to do the trekking on Mount Rinjani, we recommend that you stay in Seranu. It is the perfect base to start the trekking and to visit the waterfalls.
There are two places where you can start the hike to the waterfalls: gate 1 at Warung Poetri and gate 2. If you decide to visit Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile yourself with a scooter, we advice you to drive to gate 1. At gate 2, there might be some locals, who will try to convince you that you need a guide, which is not true.
Waterfalls
Best time to visit Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile
You can visit the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfall all year round. If you prefer to visit with more chance for better weather, it’s best to visit during dry season, from May to October. However, during the rainy season, from November to April, especially at the end of it, the waterfalls are most powerful and spectacular. You can therefore expect the best weather and still a powerful waterfall at the beginning of the dry season, in May.
The best time to visit this waterfall is before 10 am, before the day trippers arrive. If you want to be almost certain that you have the waterfall just for yourself and for great lighting, we recommend that you go as early in the morning as possible. Also try to avoid visiting during the weekend. On the other hand, you will never encounter the large masses here that you have at the famous waterfalls in Bali.
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