Private Benang Stokel & Kelambu Falls, Village & Beach Tour Lombok

Benang Stokel Waterfall

Benang Stokel lies near the village of Aik Berik in Central Lombok, on the forested southern slopes of Mount Rinjani, about an hour and a half from Mataram or Senggigi. Its name means a bundle of threads, and the twin streams of water that fall side by side from the rock wall really do look like it. A paved path and steps lead from the car park through tropical forest and bamboo to the falls, with monkeys sometimes seen in the trees.

You spend about an hour here with your guide and the local waterfall guide, admiring the falls and the cool green setting before continuing up the valley. The path has many steps and can be wet, so good shoes are useful. Arriving in the morning, as this tour does, means fewer visitors and softer light for photos of the water.

Benang Kelambu Waterfall

A walk of about twenty minutes further up the trail brings you to Benang Kelambu, one of the most unusual waterfalls in Indonesia. Instead of a single cascade, dozens of thin streams of spring water seep through a wall of hanging moss, ferns and roots, so the whole cliff looks like a lace curtain or a mosquito net, which is what its name means. The water collects in shallow pools among the rocks below.

This is the place to cool off: with about an hour and a half here you can stand under the gentle streams, swim in the pools and rest in the shade. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, and keep modest swimwear for the pools only. Benang Kelambu is at its most beautiful in the green season, but the path is easier in the dry months.

Sukarara weaving village

Sukarara is a Sasak village in Central Lombok known across Indonesia for its handwoven textiles. Weaving here is a family tradition passed from mother to daughter, and on the verandas of the houses you see women working at wooden backstrap looms, slowly building up songket cloth with gold and coloured threads and ikat fabrics dyed before they are woven. A single sarong can take weeks to finish.

This is the longest stop of the day, about two and a half hours including a break. A local guide explains the patterns, the natural dyes and the meaning of the motifs, and you can try a few passes on the loom yourself. There is also a market where you can buy a scarf, sarong or table runner directly from the weavers. Lunch is not included, but your guide can point you to local warungs nearby.

Tanjung Aan Beach

On the south coast near Kuta, Tanjung Aan is one of the loveliest beaches on Lombok: a long, curving bay of white sand with calm, clear turquoise water, sheltered by green hills and rocky headlands. It is famous for its two kinds of sand, coarse round grains that locals compare to pepper on one side and fine, powdery sand on the other, and for the gentle water that makes it good for a swim.

You have about an hour and a half here for swimming, a walk along the shore or simply relaxing in the shade with a fresh coconut from one of the small stalls. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the midday sun is strong. Vendors may approach you selling bracelets and sarongs; a polite smile is enough if you are not interested.

Sunset at Merese Hill

The day ends a few minutes away at Merese Hill, Bukit Merese, a grassy headland that rises right beside Tanjung Aan. A short walk up gentle slopes takes you to the top, where the view opens in every direction: the white curve of Tanjung Aan below, rolling green hills, small bays and islands along the coast, and the open Indian Ocean to the south. Buffalo sometimes graze on the slopes.

Merese Hill is the classic place for a sunset in south Lombok, and you have about two hours here to wander, take photos and watch the sky turn orange and violet. Bring a light layer, as the breeze picks up at dusk. After sunset our driver takes you back to your hotel in Kuta, Mataram, Senggigi or Bangsal Port.