NORTH LOMBOK

The sparsely populated northern part of Lombok is remarkably beautiful, with a variety of landscapes and seascapes, few tourist is not frequent, nor does it detour from the main road. With a set of wheels, however, you can stop along the way to admire the views, and make side trips to the coast, waterfall and in land villages. The major attraction in unquestionably the mighty Guning Rinjani.

Bangsal to Bayan

The road from Senggigi to Bangsal is scenic, especially the inland route through Pusuk Pass. But continuing north from Bangsal, the road is winding and often steep and public transport is less frequent. Several minibuses a day go frm Mandalika terminal in Bertais (Mataram) to Bayan, and make stop along the way, but you my have to get connections in Pemenang and/or Anyar.

Sira This peninsula has a great beach and snorkeling potential offshore. Budget travelers pass through, but those on on a limitless budget can consider the Oberoi Lombok. It is Lombok’s most luxurious hotel, with a fine pool and beach, and indulgent villas with private pools.

Tanjung This overgrown village in the major town and transport terminal from the north cost and has a big cattle market on Sunday.

Gondangn & Around Just northeast of Gondang village, a 4km trial heads inland to Air Terjun Tiu Pupas, a 30m waterfall that is best in the wet season. There are other nearby waterfalls on the northern slopes of Gunung Rinjani, but they are only worth seeing up until the beginning of dray season, and most are very difficult to reach. Try Air Terjun Gangga, the most impressive of them all, along a beautiful trial.

A little further northeast, Karang Kates (Krakas) has spring that spurt out freshwater from the sea bed offshore – the local collect their drinking water from the sea. The sign announcing ‘Water in the sea’ is not quite as daft as it first looks. It is a great area for snorkeling but bring you own gear or rent something I Senggigi.

Segenter This traditional Sasak village is a bit hard to fine, but worth the effort. A track heads south off the main road, about 1km west of Sukadana. The village is neatly laid out, with row of identical rectangular houses facing each other and communal pavilions in between. Make a donation and sign the visitor’s book.

Bayan This northernmost part of Lombok is the birthplace of the Wektu Telu religion, and also a home for traditional Moslem. The mosque, on the road eat of the junction at Bayan, is side to be the oldest in Lombok dating from 1634.

Senaru

This picturesque village, bursting with flowers, is the usual starting point for climb up to the Gunung Rinjani, but event you’re not interested in climbing, Senaru is still worth a visit. There is a good rage of budget accommodation here and in neighbouring Batu Koq, some with superb views over the valley to the east and up to the rim of Gunung Rinjani.

Things To See and Do Definitely visit, Air Terjun Sindang Gila is spectacular set  of falls 20 minutes walk from Senaru. The walk is partly partly trough forest and partly alongside and irrigation canal that follows the contour of the hill, occasionally disappearing into tunnels where the cliffs are too steep. Another 40 minutes or so further up the hill is Air Terjun Tiu Kelep, a spot where you can go swimming.

Sapit

Sapit has stunning view across to Sumbawa, with Gunung Rinjani forming a spectacular backdrop. Event if you’re not climbing Gunung Rinjani, Sapit is still worth visiting if you want somewhere cool and relaxing to hang out. Between Swela and Sapit, a side road goes to Taman Lemor (Lemor Park open 8.00am-4.00pm daily), where there’s refreshing spring-fed swimming pool, and a few pesky monkeys. Further down the road towards Pringgabaya, another side road goes to Makam Selaparang, the burial place of ancient Selaparang Kings, Neither place is particularly exciting, but it’s good axcuse for some hiking. You can also visit a few hot water springs and small waterfalls near Sapit. To reach Sapit, first catch a bus to Pringgabaya, which is on the main road between Labuhan Lombok and Mataram. From Pringgabaya catch a bemo to Sapit.