Area guide

Tanjung & Sire guide: North Lombok, the Senaru waterfalls and the foot of Rinjani

Empty beaches at Sire, the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep falls, the old mosque at Bayan and the Gilis just 15 minutes from Bangsal.

Panduan Tanjung & Sire: Lombok Utara, air terjun Senaru, dan kaki Rinjani

North Lombok is the island’s quietest side. Coconut groves run from the beach up the slopes of Mount Rinjani, and the Sire peninsula juts into the sea with white-sand beaches that are often empty. From here the three Gilis are just 15 minutes away via Bangsal Harbour, and Lombok’s finest waterfalls are an hour to the east.

What to do

Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep waterfalls — two falls at Senaru on the foot of Rinjani — Sendang Gile is an easy walk, Tiu Kelep a short trek up the river.
Trek Mount Rinjani — a 2–3 day climb to the crater rim above the Segara Anak lake; trails usually close in the wet season.
Bayan Beleq ancient mosque — one of Lombok’s oldest mosques, with a palm-fibre roof and bamboo walls.
Sire & Medana beaches — calm water for swimming and kayaking, with Gili Air on the horizon.
Day trip to the three Gilis — leave Bangsal in the morning, snorkel, and be back for dinner at the villa.

What to eat

Ayam taliwang & plecing kangkung — the classic Sasak pairing.
Sate pusut — minced meat mixed with grated coconut, wrapped around bamboo sticks.
North Lombok coffee — robusta from the farms on Rinjani’s slopes.
Fishermen’s grilled fish — the catch from the fishing villages along the Tanjung coast.

Rinjani's crater and the Segara Anak lake

Arts & culture

Bayan Beleq ancient mosque — one of Lombok’s oldest mosques and the centre of the Wetu Telu tradition, which blends Islam with Sasak custom.
Senaru traditional village — traditional houses at the foot of Rinjani, where villagers still hold ceremonies before the planting season.
Bayan weaving — North Lombok cloth with simple motifs and natural dyes.
Sacred Rinjani — for the Sasak, Rinjani and the Segara Anak lake are holy; many climb to pray.

Best time & tips

The dry season (April–November) is best for waterfalls and trekking. Rinjani National Park usually closes the summit trails at the height of the wet season, so check before you go. It is a quiet area — bring cash and use a driver for long trips.