Day Trip Waterfall (Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel, Sesere)

Lombok’s best waterfall day trips do not stop at one viewpoint. This route links Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, and Sesere, with forest paths, swimming pools, and quiet picnic spots along the way. The drive itself is worthwhile, passing rice fields and coconut palms before the walking begins.

I like the private format, since your group can set its own pace instead of waiting for a large busload. I also like the useful mix of inclusions: transport, lunch, entrance fees, donations, and a local guide are covered. Guides such as Nining and Mizri have helped make the day warm and easygoing.

The main catch is the physical effort. Steep stairs and slippery sections make this a poor choice if you have trouble walking downhill or climbing back up. A $15 fuel surcharge per booking also applies, so the advertised $72 price is not the final cost for every group.

Key points to know before you go

• Three named waterfalls in one day: Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, and Sesere give you several different settings rather than one quick stop.
• Private transport and pickup: Your group travels together from the hotel, with roughly 90 minutes on the road before reaching the waterfall entrance.
• A real walk, not just a photo stop: Expect tropical paths, steep stairs, and some slippery footing.
• Swimming is part of the appeal: Benang Stokel has large pools, and other falls may offer places to cool off.
• Local guides add practical help: Guides such as Nining and Mizri can handle the route, explain the area, and help with local customs.
• Lunch and entry costs are included: The $72 per-person price covers several useful basics, but add the $15 fuel surcharge per booking.

Why this Lombok waterfall route is worth your day

This is a good choice if you want to trade beach time for a greener, more active side of Lombok. You leave the hotel at about 8:00 am and spend close to 10 hours on the outing, including the drive, walking, swimming, lunch, and return journey.

The route is not built around a single grand viewpoint. Its appeal comes from variety. Benang Stokel offers a more open waterfall setting with pools. Benang Kelambu has water spilling through thick plant growth in several narrow streams. Sesere feels quieter and less polished, which suits anyone who likes a little searching and walking with their scenery.

I also like that this is a private activity. Only your own group takes part, so you can stop for photographs, take a break on the stairs, or spend longer near a pool without trying to keep up with strangers. That matters in hot weather, when a short rest can make the difference between enjoying the route and merely finishing it.

The 90-minute drive through rural Lombok

Pickup is offered from your hotel, with an 8:00 am start. The drive to the waterfall entrance takes about one hour and 30 minutes, so plan on a proper road journey rather than a quick transfer.

The scenery changes as you go. Rice fields and coconut palms give the ride a rural feel, and the route provides a useful look at Lombok beyond its resort areas. The transport is private, which is more comfortable for a full-day outing and lets you travel with only your own party.

The long drive is also the first thing to weigh against the price. If you are staying far from the waterfall area, nearly three hours of the day can go toward getting there and back. I would still choose this route for the range of stops, but it is less suitable if you want a short half-day excursion.

Benang Stokel: the first waterfall stop

The first main visit takes you toward Benang Stokel through tropical forest. The approach includes a scenic walk, with local plants and glimpses of the surrounding countryside along the path.

The waterfall area is known for pools that are suitable for swimming, and one of the larger pools is considered the best place to get in the water. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. You should also expect wet ground and footwear that may lose traction.

This is where the guide can be especially useful. A guide can point out the practical route, help you judge the footing, and show you where to stop without wasting time. One route sometimes offers bicycles for part of the approach. They can save energy and time, although the path can still be difficult, so a bicycle is not a complete substitute for walking.

The stated time at this part of the route is about 40 minutes. That is enough for a look, photographs, and perhaps a short swim, but not an extended stay if the schedule is running normally. If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask your guide early how much time you can spend at the pools.

Benang Kelambu and its curtain-like streams

Benang Kelambu receives about an hour on the route and is the more unusual of the named stops. Its water falls in thin streams through dense greenery, creating the appearance of a natural curtain rather than one heavy drop.

The setting is calm and photogenic, especially if you prefer close views of water and plants to a wide lookout. There is also a small café near the waterfall, where you might find coffee and other drinks. That simple stop is useful after the climb and gives you a place to sit with the sound of the water nearby.

Do not mistake the pretty setting for an easy walk. The stairs to Benang Kelambu can be steep, and some sections may be slippery. The return climb is the part that tests your legs, particularly after you have already walked to the first waterfall.

I would wear sturdy shoes with a good grip and carry only what you need. A large bag becomes tiresome on steep steps, and wet clothes add weight. Keep your camera or phone protected from spray and sudden rain.

Sesere Waterfall for a quieter finish

Sesere receives about one hour and 30 minutes, making it the longest of the three named waterfall stops. It is presented as a more secluded part of the route, with thick forest and a quieter feel than the main waterfall areas.

That extra time gives you room to slow down. You can take photographs, enjoy the surroundings, and let the guide set a comfortable pace. Sesere is a good reason to choose this tour instead of visiting only the most familiar waterfall near the entrance.

The word secluded should not be taken to mean effortless. This is still a forest and waterfall outing, not a paved sightseeing circuit. Paths can be uneven, and the same basic rules apply: wear shoes that can handle damp ground, keep both hands free where possible, and allow extra energy for the climb out.

Some descriptions of the waterfall area refer to four waterfalls in total, with additional falls reached by smaller paths. The named tour route focuses on Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, and Sesere, so ask your guide what is possible on the day if you want to look for an extra fall.

How hard is the walk?

The tour requires a moderate level of fitness. That wording matters here. The route includes trekking, steep stairs, downhill sections, and an uphill return. The walks are not necessarily long, but the slope and wet footing make them more demanding than the time estimates suggest.

I would rate it as manageable for someone who walks regularly and feels steady on stairs. It may be uncomfortable for anyone with knee, ankle, or balance problems. The route is also less suitable if you want to stay completely dry or avoid uneven ground.

Bicycles may be offered for part of the route, and some people choose them to reduce the approach time. Still, you should not book this expecting to ride all the way to each waterfall. The paths themselves remain part of the day.

Your guide can make the outing easier by helping with timing and route choices. Guides named Nining and Mizri have been associated with this experience, though the guide assigned to your booking may be different.

Swimming, clothing, and local customs

Swimming adds real value to the day, particularly at the larger pools near Benang Stokel. You will want a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes, and a waterproof pouch for valuables.

Pay attention to local expectations around swimwear. At least one guide has provided sarongs for women who were wearing bikinis, so modest coverage may be expected at the waterfall pools. Packing a light cover-up is a simple way to stay comfortable and avoid depending on borrowed clothing.

The water and rocks also call for care. Even if a pool looks calm, wet stone can be slick, and the guide’s advice is worth following. Do not treat the waterfall area like a supervised swimming pool.

Lunch, guides, and what the price covers

The $72 per-person cost includes private transportation, lunch, entrance fees, donations, and a local guide. That is a useful package for a full day, especially if you are traveling as a small group and would otherwise need to arrange transport, admission, food, and directions separately.

The private format gives the price more value for couples, families, and friends who want the vehicle and guide to themselves. Group discounts are offered, so larger parties should check the final rate before booking. A $15 fuel surcharge per booking is not included in the headline price, and it should be added to your budget from the start.

Lunch keeps the day practical, but the available information does not specify the menu. If you have dietary needs, contact the supplier before departure rather than assuming a particular meal will be available.

The entrance area also has restaurants, and Benang Kelambu has a small café for coffee and drinks. Those stops can be useful, but extra purchases are not listed among the inclusions.

Who should book this waterfall day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A private day rather than a shared coach outing
• Several waterfalls in one organized route
• A local guide to handle directions and timing
• Swimming, forest walking, and photography in one day
• Lunch and entrance costs bundled into the booking
• A chance to support local guiding and transport services

I would think twice if you want a gentle sightseeing day with almost no walking. The route can be steep and slippery, and the drive is long. It is also not the best match for anyone who needs fully step-free access, since stairs and uneven paths are central to the visit.

The tour suits active families with older children, couples, friends, and solo visitors who prefer a private arrangement. You should be comfortable with a moderate physical challenge and changing conditions underfoot.

Practical ways to enjoy the route

Start with shoes that grip well. Flip-flops may work for the vehicle and café, but they are a poor choice for steep or damp paths.

Pack swimwear, a towel, a dry shirt, sun protection, insect repellent, and a waterproof case. Keep your load light, since you will carry it on stairs and forest paths.

Use the guide for timing. If you care most about swimming, say so before reaching Benang Stokel. If you want the quieter Sesere stop, make that clear too. A private tour works best when you explain your priorities rather than simply following the clock.

Book with the cancellation rule in mind. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a full, active day that combines three named waterfalls, private transport, lunch, and local help. The strongest value comes from the complete package and the freedom of traveling with only your own group.

Skip it if your idea of a waterfall visit means a short walk from the car to a viewpoint. Benang Kelambu and Sesere require effort, and the return climbs can be tiring. For fit visitors who want more than a single photograph, though, this is a well-rounded way to see Lombok’s forest waterfalls without arranging every detail yourself.

FAQ

How long is the waterfall tour?

The experience lasts about 10 hours, including transportation, walking, waterfall visits, and lunch.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the private vehicle takes you from your hotel to the waterfall entrance.

Which waterfalls are included?

The route names Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, and Sesere waterfalls.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the activity.

What is included in the price?

Private transportation, lunch, entrance fees and donations, and a local guide are included.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. A $15 fuel surcharge applies per booking.

Can I swim during the tour?

Swimming is possible, including at the larger pools near Benang Stokel. Bring suitable swimwear and a change of clothes.

How physically demanding is the route?

A moderate fitness level is required. Expect trekking, steep stairs, downhill paths, uphill returns, and possibly slippery sections.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.