The village of Senaru
On Lombok island in Indonesia you’ll find one of the most magical rural villages. Senaru lies at the foot of Gunung (Mount) Rinjani, Indonesia’s second highest mountain. This village snakes its way along the only road leading to the base camp of the mountain – houses, orchards and rice paddies line the road until you get close to the base camp where the houses begin to make way for guest houses and small hotels. Most of these lodgings have small restaurants within them.
Aside from sleeping, relaxing and eating there are plenty of other things to do in Senaru. It’s main tourist attraction is the mountain itself. Senaru serves as a base camp for mountain climbing expeditions. Most climbers stay in the village for a day or two to organise their guide, porters and equipment for the climb. Climbs can take three to five days and you are well advised to make sure you take a guide with you. It’s not an easy climb.
Apart from mountain climbing, there are the local waterfalls Sindang Gila and Tiu Kelep, both worth the morning or afternoon hike to get there. If the mountain climb seems too much like hard work, most guest houses will be able to arrange some ’soft trekking’, which includes the hike to the waterfalls, but can also include a fascinating day walk around the hills and valleys terraced with a myriad of rice paddies, cultivated by the local Sasak people.
A visit to a traditional Sasak village is another way to gain an insight into the local culture of the area. Here you will see how people lived for centuries as well as learn about the development of Islam on the island, including a traditional Lombok mosque.
A 15 minute drive will get you to the coast and a visit to the swimming beach is something that not many people do – if you do find the time it is a wonderful experience to hang with the local fishing communities that live along the coast.
All in all there is plenty to see and do to keep you in Senaru. Don’t be worried that the mountain climb is the only thing to do there. It is also a great place to take some time out, relax and recharge the batteries – well away from the normal Lombok tourist areas.
And finally, the one thing that will make a visit to Senaru special are the locals. A more friendly and welcoming community is hard to find. They are what really makes days spent in Senaru magical.