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CENTRAL LOMBOK

Benang Stokel is located in the village of Aik Berik in Central Lombok, about 27 km east of Mataram and less than one hour's drive from the capital. The area boasts two stunning and separate waterfalls – Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu – each within trekking distance of each other.

Benang Stokel is the first of the waterfalls and is easily accessed by a short walk from the paved parking area at the start of this national reserve. There is a small entrance fee payable, which helps maintain the park area and the limited camping facilities nearby. There are also small stalls selling snacks and drinks, and friendly young boys who work as unofficial guides and will carry your bags or picnic baskets.

Benang Stokel features two waterfalls falling more than 30 metres down a steep cliff face covered with ferns and jungle vegetation. The waterfall to the left is the higher of the two and is more powerful. The fall on the right side splashes into a small rocky pool at the bottom. Local people have come to these waterfalls for centuries to refresh themselves in the cool and serene atmosphere and to stand under the pounding waters, which are believed to have healing properties.

Benang Stokel is now opening up as an alternative trekking route for people wishing to climb Lombok's famous volcano, Mt Rinjani. Trekking through dense forest, the climb up to the crater rim takes between 6 and 8 hours and offers lots of variety, with the famed Tiara Dewi Anjani waterfall as one of its highlights, as well as the possibility of seeing herds of deer. The area is also home to the rare black Ebony Leaf monkey, orchids, butterflies, vanilla orchids, cocoa and coffee trees. This route has been used for centuries by hunters and local people, and is perfect for trekkers looking for a completely different angle of approach to climbing Rinjani.

After relaxing on one of the berugaks and a cool splash in the water, it is relatively easy to make the trek to the next set of waterfalls, around 30 to 45 minutes away. A small track leads up the incline through the jungle, twisting through the verdant rainforest of the surrounding hills. Although parts of the trek can be arduous, the track is safe and can be navigated by most people. The view of Benang Kelambu at the end is worth every minute of the effort!

Kelambu means "net" in the local Sasak language and refers to the waterfalls, which spread out across the hillside like drapes or nets. There are around five different waterfalls, each falling like veils through the lush ferns and jungle vines that cover the 40 metre high hillside. At the base of these falls, the water splashes on rocks and runs in pretty streams down the hill to the river below. It is an idyllic place to relax, climbing the rocks and sitting under the falls to cool off, letting the water splash gently over you and wash away the stress. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade and spend a few hours drinking in the serene beauty of this lovely spot.

Both waterfalls can get a bit crowded on Sundays and public holidays, as they are popular picnic destinations for local families, but during the week the area is a peaceful and enchanting place to visit.