Lombok’s Benang Stokel & Kelambu Waterfall Tour: A Real Review

Planning a trip to Lombok and considering the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall Tour? Well, you’ve come to the right spot! So, this review offers insights and helps set your expectations, covering pretty much everything from the trek itself to what you should pack. Ultimately, this should allow you to decide if this adventure is what you really want. This is a honest peek, and that should arm you with advice to make the most of your visit.

What Makes Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu So Special?

Lombok, unlike its famously crowded neighbor, Bali, tends to offer a bit of an escape into true, untouched nature. And the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls, tucked away at the foot of Mount Rinjani, actually showcase just that. Essentially, Benang Stokel, meaning ‘a bundle of thread’, is more or less named after the thin streams of water that trickle down the rock face. Pretty apt, don’t you think? It is rather charming and easily accessible, making it a suitable stop for basically everyone. However, Benang Kelambu, or ‘net curtain,’ tends to provide a more impressive sight. Arguably, it has plants that grow all over the cliffside, dividing the falls into what really resembles a curtain. That is almost dreamlike in appearance. This particular spot requires a longer trek. So, that is where its appeal lies, right? A deeper connection with the wilderness.

Getting There: A Glimpse of Local Life

To get to the falls, well, most folks usually start from Senggigi or Mataram, that, really, are the main tourist hubs in Lombok. So, from either location, it is roughly a 1-hour to 1.5-hour drive to the entrance of the waterfall area. It might be nice to rent a scooter, that allows you the freedom to stop and absorb the countryside at your own rhythm. However, a private car with a driver provides a relaxed experience. Actually, you can often arrange this through your hotel or a local travel agency. As I was saying, the drive itself offers snapshots of Lombok’s daily life. Rice paddies line the roads, little villages with children waving cheerfully tend to add local charm, and perhaps the occasional monkey will pop up to make things interesting!

The Trek: Choosing Your Path

From the entrance, that is where you are usually greeted by local guides offering their services, you’ll come across a bit of a fork in the path. In a way, the trek to Benang Stokel is short, maybe 15-20 minutes. Very suitable for families or anyone seeking an easy nature walk. However, getting to Benang Kelambu calls for a bit more physical activity. I mean, we are talking closer to 45 minutes to an hour of trekking through dirt paths, and crossing shallow streams. As a matter of fact, you have the option of hiring a motorcycle taxi for a part of the trip to Benang Kelambu, cutting down on some of the walking, but be aware it can be rather bumpy! By the way, going with a guide, especially for Benang Kelambu, is quite helpful because they know the terrain very well. Guides also tend to share details about the local flora and fauna. More or less enriching the experience.

Benang Stokel: Quick Dip and Photo Op

Benang Stokel has an appealing spot for a speedy dip. You see, the pool is really cool and refreshing after a brief walk. Very nice spot for some photos, by the way! Arguably, you might not spend hours here. That’s OK, just embrace it for its simple appeal. Essentially, the atmosphere is relaxing and offers an ideal taste of Lombok’s natural scenery without overly exerting oneself.

Benang Kelambu: A True Natural Wonder

Arriving at Benang Kelambu is pretty much like entering a secret garden. So, the multiple tiers of water cascading down, behind a wall of lush greenery, could be something directly from a movie. Honestly, it is stunning. As I was saying, swimming here tends to feel unreal as the water is so crisp and the backdrop is purely gorgeous. The trek and the scenery more than pay you back the extra effort needed. I mean, this is that memory you highlight from your trip.

Things to Consider: Guide Fees, Entrance Costs and Extra Spending

It’s worth figuring out some practicalities prior to going. Apparently, the entrance fee to the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu area is about 10,000 IDR (less than $1 USD). Of course, this will probably change. But it shouldn’t break the bank. More or less expect to negotiate guide fees. Guides might cost approximately 100,000 to 200,000 IDR, based on their service and negotiation skills. As I was saying, their guidance might make or break the trip, specifically if you are after detailed info or just want assurance on the tougher trail sections. Plus, you should probably figure out small costs, just like parking or purchasing beverages. More or less, budgeting a small amount actually helps ensure things are simple.

What to Pack: Be Ready!

Making your visit really enjoyable often relies on bringing proper gear. Obviously, you would benefit from packing some must-haves, wouldn’t you? Those include comfy walking shoes which are great if they also grip, given that the route might get muddy. Arguably, carrying swimwear is worth it if you are thinking about soaking. You can feel free to have on some water shoes, protecting your feet in the pools. Arguably, bugs tend to be more active in this terrain, therefore apply bug repellent. Lastly, bring water to hydrate and also bring snacks for energy. It is vital. Packing lightly would actually make traversing routes less difficult. If you want, add a dry bag for electronics. What happens if your camera gets soaked? You probably don’t want that.

Responsible Tourism: Respect the Land

Whenever you explore spots of natural beauty, you should show awareness towards their conservation. Clearly, avoid littering and stay on marked trails in order to safeguard vegetation. Just think about assisting in preserving this amazing location! Help people who come after you appreciate Lombok’s waterfalls too.

When to Visit: Timing Matters!

Trying to time your visit to Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu might actually improve your time there considerably. That would be pretty awesome, right? So, go in the dry season, around April to September. In essence, it has less rainfall which really ensures less slippery paths and clearer water. Try to come in the morning so it is easier to dodge huge tourist crowds, improving your chance of peace when enjoying nature’s beauty.

Photography Tips for Picture-Perfect Memories

Want to capture the breathtaking magnificence of Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu on camera? Essentially, get up and go there early during the day, so you make use of even, gentle sunlight for that professional touch. As I was saying, give long exposures a shot. These are pretty useful if you need those misty waterfall results, remember a tripod. Or, consider wider angles to capture every drop of water and lush green background. And consider how reflections make streams and still pools even more charming. With luck, get remarkable photographs of this tropical scenery by experimenting, adjusting some of your tactics and truly connecting yourself. Now those are great ways. Aren’t they?

In sum, the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall Tour offers some amazing tastes. So, this lets anyone enjoy Lombok’s innate grandeur! From peaceful landscapes all around Benang Stokel to even greater magnificence featured at Benang Kelambu, it is an awesome trip appropriate for people spanning diverse capabilities. Basically, by factoring useful prep advice along with admiration of local environmental stewardship techniques? Surely a memorable outing may take place that promotes valuing Indonesia.

Summary of Key Points:

• Location: Nestled near the base of Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia.
• Waterfalls: Benang Stokel is ideal for a quick, simple visit. Benang Kelambu boasts majestic, curtain-like falls for an immersive nature trek.
• Getting There: Convenient drives from Senggigi or Mataram, with choices between scooter independence and the relaxation of private transport.
• Trekking: Effortless routes to Benang Stokel contrasted with reasonably taxing but pleasing journeys on the road to Benang Kelambu.
• Planning: See whether getting a local guide proves beneficial considering trail know-how and enriching educational snippets imparted here or on other adventures across stunning destinations that exist outside Lombok!