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Indonesia🇮🇩 | hikesBenang StokelTwin waterfalls, Mount Semeru foothills, short forest trail | things to do and best time to go

Explore Sendang Gile WaterfallExplore Red Coral Waterfall

Backpacking in Benang Stokel
👀 For curious travelershike ranked #17
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Local Sasak people leave small offerings of rice and flowers at the base of Benang Stokel's falls, a practice most trekkers walk past without noticing. Tucked in the foothills above Senaru village in northern Lombok, this waterfall hike delivers raw tropical energy without the crowds of Bali. The 2-kilometer trail climbs steeply through rice paddies and jungle, rewarding effort with a powerful cascade framed by emerald cliffs. I remember the shock of cold spray hitting my face as I rounded the final bend, the roar suddenly overwhelming. Difficulty sits between moderate and demanding; expect slippery roots and scrambling. Public transport reaches Senaru by minibus from Mataram in 90 minutes. Compared to Lombok's other falls, Benang Stokel packs more vertical punch than Tiu Kelep, though both lie within a day's reach.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #17 hike in Indonesia
The unique appeal for travelers

Backpackers seek out Benang Stokel for its low-effort waterfall payoff: a short, scenic walk through rice paddies and forest leads to a tiered cascade that feels remote despite being accessible by public transport from Lombok's main towns. The flexible distance means you can hike to the first pool in 30 minutes or push deeper into the canyon for a fuller day. Cost is minimal, crowds are light compared to Bali's trails, and the hike works as a standalone morning excursion or as part of a longer Lombok loop without requiring permits or guides.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Benang Stokel Waterfall The main cascade drops roughly 35 meters into a jade pool, fed by underground springs that keep water cold year-round. The sheer volume and power distinguish it from smaller falls nearby.
  2. Emerald Cliff Face Moss-covered rock walls frame the falls, creating a natural amphitheater. The green intensifies after rain, turning the backdrop almost luminescent.
  3. Rice Paddy Approach The opening kilometer winds through working paddies where farmers still hand-plant and harvest. You walk through active agricultural life, not a preserved museum.
  4. Jungle Canopy Transition The trail shifts abruptly from open fields into dense forest. The temperature drop and shift from sunlight to dappled shade marks a genuine ecological boundary.
  5. Cold Pool Basin The plunge pool stays cold enough to shock
… read more 👉
  1. Benang Stokel Waterfall The main cascade drops roughly 35 meters into a jade pool, fed by underground springs that keep water cold year-round. The sheer volume and power distinguish it from smaller falls nearby.
  2. Emerald Cliff Face Moss-covered rock walls frame the falls, creating a natural amphitheater. The green intensifies after rain, turning the backdrop almost luminescent.
  3. Rice Paddy Approach The opening kilometer winds through working paddies where farmers still hand-plant and harvest. You walk through active agricultural life, not a preserved museum.
  4. Jungle Canopy Transition The trail shifts abruptly from open fields into dense forest. The temperature drop and shift from sunlight to dappled shade marks a genuine ecological boundary.
  5. Cold Pool Basin The plunge pool stays cold enough to shock even on hot days. Local kids swim here; it's the only safe swimming spot on the hike.
I'd pick the Emerald Cliff Face first because it's the visual anchor that makes the whole effort cohere. Without that framing, the waterfall is just water; with it, you're standing inside something.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Benang Stokel

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🌤️ When to go?Best time to hike the Benang Stokel

  • Dry Season (April to October): Best window for hiking. Temperatures 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), minimal rain, and trails dry enough for safe footing. Daylight runs 12 to 13 hours. Crowds remain light except July and August school holidays.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Heavy rainfall swells the waterfall dramatically, but trails become slick and muddy. Temperatures 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Flash flood risk exists; start early and monitor weather. Fewer tourists mean lower prices.
  • Shoulder Months (March to April, September to October): Unpredictable weather but manageable crowds and reasonable prices.
Start before 8 a.m. to finish before afternoon heat and potential afternoon showers.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

🥾 Hike detailsA practical overview of the hike

Total Distance: 2 kilometers one way, 4 kilometers round trip.
Estimated Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours up, 1.5 to 2 hours down. Most hikers spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at the falls.
Difficulty: Moderate to moderately strenuous. Steep sections, slippery roots, and scrambling over wet rocks demand careful footing and reasonable fitness.
Starting Point: Senaru village, accessible by minibus from Mataram (90 minutes, US$2 to 3). Minibuses depart regularly from the main terminal. The trailhead sits at the village edge; ask at your homestay for exact directions.
Major Landmarks:
  • Rice Paddies: First 500 meters
… read more 👉
Total Distance: 2 kilometers one way, 4 kilometers round trip.
Estimated Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours up, 1.5 to 2 hours down. Most hikers spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at the falls.
Difficulty: Moderate to moderately strenuous. Steep sections, slippery roots, and scrambling over wet rocks demand careful footing and reasonable fitness.
Starting Point: Senaru village, accessible by minibus from Mataram (90 minutes, US$2 to 3). Minibuses depart regularly from the main terminal. The trailhead sits at the village edge; ask at your homestay for exact directions.
Major Landmarks:
  • Rice Paddies: First 500 meters of open, cultivated landscape.
  • Forest Edge: Abrupt transition into jungle canopy around the 1-kilometer mark.
  • Benang Stokel Falls: Final destination, a 35-meter cascade into a cold pool.
Terrain and Scenery: Packed earth and stone steps initially, transitioning to root-laden jungle floor. Steep gradient throughout. Lush tropical vegetation, moss-covered rocks, and constant moisture create a green, dripping atmosphere.
Vegetation: Rice paddies give way to secondary forest with banana plants, ferns, and dense undergrowth. Moss covers most rock surfaces.
Wildlife: Occasional birds and insects; no dangerous animals. Leeches appear during wet season but are easily removed.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

The hike is straightforward but demands respect for wet conditions. Slippery roots and rocks cause most accidents; wear proper footwear with grip, not sandals. The steep descent is harder on knees than the ascent. Flash flood risk exists during heavy rain, so start early and turn back if water levels rise visibly. The cold pool is safe for swimming, but currents near the falls can pull swimmers. Leeches appear in wet season; salt or insect repellent removes them painlessly. No permit or guide required. The trail is well-used and easy to follow. Bring water and snacks; no facilities exist on the trail.

FAQTraveler FAQ

The hike takes 2 to 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall, with 1.5 to 2 hours for the descent. Most hikers spend 30 minutes to 1 hour swimming or resting at the falls, making a full outing 4 to 5 hours from Senaru village.
Difficulty is moderate to moderately strenuous. Steep sections, slippery roots, and scrambling over wet rocks demand careful footing and reasonable fitness. The descent is harder on knees than the ascent.
No permit or guide is required. The trail is well-used and easy to follow from Senaru village. Minibuses run regularly from Mataram (90 minutes, US$2 to 3), and homestays in Senaru cost US$8 to 15 per night.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Indonesian hikes near Benang Stokel

Explore more nearby:

  • Mount Rinjani—high-altitude crater lake, steep ascent, hot springs| 19 km away
  • Sendang Gile Waterfall—tall waterfall, jungle gorge, easy trail| 26 km away
  • Gunung Agung—Bali's highest peak, sacred volcano, night ascent, Besakih route| 94 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Benang Stokel delivers genuine jungle immersion and cool water pools for minimal effort, making it a genuine standout on Lombok. The catch is that the final stretch to the main falls involves scrambling over slippery rocks and wading through water, which can be tricky during heavy rain.

✈️ When did I visit Indonesia?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Indonesia twice (and it was worth it): first in September 2015 and a bit later again in January and February 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Indonesia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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