From Gili Island : Waterfalls and Traditional Village Tour

Travelers visiting Gili Trawangan or Gili Air looking for a full day of natural beauty and cultural insight will find this Waterfalls and Traditional Village Tour from Aabid Tour Organizer to be an excellent choice. Covering Lombok’s largest waterfalls, a traditional bamboo house, and an optional monkey forest visit, this nine-hour adventure promises a memorable blend of nature, culture, and fun.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides genuinely enhance the experience, sharing insightful stories and helping you capture perfect photos. Second, the stunning scenery at Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls is truly breathtaking, especially if you enjoy water-based adventures. Lastly, the private transport ensures flexibility and comfort, letting you explore at your own pace.

One consideration? The walking involved, especially descending to the waterfalls and moving between stops, requires a reasonable level of fitness. It’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, enjoy nature excursions, and want a seamless, guided day without the hassle of organizing logistics. If you’re staying on Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, this is a practical, well-organized way to see Lombok’s natural highlights.

Key Points

• Exclusive Gili Island experience with private speedboat and car for comfort and flexibility
• Visit Lombok’s largest waterfalls, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, with ample time for photos, swimming, and relaxation
• Cultural insight at Bayan Traditional Village with a chance to see traditional houses made of bamboo and straw
• Optional visit to Monkey Forest offers a fun wildlife encounter, albeit with some monkeys attracted to food
• Well-reviewed guides like Bai and others are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and effort in making the day special
• Good value for the price, considering the private transportation, guided tours, and unique stops

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins on Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, with the exact meeting spot depending on your booking, but generally at locations like Oseana Snorkeling Adventure or Ombak Bar. From there, travelers transfer to Teluk Nare Harbor in Lombok via a quick 15-minute private speedboat ride. The boat trip itself is a highlight—fast, smooth, and offering a chance to enjoy the sea breeze, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Once on Lombok, a private car whisks you off to the waterfalls in around 1.5 hours. This part of the journey, through scenic North Lombok, provides a glimpse of the rural landscape and local villages, setting the scene for the natural wonders ahead.

Visit to Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls

The core of this tour is the visit to Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, two of Lombok’s most stunning waterfalls, situated in Senaru Village. The walk down to Sendang Gile takes about 15 minutes, during which guides often share interesting facts about the area and help you navigate the trail—usually well-maintained but still a walk in nature.

Travelers are encouraged to wear water shoes or sandals because you’ll be crossing shallow river sections, sometimes encountering coral along the way—one reviewer mentions a brief 2-minute walk in the water that’s worth preparing for.

The Photo opportunities here are plentiful: lush greenery, cascading water, and misty spray create perfect shots. Visitors rave about the clear, cool waters and the chance to take a refreshing dip. You can also relax, soak your feet, or just marvel at the power of nature. Spending about an hour at each waterfall means plenty of time for photos, swimming, or simply soaking in the views.

The Walk Between Waterfalls

From Sendang Gile, it’s roughly a 25-minute walk to Tiu Kelep Waterfall, which is equally jaw-dropping. Here, the water roars over the rocks, creating a dramatic scene. Many reviewers mention that their guides were helpful in pointing out the best spots for photos and safe swimming. One reviewer highlights that her guide, Bai, even took the time to wait while she enjoyed her swim and took photos, adding a personal touch to the experience.

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Cultural Stop: Bayan Traditional Village

After the waterfalls, the tour continues to Bayan Traditional Village, about 10 minutes’ drive away. This stop offers a look into Lombok’s traditional architecture—bamboo and straw houses that have stood for generations. Guides often explain how the locals live, showcasing their crafts and way of life. Travelers appreciate the authenticity of the village, feeling like they’ve stepped into a living museum.

Optional Monkey Forest at Pusuk Hill

The tour’s flexibility is evident here—guests can choose to return directly to the harbor or extend their day with a visit to the Monkey Forest. The forest, just a 30-minute drive from Teluk Nare, is a lively place where monkeys roam freely and often approach visitors for food. Reviewers mention that the monkeys are attracted to humans with snacks, making for amusing photos but also prompting caution about not feeding them or bringing food openly.

Returning to Gili Islands

The final leg involves a speedboat ride back to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, typically in the evening. The boat trip offers a relaxing end to the day, with many guests noting how smooth and quick the transfer is. Once ashore, local horse carts, known as “cidomo,” are available to ferry visitors to their accommodations, completing the seamless experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides and Personal Touches

Multiple reviews highlight guides like Bai and others for their friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive service. They don’t just lead you from one spot to another—they share insights, help with photography, and make the day feel personalized. For example, one guest said, “Our guide Bai made it a fantastic day, showing all the spots and making sure we enjoyed every moment.”

Authentic Natural and Cultural Experiences

The waterfalls are not just pretty sights—they’re immersive experiences, with the chance to swim, relax, and photograph. Visiting a traditional village offers a glimpse into daily life that most travelers rarely see, making the tour feel genuine and meaningful.

Convenience and Comfort

Using a private speedboat and car, travelers can bypass long bus rides or crowded group tours. The schedule is flexible, and the itinerary allows for generous time at each stop, avoiding rushed visits. Plus, the private group format enhances the feeling of exclusivity and relaxation.

Value for Money

Given the combination of private transportation, guided tours, and unique destinations, the cost is reasonable. The reviews confirm that the experience exceeds expectations, especially considering the personalized service and scenic stops.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those staying on Gili Trawangan or Gili Air who want a comprehensive, well-organized day trip. It’s ideal if you love nature, waterfalls, and culture but prefer the comfort of private transport and guided assistance.

People with moderate fitness levels will find the walking manageable, but those with mobility issues or young children might find some parts challenging. Also, it’s best suited for travelers seeking authentic experiences rather than purely leisure or beach-focused days.

Final Thoughts

This From Gili Island Waterfalls and Traditional Village Tour combines the best of Lombok’s natural beauty with local culture, all wrapped in a convenient private package. The guides’ warmth and knowledge elevate the experience, while the stunning waterfalls provide plenty of photo-worthy moments and refreshing swims.

If you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path spots with a comfortable, guided setting, this tour offers excellent value. It’s a fantastic way to see Lombok’s highlights without the hassle of organizing transport or navigating confusing routes on your own.

For those craving a full day of scenic beauty, culture, and wildlife encounters, this tour hits all the right notes. Just remember to wear water shoes and bring your camera—adventure awaits.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is not specifically designed for children under 2, older kids with good mobility can enjoy the waterfalls and cultural stops. However, the walking and water crossings may be challenging for very young or mobility-impaired children.

How long is the boat ride from Gili to Lombok?
The private speedboat ride takes around 15 minutes, making it a quick and scenic transfer.

Can I visit the monkey forest?
Yes, the tour offers an optional visit to Pusuk Hill’s monkey forest after the waterfalls and traditional village, depending on your preference.

What should I bring?
Bring water shoes or sandals suitable for walking in water, cash for souvenirs or tips, outdoor clothing, and a downloaded app to help with navigation or photos.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness, but not recommended for those with back, heart, or respiratory problems, or pregnant women.

What are the main highlights?
The waterfalls, traditional Bayan village, and optional monkey forest are the main attractions, alongside scenic views and knowledgeable guides.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve via GetYourGuide with flexible payment options—pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What is included in the price?
Private transportation, a guided tour, and boat transfers are included; meals or additional activities are not specified but can be arranged separately.

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Lombok’s natural and cultural treasures, making it a standout choice for Gili Island visitors eager to explore beyond the beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here: