Benang kelambu waterfall and benang stokel waterfall lombok

Benang Stokal and Benang Kelambu are the kind of Lombok nature stops that feel like you stepped into a postcard, with tall cascades dropping into clear pools. I love the two-waterfall combo and the chance to cool off with a swim while you keep an eye out for macaques. The only real consideration is that it is an active half day, with a couple of short walks and a day that depends on workable weather.

What makes this one easier is the door-to-door setup, from pickup around the island to a private guide who can explain what you are seeing, including Sasak weaving and village life. I also like that the schedule gives you real time at both falls, not just quick photo stops. If you are expecting a lazy, zero-walking outing, you might want to rethink it.

Key Points at a Glance

• Benang Stokal and Benang Kelambu in one day, with a realistic pace that lets you actually enjoy the water
• Short, defined walks (about 10 minutes to the first falls, then about 25 minutes between)
• Swimming time and animal spotting, including macaques near the water
• Sasak culture and weaving stops on the ride back, not just a waterfall run
• Private guide plus entrance fees included, so there are fewer on the spot hassles

Why Benang Stokal and Benang Kelambu Feel Worth the Effort

If you like waterfalls that you can hear before you see them, Benang Stokal and Benang Kelambu are a great match. The falls drop over dramatic rock into pools that feel made for cooling down. And the best part is that you are not choosing between them. You do both in the same morning, with enough time to swim, look around, and catch the light as the conditions change.

I also appreciate the way this tour is built around enjoyment, not speed. The day is planned so you start with the first waterfall, walk to the second, and then settle in for a few hours at the falls. That gives you breathing room to handle the practical stuff like getting in and out, taking photos, and letting your eyes adjust to the jungle shade.

One more thing I like: there is wildlife in the mix. When you are near the water, you may see macaques. They are not your focus, but they do add that extra layer of nature energy to the day, especially if you enjoy spotting animals calmly rather than chasing them.

Getting There: Pickup From Lombok and a 9:00am Start

This is set up as a private tour with round-trip transfers from hotels around the Lombok mainland. The start time is 9:00am, and you head out from around Kuta, Lombok in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes of driving to the waterfall area.

Why that matters for you: when there is no public transport to key spots, the drive can either be the boring hassle part of the day, or it can become part of the fun. On this route, the ride is often scenic, and it is paced so you are not stressed about finding the right turn-offs. One guide, Sigit, was specifically noted for taking a route through rice fields, which makes the transfer feel less like wasted time and more like a warm-up.

You will be traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, which helps on a hot Lombok day. And because it is private, you are not stuck waiting for other schedules.

The Waterfall Walks: What the Timing Really Means

A big part of managing expectations is understanding the walking time. The day begins with pickup and then driving to the waterfall area, near a parking area. From there:

• The walk to the first waterfall is about 10 minutes
• The walk from the first waterfall to the second takes about 25 minutes

Those times are short enough that you can focus on enjoying the falls, but long enough that you should wear footwear you are comfortable getting wet in. Even if you are not planning to hike far, you do want grip underfoot for uneven paths and slick spots near the water.

This schedule also helps you get oriented. When you reach Benang Kelambu first, you get a sense of the terrain and the soundscape. Then the walk to Benang Stokal becomes a breather, a chance to stretch your legs before spending more time at the next pool.

And yes, you should plan for variation. Time at the waterfalls is about 3 to 4 hours, depending on weather and how the group is feeling. That flexibility is useful, especially if conditions change quickly.

National Geographic Park Stop: Your First Taste of the Day

Before you reach the waterfalls themselves, you drive to the area called National Geographic park. It is basically your staging point for the first descent into the waterfall experience. From the parking area, you take that short walk to the first set of falls.

For practical travelers, the value of this staging stop is simple: it reduces confusion. Instead of trying to figure out where the path begins and how long it takes, you follow a private guide who knows the flow. That makes the morning feel smoother, especially if it is your first time in this part of Lombok.

You also get a better read on the day once you are there. The air, humidity, and sound tell you quickly what kind of swimming conditions might be like. If the weather is not cooperating, the pace and how long you can stay in the water may adjust.

Benang Kelambu: A Tall Cascade and a Swim-Friendly Moment

Benang Kelambu is often the first waterfall experience on this route, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day. You arrive after the initial short walk, then you have time to explore the viewpoint areas and head down for swimming if conditions allow.

What I like about Kelambu is that it feels like a proper waterfall moment, not just a quick look. You can spend time watching the water hit the pool, then decide whether you want to get in. The tour explicitly includes swimming as one of the activities you can do here.

And here is where the wildlife element can show up. As you are near the water, you may spot macaques. The best way to enjoy that is to keep your movements calm, keep distance, and let it be part of the scene rather than a distraction.

Kelambu also gives you a chance to take your photos early, before everyone’s stamina is fully used. Morning light can be forgiving, and you will likely find it easier to focus on details rather than rushing.

Benang Stokal: More Drama, More Pool Time, Same Wildlife Energy

After you do Kelambu, you walk about 25 minutes to reach Benang Stokal. This is the bridge in your day, the moment where the tour changes from first waterfall wonder to second waterfall payoff.

Benang Stokal is known for its dramatic cascades, and the pool area tends to feel more like a destination than a stop. This is where you will spend a big chunk of your 3 to 4 hours at the waterfalls, with time to swim and hang around at the water’s edge.

One practical reason Stokal is worth your attention: it gives you a chance to compare waterfall vibes back-to-back. Kelambu comes first, then Stokal, and you start noticing differences in how the water falls, how the pool feels, and where the best angles are for photos.

Also, this is where the macaque sightings can be extra exciting. If you are already watching for wildlife from Kelambu, Stokal keeps that energy alive. You just need to stay sensible around animals and avoid sudden crowding.

If you are traveling with friends or family, this is also a good point to reassess the group’s mood. If everyone is tired, you can keep it relaxed. If you still have energy, you can spend more time near the water.

The Return Trip: Rice Terraces, Weaving Village, and a Traditional Sasak Stop

On the way back, the tour does more than drive straight to your hotel. It adds stops that connect the landscape to the local people, without turning the day into an endless checklist.

You can make stops at:

• Rice terraces
• A hand weaving village
• A traditional Sasak village

The rice terraces stop is a nice palate cleanser after the waterfall pools. It also matches what you saw on the road. If you enjoyed that rice-field driving earlier, this gives you a closer look and a chance to appreciate how the region is worked and lived in, not just admired from a car window.

The weaving element is especially valuable because Sasak culture here is tied to daily life. Watching weaving happen, even briefly, helps you see that it is not just a craft for tourists. It is part of what makes the culture function, and a private guide can point out what you are actually looking at as you move through the village setting.

The traditional Sasak village stop gives you another layer: people, buildings, and customs, not just scenery. You do not need to be a culture buff to enjoy it. This kind of stop works best when you go in with curiosity and a willingness to ask simple questions through your guide.

Price and Value: Is $58.05 Actually a Good Deal?

At $58.05 per person, this tour can be good value for Lombok, mainly because you are paying for three things that add up fast if you do it yourself:

• Private air-conditioned transportation
• A private guide
• Entrance fees to both waterfalls

If you were to arrange transport plus pay for guides and entry separately, the costs usually stop being friendly. Here, those costs are bundled into a clear per-person price.

Also, the day’s structure matters. You are not just being transported to one waterfall. You are being taken to two major waterfalls, with time to swim and walk between them, then additional cultural stops on the return. That makes the price feel more like a full experience rather than a basic transfer.

The one thing not included is lunch. You will want to plan for that. If you skip lunch, you can end up hungry at the wrong time and rushing through the cultural stops. If you plan ahead, you will enjoy the day more.

What to Do With This Info: Picking Your Moment and Packing Smart

This is a full morning to afternoon style outing, about 8 hours total including transfers and time at stops. That means it is not ideal if you want a super early night, and it is not a fit if you are trying to cram in extra activities right before and after.

Because weather affects the day, I recommend booking with a flexible mindset. The experience requires good weather. If conditions are not right, you should expect the provider may offer a different date or a full refund.

For swimming and waterfall time, I suggest coming prepared to get wet. Bring a change of clothes if you can. Also, plan for comfort on uneven paths. You will do short walks, but water areas can be slippery and humid.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Skip It

This tour is a great match if you want:

• Two waterfalls in one day, with time to swim
• A private guide who can explain Sasak weaving and village life
• A hassle-free way to reach north Lombok waterfalls from your hotel
• A day that includes both nature and culture stops

It might not be ideal if you:

• Hate walking, even short walks
• Want a totally sedentary outing
• Are traveling with a schedule that cannot flex if weather changes

It is also a strong option for couples and small groups because it stays private, and your guide can set the pace based on how your group is doing.

Should You Book Bambus Tours for Benang Stokal and Benang Kelambu?

I would book it if you want a Lombok day that feels like more than one viewpoint. The combination of Benang Stokal plus Benang Kelambu, plus the cultural stops on the way back, is a smart way to spend a half day of your trip. The private guide and the included entrance fees take away the usual friction.

If you are traveling at a time when weather can be uncertain, just be ready for adjustments. The upside is that when the conditions are good, you get real waterfall time, swimming options, and the chance to see macaques in a natural setting.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this one is worth your attention. And if you end up with a guide like Sigit, you will likely appreciate how the drive, the pacing, and the explanations all tie together into one smooth outing.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00am.

How long does the tour take?

It runs about 8 hours (approximately), including travel and time at the waterfalls.

Do you get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, pickup is offered and round-trip transfers are included from hotels around the Lombok mainland.

Is this a private tour or will I join other people?

It is a private tour. Only your group participates.

Where are the waterfalls located?

Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokal are in north Lombok, around Aik Berik village.

How much walking is involved?

From the parking area to the first waterfall is about 10 minutes on foot, then it takes about 25 minutes to go from the first waterfall to the second.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Swimming is one of the activities you can do at the waterfalls.

What does the price include?

The price includes a private car, a private guide at the waterfalls, and entrance fees to both waterfalls, plus all fees and taxes.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.