Our Honest Rinjani Lodge Review: Lombok

If you are heading to North Lombok, you are likely looking for a raw, quiet escape from the heavy crowds of Bali and the busy southern Lombok surf towns and Rinjani Lodge ticks all the boxes for exactly that!

We run the Lombok Loop every single week and while we do not stay overnight at Rinjani Lodge since our itinerary does not include a night in Senaru, it is our absolute favorite lunch stop after hitting the nearby waterfalls.

Whether you’re joining us on the Lombok Loop and getting excited for your trip or if you’re staying in Senaru Lombok and want a place to stay that offers incredible jungle views, Rinjani Lodge deserves a spot on your list!

About Rinjani Lodge

In our opinion, Rinjani Lodge is the undisputed top pick for accommodations in North Lombok.

Established back in 2010, Rinjani Lodge was the first real luxury option to open its doors in Senaru, setting a high bar in a region usually dominated by more simple homestays. We want to be clear that this isn’t a sprawling, generic 5-star resort by Bali standards. But for those looking for a high standard hotel with unbeatable views it is an absolute oasis.

It’s also worth noting that the lodge underwent a massive renovation after sustaining damage during the 2018 earthquakes. The result? The rooms and facilities are actually fresher and better than ever. We love Rinjani Lodge because it manages to balance that high-end comfort with an authentic, laid-back mountain vibe that you just can’t get anywhere else in Senaru.

Local Tip: Because of its popularity this place books out months in advance during peak season (July–August). If you want to secure a room, you need to be quick!

Where is Rinjani Lodge ?

Rinjani Lodge is located in Senaru, a quiet well known village in North Lombok that sits right on the edge of the Gunung Rinjani National Park.

Getting There:
Unless you are on the Lombok Loop (where we handle the transport for you!), getting here is a bit of a mission but of course a scenic one that shouldn’t be missed.

• From Kuta Lombok/Airport: Expect a 3.5 to 4-hour drive.
• From Senggigi: It’s a beautiful 2.5-hour drive along the coast and up into the mountains.
• From Bangsal Port (Gili Islands): About 1.5 to 2 hours.

Note: The road up to Senaru is sealed but steep and winding. If you are coming by scooter, make sure your brakes are solid!

Room Options at Rinjani Lodge

The accommodation here is designed around “Bungalow” style living, which fits the mountain vibe perfectly. The rooms are standalone or semi-detached units scattered through garden and hillside. It feels private, quiet, and very much like a retreat.

The Room Types
The rooms range from Standard, Deluxe, and Family rooms.

• Standard vs. Deluxe: Both are excellent, but in our experience, the Deluxe rooms are worth the extra spend. They are slightly more spacious and often command better views of the mountain or the pool area.
• Family Rooms: If you are traveling as a group or with kids, the family units are a great choice. They are huge, often featuring two large beds and plenty of space.

Dining at Rinjani Lodge for Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner

One of the best things about Rinjani Lodge is that you don’t really need to leave the property to eat well. The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, which is perfect whether you need an early pre-trek breakfast or a late dinner after a long drive. It is open-air, offering panoramic views of the National Park and the rice fields in the distance.

Breakfast

Breakfast is usually included with your stay and it is a solid spread. You can choose from Indonesian staples like Nasi Goreng or go Western with eggs, toast, and pancakes.

Lunch & Dinner

The menu is surprisingly extensive which is always a bonus when you’re in the mountains.

• Western Favorites: They do a great burger with a homemade patty and delicious pasta dishes.
• Local Specialties: We recommend trying their Ayam Taliwang (spicy grilled chicken) or the Olah Olah (vegetables in coconut milk).

Local Tip: Even if you aren’t staying at the lodge, you can usually visit the restaurant for a meal which we do along the Lombok Loop.

Activities and things to do

If you’re thinking of staying a few days at the Rinjani Lodge then we have you covered with some epic things to do nearby or some easy to organise day trips to keep you busy.

Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile

In our experience, these are the MUST VISITS for Lombok waterfalls. The best part? The trailhead is only a 10-minute walk from Rinjani Lodge. Sendang Gile is the first stop which is an easy, paved walk down a few hundred stairs to a thundering vertical drop. Snap some pictures and continue onto Tiu Kelep Waterfall.

Follow the path and cross the shallow river (yes, your shoes will get wet). After the river crossing you’ll begin to hear the roar of the second falls. There are some small pools on the right which are great for relaxing as we don’t advise to stand underneath this waterfall as the pressure is very powerful! If you’re feeling up to it there is a bridge along the way which now offers tubing for 100,000 IDR which is a really cool experience.

• Location: Senaru Village
• Access: Walkable from the Lodge. Moderate hike with river crossings for Tiu Kelep.
• Best For: Everyone (though Tiu Kelep requires a bit of agility).
• Entrance Fee: 25,000 IDR
• Guide Fee: 100,000-150,000 IDR (per group) this is now mandatory
• Tubing Experience: 100,000 IDR

Climb Mount Rinjani

Rinjani Lodge is the traditional starting block for the Mount Rinjani Trek. Looking out from the restaurant, you can see the ridges you’ll be climbing. We’ve seen many travelers underestimate this mountain and it defintely makes you work for the views but watching the sunrise over the clouds from 2,641 m cannot be topped!

• Location: Senaru Entrance (Rinjani National Park)
• Access: 5-minute walk to the National Park office from the Lodge.
• Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and adventure junkies.
• Entrance Fee: Part of your trekking package (approx. 2.5M – 4M IDR depending on duration).

Bukit Pergasingan

If you want the Rinjani view without actually climbing for a few days we always suggest a day trip over to the Sembalun Valley (about a 1-hour drive from the lodge). Bukit Pergasingan is one of the best things to do on Lombok and consists of a steep, 2-hour incline that rewards you with a perspective you won’t get elsewhere else. It offers a birds-eye view of the multi-colored fields below, with the volcano towering directly in front of you. It’s a photographer’s dream and a much more manageable hike for a casual morning excursion.

• Location: Sembalun Village
• Access: 1-hour car/scooter ride from Senaru. Steep trail, requires decent grip on shoes.
• Best For: Hikers and photographers.
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR (10,000 IDR for parking)

Tip: Be sure to wear sturdy shoes with grip and start early for the best views.

Visit a Traditional Village

Right in Senaru, just down the road from the lodge, is the Senaru Traditional Village. Unlike some of the more “touristy” spots in the south, this village feels deeply connected in its environment. You can see the traditional Bale Tani houses and learn about the “Wetu Telu” religion.

We love stopping by here during the Lombok Loop because the locals are genuinely proud to share how they live and show others their way of life.

• Location: Senaru (Walking distance)
• Access: Easy walk
• Best For: Culture seekers
• Entrance Fee: Donation-based (we recommend 20,000 – 50,000 IDR).

Note: Since the 2018 earthquake, many of these traditional structures have been rebuilt. Your visit directly supports the local families who maintain these heritage sites for years to come.

FAQ For Rinjani Lodge

We hope this guide has given you the information needed to help book your next trip to Lombok and stay at the Rinjani Lodge. If you have any other questions or inquiries about staying here or want to join us on the Lombok Loop which departs from Senggigi every Thursday and Kuta every Friday contact us or leave a comment below.