The usual approach is along the north coast from the west: from Senggigi or the Gili harbour at Bangsal the road runs east past Tanjung and Bayan before climbing to Senaru. From Lombok International Airport (LOP) in the south the drive crosses the middle of the island through Mataram. Trek packages almost always include transfers; for waterfall days, hire a car and driver or join a tour.
Times are typical driving times and stretch in rain, on market days and around Friday prayers.
Routes at a glance
| From | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senggigi | Coast road north via Pemenang, then east along the north coast | About 2–2.5 hours | Private car with driver; online day hire from around €23–31 |
| Lombok airport (LOP) | Through Mataram, then over the Pusuk pass and along the north coast | About 3 hours | Private transfer; often included in trek packages |
| Gili Islands | Boat to Bangsal (about 15–30 min), then car east along the coast | About 2–2.5 hours in all | Public boat or speedboat plus private car |
| Kuta Lombok | North through Praya and Mataram, then the north coast | About 3.5–4 hours | Private transfer |
| Sembalun | Mountain road via the Sembalun side and the north-east coast | About 1.5–2 hours | Private car; often part of a trek package |
| Padang Bai (Bali) | Ferry or fast boat to Lombok, then car to Senaru | Most of a day | See our getting-there guide |
Getting around Mount Rinjani & Senaru
In Senaru. The village strings along one steep road. Guesthouses, trek offices and the waterfall entrance are within a couple of kilometres; walk, or ask your guesthouse for a motorbike taxi (ojek) for the uphill stretches.
To Bayan and the coast. Bayan is about 15 minutes by car or scooter. Experienced riders can rent scooters on the west coast, but the roads are steep and busy with trucks — a driver is the safer choice.
