Lombok 08.45S and 16.30E
I breathed deeply. Trying to inhale as much pure air possible into my lungs. I felt very fortunate to be able to breathe fresh air and I do mean the ‘Fresh’ air. Very ironic in these days especially when you say, ‘I am going out for some fresh air’ at the hazardous Metropolitan city. Sometimes the grey clouds you see in the air are actually bad air pollution. So, I felt very lucky for this opportunity. I breathed in deeply until it washes away my negative feelings such as nervous and fear. I felt happy after the purification.
We went around the Senaru village. Senaru Village happens to be one of the key gate towards the summit of Rinjani Mountain. Peaceful atmosphere, green, fresh water, fresh air, paddy fields with scenery of green hills, what else do you expect more. Actually, there is more! The waterfalls!
Me and my two adventure buddies Feri and Muhdi, Awenk the homestay owner and Agus his employee went to the nearest waterfall from our homestay. Honestly, I went to this waterfall last time and had my first love to it because when I played around the waterfall, it was my first time to see a circled shape rainbow emitting in the middle of the air in front of the waterfall so close to me. It feels like magic. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring myself any kind of gadget to document the moment during the time because I thought it would be just a short visit. Anyways, now I brought my adventure camera. So, I am ready to snap some beautiful nature shots and hoping to see the circle rainbow.
We trekked from our homestay uphill a little bit then go straight down until we meet the beautiful waterfall that I had meant before named Sendang Gila. Sendang Gila is Lombok local language that means for ‘Very, truly, crazily happy’. Sendang: happy, pleasant. Gila: crazy, very. Literally, it meant when you first see the waterfall you are attracted instantly to its nature beauty and felt an ecstatic feeling from it. So, there it was residing showing its true beauty. I love the green surrounding the waterfall of the height of +/-30 metres tall. It was divided into two parts as the water falls down freely. I did not wait any longer and snapped some pictures of it. I quietly waited for a rainbow to pop out but it hasn’t shown itself yet. I approached the waterfall and play around with it. I could feel the water fall pushing more water down from up there until it splashes harder towards the ground and so that I could feel its natural being. I said hello from my heart with a peaceful feeling. The water was fresh and cold. The small stream of water flowing on top of rocks are just crystal clear.
Sendang Gile Waterfall
While I was indulging its beauty, Muhdi and Feri was urging me to go to the next waterfall that Pa Awenk had suggested, it was bigger and natural. I left Sendang Gila with a little sadful heart because the rainbow didn’t show up, but the nature’s energy is so enticing. I skipped, breathed deeply, be as happy as I can be, being stress free….’Ahhhhh’ the natural environment and the chilly weather is so healing.
The path of stones were naturally damp. I think it was from the rain last night. I walked with a wonderful feeling passing by the natural river at our side of the track, the old version of DAM made by the Dutch long time ago, the bridge and passed through a lot more of greens and rivers. We met some international tourists along the way. Some are going to the same way and some are going back home from the waterfall that we were heading. I took off my trekking shoes to go through a river that we finally came across too. I said to myself finally I can feel the earth. My feet were sensing electric of joy once it touches the ground. I felt wide awake. The stream of water is refreshing cold. Some big rocks were settling down along the stream accompanied by small stones. I decided to keep on going barefooted and carry my shoes.
After passing through the beautiful river and woods, we can hear a loud splash of water coming from a water fall. And finally around the corner was the majestic waterfall of Tiu Kelep. In Sasak Language, Tiu means pool and Kelep means fly. It does look like a pool that could fit up to 20 to 30 people. The waterfall resembles a huge theatrical curtain a very classical look with a height of +/- 50m to 60m. Healthy green plants grew along the cliff’s wall. It is very pretty.
Tiu Kelep Waterfall
The foreigners that were accompanied by their guide had reach the location earlier then us. They were enjoying the pool already. Soaking their body with pure fresh water from the river water that streams from its head. They jumped up and down with joy. Splashing water to one another and all around the place. I want to be right there I said to myself.
I hurried quickly but the track were difficult to run through. There were rocks along my steps but it doesn’t flicker my spirit. Finally I reached the pool. The water was exactly like ice. So, so cold! A couple of minutes later the foreigners decided to continue their travel. I took some pictures of the majestic waterfall and couldn’t hold no more of my curiosity to have a dip at the pool. And although I knew the water was icy cold, I do have to try it! So, it was fantastic! It instantly refreshes not just your body but your mind and soul. It works like a therapy. Indulging the pure nature of Tiu Kelep waterfall, I love how tall the waterfall is. The stream rushes energetically and beneath the main waterfall there were streams of water that looked like a huge curtain altogether as if it wasn’t there for beauty only but to protect and take care of the main waterfall. Besides the natural water, there were lush green covering the waterfall walls and around the area. It was perfect. Not long, it started to drizzle. Thank you God for this wonderful gift of your pure sincerity of creations. Thank you Tiu Kelep waterfall for giving such a lovely welcome.
I walked back retracing the path barefooted. Every step of my feet absorbs the most wonderful healing energy of earth. It makes me energized, healthy and new.
The green jungle
The River
The natural river
Tiu Kelep Waterfall
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Note from The Adventuress:
Always stay as a Conscious Adventurer with The Adventuress spirit of Peace, Love, Adventure, Nature, and Positivity or PLAN+ in short. With that, you wouldn’t want to harm the nature and destroy it. Rather you would want to explore the earth to learn its beauty as your private experience that will teach you to be a better person each day and value the wonderful creation of God.
Peace & Light,
The Adventuress
All pictures are taken by Fiona Callaghan