Tetebatu: A peaceful village at the foot of mount Rinjani

Tetebatu is a serene and charming village on Lombok, nestled at the base of the Rinjani volcano. Surrounded by lush rice fields, jungle, and plantations, it feels like a place where time stands still. This is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A walk through the rice terraces is a must. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Sasak villages, where locals greet you with friendly smiles and waves. The nearby waterfalls are stunning and provide a refreshing break during your explorations. If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild monkeys. Tetebatu is a special place where nature and culture come together, offering an authentic glimpse into Lombok’s heart.

My Tips for a Day in Tetebatu

Rent a Scooter

For about 85k IDR per day, you can easily explore the area on your own. Renting a scooter gives you the freedom to go wherever you want. The roads around Tetebatu are fairly quiet and offer stunning views of rice fields and jungle. If you’d rather not drive yourself, you can hire a guide for around 300k IDR to 400k IDR per person. A guide ensures you don’t miss the best spots.

Trekking with a Guide

A guided trek through the area is highly recommended. You’ll walk through rice fields, forests, and small villages while your guide shares fascinating insights about the local nature and culture. Here are some highlights:

Loyok: The Village of Bamboo Art and Pure Hospitality

Loyok is a small village near Tetebatu, famous for its handmade bamboo crafts. Everything here revolves around craftsmanship passed down through generations. The village is a peaceful place where you can experience local life up close, accompanied by the sounds of woodworking tools and gentle hammering in the background.

A visit to Yat Art Shop is a must. This little workshop and store is the perfect spot to see how intricate and beautiful bamboo products are made. Upon arriving, I was greeted with tea, coffee, and some homemade crackers—so delicious! While I was enjoying the snacks, a friendly woman started crafting a bamboo welcome ring for me. It felt so warm and inviting.

Later, a man joined us to explain the entire bamboo crafting process. He showed how bamboo is gathered, prepared, and transformed into stunning items like baskets, decorations, and even furniture. The precision and patience involved were impressive.

Then it was my turn to try my hand at bamboo crafting! With some guidance, I managed to make something myself—it was such a fun and rewarding experience. Afterward, I visited the shop, which offers a variety of handmade bamboo products. Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. Everything here is offered without obligation, but contributions through purchases are greatly appreciated.

What makes Loyok truly special is not just the bamboo crafts but also the people. Their warmth and hospitality make you feel like an old friend visiting. It’s a place where you not only find beautiful souvenirs but also create cherished memories.

Pringgasela Hand Weaving

Pringgasela is a village renowned for its traditional handwoven fabrics. When we arrived, we weren’t immediately taken to the shop. Instead, the owner gave us a tour to show us the entire weaving process and explain the immense effort behind the fabrics.

We walked through the village, where almost every street had women weaving beautiful patterns. You could see the patience and skill that went into every piece—each design tells its own story.

After the tour, we returned to the shop, where we got to see the stunning fabrics up close. We were even dressed in traditional attire, just like the locals wear for ceremonies or special occasions. It was such a fun and immersive experience that made the visit truly memorable.

The owner emphasized the importance of understanding the time, energy, and passion behind each woven piece. While everything is offered freely, it’s highly appreciated if you purchase something or make a small donation. It’s a meaningful way to support this ancient craft and help preserve it for future generations.

If you want to dive into the world of traditional weaving, Pringgasela is a must-visit. It’s not only educational but also a uniquely special experience.

Monkey Forest, Rice Fields, and Waterfalls (4 Hours)

This day trip is another great option in Tetebatu. You’ll walk through rice fields, visit the Monkey Forest to spot curious monkeys, and end the journey at one of the stunning waterfalls. The mix of nature and wildlife makes this activity a perfect way to spend your day.

Workshops

Pottery or Bamboo Workshop (4 Hours)

Learn how local artisans create beautiful pottery or bamboo crafts. The process is both calming and creative, from shaping clay to finishing your design. You’ll leave with a unique souvenir and the satisfaction of supporting the local community.

Coconut Oil Making (1 Hour)

Discover the traditional process of making coconut oil, from grating the coconuts to extracting the oil. You’ll get hands-on experience and can take home the freshly made oil—its scent is divine.

Cooking Workshop (3 Hours)

Step into the kitchen and learn to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes. You’ll start with a quick introduction to the ingredients and spices, then cook the dishes yourself. The best part? You get to taste everything afterward! Perfect for food lovers looking to make their trip even more memorable.

Coffee Plantations (1 Hour)

Learn about the coffee-making process, from picking the beans to roasting them. You can even roast your own coffee and enjoy a fresh cup on the spot. The experience is fascinating, and the aroma of freshly roasted beans makes it even better.

Waterfalls You Shouldn’t Miss

Air Terjun Sarang Walet

This hidden gem is surrounded by jungle and has a tranquil atmosphere. The water flows into a small natural pool where you can swim or relax to the soothing sound of the waterfall.

Durian Indah Waterfall

If you search for Durian Indah Waterfall on Google Maps, you’ll arrive at a few houses surrounded by nature. Locals will kindly ask you to park your scooter for 5000 IDR. From there, a young guide will accompany you on a short 10-minute trek through lush rice fields and jungle.

At the waterfall, you’ll find a lively scene with locals, especially kids, joyfully jumping from the waterfall into the cool water. Our guide encouraged Glenn to give it a try, and of course, he did. Climbing up was a bit challenging, but it was a lot of fun!

After the visit, a small tip for your guide is greatly appreciated—it’s a lovely way to support their hospitality. This is the perfect stop for a refreshing break in Tetebatu with a touch of local charm.

Accommodation

Santai House

One great place to stay is Santai House. You can book your own cozy little house here. One of the owners is Dutch and married to an Indonesian man from Tetebatu. They’re super friendly, ready to answer your questions, and can help with anything—from doing laundry to organizing tours.

You’ll be staying right among the locals. In the mornings, you’ll hear the call to prayer from the mosque, which is unavoidable anywhere in Tetebatu. It’s part of the local atmosphere and adds to the experience. Santai House is a highly recommended place to stay!

Tetebatu has it all: peace, nature, and an authentic connection to local life. Whether you’re an adventurer or just looking for relaxation, this is the perfect destination.