Mangku Sakti Waterfall, Sembalun – East Lombok

Mangku Sakti Waterfall, Sembalun – East Lombok

Mangku Sakti Waterfall is an epic waterfall in East Lombok Regency. This is unique for several reasons compared to the other more famous waterfalls near Rinjani such as Tiu Kelep and Sanjang Gile.

First, the water that flows through Mangku Sakti comes directly from the sulfur-rich volcanic lake on Rinjani. The blue and white waters continue to cascade through twisting limestone rapids into raging rivers.

Best of all, you'll almost certainly have this waterfall to yourself since almost no tourists visit!

If you're looking for more Lombok adventures or travel inspiration, don't miss my mega guide to the best things to do in Lombok.

How to get to Mangku Sakti Waterfall?

Mangku Sakti waterfall is located at the foot of Mount Rinjani, near the small village of Sajang. When I visited the waterfall, I was staying in Sembalun. This is the closest main town to Mangku Sakti and takes about 20 minutes by motorbike to reach the start of the dirt road.

If you're coming from Senaru instead, expect to spend about 45 minutes by bike to reach the same point on the dirt road.

However, once you reach the turnoff onto the rough dirt road, you'll have to drive another 30 minutes. This road is very worn, sandy and you have to cross some makeshift plank bridges over huge holes. It's a bit of an adventure to reach it, which is why you need to earn Mangku Sakti.

If you don't have your own bike or prefer a local guide, there is an operator who organizes inexpensive tours to Mangku Sakti Waterfall, including lunch and transfers. Click here to check updated price.

Just follow the Google Maps directions on the pin below named “Parking Area Mangku Sakti Waterfall”. Google tells you to walk to the last section, but you can turn left and cycle down the steep hill for another 5 minutes until you reach the actual parking lot.

FULL LIST: BEST WATERFALLS IN LOMBOK – INDONESIA

Mangku Sakti parking lot

It seems like this Lombok waterfall attraction has been completely abandoned since September 2019. The ticket sales huts and booths are in ruins, and the waterfall signage is torn and torn. It's a sad relic of what was clearly once a busy tourist attraction.

However, with tourism on the rise again on the incredible island of Lombok, I am sure Mangku Sakti will regain its popularity. For now, it's a secret waterfall off the beaten path that truly adventurous travelers can find.

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Mangku Sakti waterfall trail

The path down to Mangku Sakti is overgrown but still visible. After 5 minutes of walking you will reach a section affected by a landslide. It's a pretty sketchy crossing, but we managed it by holding on to the thick vines. At first it may seem as if the path is completely impassable. However, you just need to go over the broken section and then go down, not up and around the landslide as it initially seems.

After another 10 minutes you will hear the roaring power of Mangku Sakti and the rapids. Climb the rock to your left and follow the sound of the waterfall until you catch your first glimpse of Mangku Sakti Waterfall in the distance.

What to Expect at Mangku Sakti Waterfall

Once you finally arrive, you will see the whitish-blue rushing river making its way down the Rinjani slope. I visited this waterfall in the dry season and it was absolutely amazing. I definitely wouldn't consider swimming this section.

Waterfall height: 20 meters

However, further up the trail you will see the main attraction: the Mangku Sakti Waterfall. It is a large and fairly wide waterfall that plunges into a pool about 1.5 meters deep. You can definitely swim here, but the force of the waterfall is quite strong in the deep section, which means the water pulls you around a bit.
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Climbing in the waterfall!

Probably my favorite thing about this epic waterfall is that you can actually climb up and into the waterfall! On the right side of the waterfall is a rockfall wall that appears to be at the very top. However, I was skeptical about going this route as I was unsure about the rock movements after the earthquake.

Instead, I decided to climb up behind the falls and into the falls, entering from the deep water. It's a little tricky and definitely slippery, but worth it to catch a glimpse from a small cave behind and into Mangku Sakti.
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Lombok Black Monkeys at Mangku Sakti Waterfall

We had already spotted the rarer Lombok Black Monkeys a few times, at Rinjani and at Tetebatu and now again at Mangku Sakti. However, I only caught a glimpse of them as they recoiled as soon as I reached for my telephoto lens.

Flowing rapids

Although it's not good for swimming, you should admire the rapid water movements in the limestone gorges after viewing the main segment of the waterfall.

We continued down the rapids and found sections of blue water holes, but the current was too strong to consider a swim.
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Accommodation in Sembalun

Accommodation in Sembalun

Sembalun Village is not exactly the most touristy place in Lombok. However, that doesn't mean there aren't great guesthouses or hotels.

ACCOMMODATION IN MY SEMBALUN: Radiyah Guesthouse This is one of the most affordable accommodation options in Sembalun. I would definitely recommend her. The rooms are small but very clean and have everything you need. There is unlimited free coffee and tea, as well as free breakfast. The owner is extremely helpful and will arrange a motorbike for you for 50,000 IDR per day.
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BEST INN-STYLE ACCOMMODATION: Sembalun Kita Cottage This is probably the place I would have booked if I hadn't stayed at Radiyah. They have great reviews, reasonably priced rooms, and large beds. It includes free breakfast, which is rated “very good” on Booking.com.

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