Senaru Village in North Lombok has once again captured national attention after being named among the top four candidates for the World Tourism Village Certification run by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf). The nomination recognises villages that combine natural beauty, cultural heritage and strong management practices — criteria that Senaru has steadily satisfied through community-led initiatives and growing visitor numbers.

An assessment team from Kemenparekraf is scheduled to visit Senaru for an on-site evaluation of the village’s tourism management and sustainability systems. The visit will examine how local governance, community participation and visitor services are organised — essential elements in moving from national recognition to an international certification standard. The selection is especially notable given that roughly 2,800 registered tourism villages across Indonesia were considered, and Senaru reached the final four.

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Natural attractions that draw visitors

Senaru sits on the lower slopes of Mount Rinjani and is famed for spectacular natural sites such as Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, as well as Batara Lenjang and nearby rice terraces. These iconic waterfalls are often paired in day trips and trekking itineraries, offering lush jungle walks and dramatic plunge pools that feature heavily in travel guides and tour operator listings. For many travellers, Senaru is not only a stopover to Rinjani but a destination in its own right.

Living culture: traditional arts and community stewardship

Beyond scenery, Senaru preserves a rich array of cultural practices. Performances such as Minangin, Gegero, Suling Dewa, Cupak Grantang and Rudat are integral to the village’s cultural calendar and tourist offerings. Local leaders stress that these traditions are not mere spectacles but living customs woven into community life — a feature that strengthens Senaru’s case for certification, which rewards cultural authenticity and community benefit.

Growing visitor numbers and economic impact

Senaru’s visitor figures have risen markedly in recent years. Local officials report that, since 2023, the village has welcomed over 50,000 domestic and international visitors, with peaks of roughly 75,000 visitors in 2024. Current averages suggest 250–300 foreign tourists daily, excluding domestic visitors — a surge that underscores both Senaru’s appeal and the importance of sustainable visitor management as tourism intensifies. INSIDELOMBOK

Awards and a proven track record

Senaru’s nomination follows a string of recognitions. In 2021, the village placed fourth in the Cultural and Natural Tourism Attraction category at the Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (ADWI), and in 2023 it received designation as a thematic tourism village for its community-centred management. These accolades provide a solid foundation for the present certification bid and highlight the village’s consistent commitment to quality and inclusiveness.

What’s next — assessment, certification and sustainable growth

If the assessment confirms Senaru’s management systems and cultural safeguards, the World Tourism Village Certification could open doors to international promotion, responsible tourism funding and technical support. For visitors and industry partners, the certification will be a sign that Senaru balances welcoming tourism with community benefit and environmental stewardship. Local officials have expressed hope that Senaru’s success will shine a positive spotlight on West Nusa Tenggara and inspire neighbouring villages to follow suit.

Practical note for travellers: to experience Senaru responsibly, opt for local guides, respect cultural practices during performances, and follow trekking guidelines to preserve fragile natural sites. For official details and updates on the certification process, consult Kemenparekraf’s Jadesta portal and follow regional tourism channels.

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 FAQ items to include (schema ready)

• How do I get to Senaru Village? (Answer: by car from Mataram; routes and approximate durations.)
  
  
• What’s the best time to visit Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep? (Answer: dry season months for easier trekking.)
  
  
• Are there guided tours in Senaru? (Answer: yes — list local operators and official tour pages.)

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