You would not know that, Lombok has the olderst eco tourism spot, so, let me tell you about Otak Kokok. Otak Kokok Waterfall and Joben Eco Park are tucked away in the quiet village of Montong Betok, East Lombok. What make it special is, this area is already under the gentle care of Joben Resort, part of the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority.
The heart of this place is a waterfall that flows straight from the ancient roots of a banjúr tree—said to be hundreds of years old. It’s a rare and sacred sight, where nature seems to speak in its own still language.
The name Otak Kokok, in the Sasak language, means “water source” or “river head”—a name as humble as it is meaningful. According to local belief, this waterfall holds healing powers. It’s said that if you bathe beneath it and the water turns milky white as it touches your skin, it reveals the presence of illness in your body. And if you continue to let the water wash over you, the illness may slowly lift and leave.
To bathe under water that flows straight from the base of a living, centuries-old tree is to feel something otherworldly. The sensation is extraordinary—the water stays icy cold, even under the sun’s heat. And the view? It soothes the eyes and calms the spirit.
Unlike most waterfalls that demand a long trek and a descent of countless stairs, Otak Kokok welcomes visitors with ease. Just 30 steps down, and you’re there—standing before its fresh, flowing grace.
It’s not just the waterfall that holds wonder. The bathing pool at Otak Kokok Joben, too, is said to carry healing gifts. The water here springs directly from the foothills of Mount Rinjani, and for generations, the people of Pesanggrahan Village have believed it holds the power to cure all kinds of ailments.
In addition to the waterfall itself, the site also offers two large swimming pools—equally cool and refreshing. For those who may feel unsure about bathing directly beneath the falls, these pools offer a gentler alternative to enjoy the same mountain waters.
In a time when many natural sites are struggling to compete with flashy, man-made attractions promising ‘perfect’ vacations, Otak Kokok Waterfall and Joben Resort still hold strong. The pull of tradition and the growing desire to return to the calm of nature continue to make this place a favorite among locals and curious travelers alike.
How to Get to Otak Kokok Waterfall, Joben Eco Park
Getting to Otak Kokok Waterfall and Joben Eco Park is a journey that feels as calming as the destination itself. From the city of Mataram, it takes approximately 2 hours by car to reach Montong Betok Village, where the waterfall is located. The roads are paved and easy to follow, offering scenic views of rural life, rice fields, and green hills as you go.
If you’re coming from Lombok International Airport (LOP), expect about a 1.5-hour drive heading east toward Montong Gading District. The location is listed on Google Maps, simply search “Air Terjun Otak Kokok Joben” or ask locals along the way—most know the name well.
Public transport is limited, so the most convenient way to get there is by rented scooter, private car, or local driver (supir). Parking is available near the entrance, and from there it’s just a short 30-step walk down to reach the waterfall.
5 Things to Do at Otak Kokok Waterfall
1. Bathe Under the Sacred Waterfall
Feel the cold mountain water rushing over you from the roots of an ancient tree. Locals believe this water has healing energy, able to wash away not just tiredness, but illness too. The experience is both spiritual and refreshing—raw nature at its purest.
2. Soak in the Natural Pools
If you’re not ready for the direct hit of the waterfall, try the two large bathing pools fed by the same spring. The water is just as cool and cleansing, and you can enjoy a peaceful dip surrounded by trees and birdsong.
3. Stroll Through the Forest Edge
The walk to the waterfall is short, but the surrounding area is rich with greenery. Take a quiet stroll along the forest edge, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and let your senses reset. This is a place where even the silence feels full.
4. Have a Picnic with a View
Several small wooden gazebos and seating areas are available for visitors to rest or enjoy a packed meal. You can also try simple local snacks and hot drinks sold by nearby vendors. Eat slowly, and let the sound of the waterfall be your background music.
5. Talk to the Locals and Hear the Stories
What makes Otak Kokok truly special isn’t just the water—it’s the stories passed down through generations. Speak with the friendly stall owners or guides in uniform, and you’ll hear tales of healing, old trees, and even officials whose lives changed after a single visit.
If you’re looking to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with nature, Otak Kokok is a quiet place that welcomes you just as you are. Sometimes, all it takes is cold mountain water and the sound of falling leaves to feel whole again.
Read also: Where to Go in Lombok on the Weekend
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