There’s no doubt that there are plenty of activities for visitors to do when they come to Lombok. Climbing Rinjani volcano, diving and snorkelling, surfing, parasailing, trekking to waterfalls – the options are endless.

However, when I’m holidaying, some of the best experiences I’ve had are when I’ve stepped off the well-worn path, met the locals and let them show me the hidden spots that tourists rarely see.

So it was that we joined a tour with E-One Tours and Travel recently. The Lombok-based business works with locals to provide personalised trips for visitors who are looking for that ‘something different’.

Our journey started with an hour long drive from Senggigi through the pretty countryside of West Lombok to the village of Buwung Sejati, in the hills near Sesaot.

There we met Made, our friendly local guide for the day, who quickly got us organised with bicycles and bike helmets for our ride to the waterfall. We pedaled along quiet roads through villages where friendly locals waved from the rice fields where they were working.

Depending on the time of the year, villagers will be irrigating the fields, planting the tender bunches of rice, harvesting the golden grain, and tilling the fields for the next crop. It’s the rice cycle that is the life blood of the island and has been the carried out in the villages of Lombok for centuries.

Stopping at a small house in another village, we parked our bikes and started our walk through the beautiful rice fields where ducks hunt for insects and small paths meander through the vibrant green paddies.

The rice terraces here rival those in Bali for their beauty, gracefully laid out in sculptured green plots stepping down the hillsides.

The day is warm and perfect for a swim as we come to the surprising hidden waterfall of Tibu Atas. A small stream flows across the rocks below the last rice terrace and then becomes a torrent as it gushes from the rock face of the waterfall into a deep pool below.

The more adventurous members of our group take turns jumping from the large rocks at the top, diving around 15 metres into the pool below to swim and float around in the refreshing water.

It is picturesque swimming spot, surrounded by jungle and tall stands of bamboo. Large rocks form a natural wall at the far edge where you can sit in the shelter of the jungle and enjoy the views.

A calm river flows further past the waterfall and pool, gently skimming the rocks beyond. At the top of the waterfall are a number of bamboo shelters where visitors can purchase cool drinks and local snacks to enjoy while sitting in the shade overlooking the falls.

A visit to Tibu Atas Waterfall with E-One Tours & Travel can be as long or short as you want. As each tour is customised to suit your group, you may wish to enjoy a few hours swimming and exploring the river before having a picnic lunch here.

Another fun past-time involves learning how to make a traditional hat, woven from palm leaves. Our patient guide taught us how to make these hats, which villagers weave into a variety of shapes and designs to use when working in the fields. It’s a fun activity and we enjoyed wearing the weird and wonderful fashions we managed to create!

After spending as much time as we wanted at the waterfall, it was time for another short walk across the rice terraces to climb on our bikes for the journey back to our guide’s house and a refreshing cup of sweet local tea on the bale.

After a short rest, we drove to a nearby Balinese temple where, to our delight, the local children were practicing traditional Bale Ganjur music. This is similar to Gamelan, with traditional musical instruments, and is the music that usually accompanies Balinese wedding ceremonies. The children were excited to have an audience and invited guests to join in… with much laughter all round!

It was a wonderful end to a fabulous day exploring the real Lombok. Friendly and warm-hearted people, beautiful landscapes, fun and laughter, and a true insight into the authentic culture and people of the island.

If you enjoy getting off the beaten path, book a tour with E-One Tours & Travel – you won’t be disappointed. Visit www.lomboktoursandtravel.com for details.