Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage

This resort was the base for our Rinjani climb. We, two manly dudes, were given a lovely pink room with Hello Kitty themes and honeymoon vibes. It’s feminine touch soothes our masculinity before the rigorous climb ahead. The toilet is super big and the bed was very comfortable. Everything in the room, from the toilet to Wifi, works well. In the morning, spectacular mountain views could be seen from the garden. The staff were polite and helpful as well. The only downside is the restaurant, where it took an eternity for our meals to arrive. The food was decent though, and my friend loved his bakso to bits.

The hotel is located a fair distance from the ferry drop off point, so book transport in advance. Once there your teated to exceptional views of the mountains. The room itself is basic, but clean, and has enough to be used as a base for a few days. The food in the on site restaurant is very good, amazing value, and freshly cooked to order. The Staff were great, always trying to help. We’d recommend this site for exploring the mountains nearby.

Some photos on tripadvisor are not reflective of Pondo Guru Bakti Cottage's current status. It is a little very local, charming slice of Lombok haven. The entrance to the cottages/'hotel' is nondescript, almost like as if it was still under construction. But once past the main entrance, through a little manicured garden, you'll come to the restaurant/cafe overlooking that gorgeous 'infinity' pool with Rinjani in the background. The room I had was A/C, though at night it did seem to falter and sputter, and then start up again. But it was cool enough, and a nice retreat when it got warm and humid. The room is spacious, basic, but relatively clean, with clean dry bedsheets. Bathroom was basic, but no smell, generally bug-free, and kept dry with ventilator. So it was all more than adequate. After two rough nights in the mountain, the room was heaven to me. It was relatively quiet, though soundproofing isn't great, so bring ear plugs. Room even had amenities of two tea bags and instant coffee, and two bottled water. Kettle provided. Much appreciated. Also, I chatted with the staff (all very friendly), that all their rooms are fully A/C. The little patio outside each room has drying racks, great for drying dirty wet laundry after hiking Rinjani. Clucking chickens around, fruit tree lining the pool, all made it idyllic. The restaurant is very affordably priced (e.g. vegetable fried rice, which was really delicious, was S$2.50 or less). Short walk uphill to the local waterfalls, downhill on main road to other trekking companies. Small roads that lead off the main roads into irrigation canals along rice padi fields nearby. Will happily return. For the price, it's very good value.