Tumpak Sewu is one of the most breathtaking work of nature I’ve ever encountered. Like says its name in Javanese, it’s gathers “a thousand waterfalls”. And it’s not a lie. Imagine a valley lined with dense & lush nature, where multiple white cascades tumble down dark cliffs, creating a dramatic contrast. The sound of rushing water fills the air, and the power of the currents surrounds you, making you feel incredibly small and humbled by nature’s force … That’s why Tumpak Sewu waterfall is a must-do, and in this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to explore Indonesia’s most impressive waterfall.
1. USEFUL INFORMATIONS TO PLAN YOUR TRIP IN INDONESIA
First of all, if you’re planning to visit Indonesia, it’s worth checking out some useful information.
- Visa: A visa is required to enter Indonesia. You can obtain one on arrival at the airport, valid for 30 days and renewable at an immigration office. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa on the official website, which can also be renewed online for an additional 30 days if needed.
- Book Your Flight: Make sure to book both your outbound and inbound flights (or , as Indonesian customs require proof of your departure from the country. Be aware of higher prices during peak periods like July and August, which are local school holidays, as well as during the New Year.
- SIM Card: To use internet and apps like Grab & Gojek, buy a SIM card outside the airport for better prices, or get an eSIM beforehand.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended in this kind of countries where “bally-belly”, dengue fever and scooter accident are usual. I regretted not having it after a scooter accident that ended up costing me a small fortune.
- Health: Tap water is not drinkable in Indonesia. It’s best to use a filtering flask, small purifying tablets, or refill your bottle from the water dispensers often available at hostels and hotels.
- Language: the national and official language is Indonesian, but locals also speak their own regional languages. For example, the dialect in West Java differs from that in East Java. During my trip, I made sure to learn a few polite phrases in the local language, such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Goodbye.” . These are just 3 sentences to learn, but it will greatly please the locals who will be more likely to help you or give you a good price when you negotiate. In larger cities, many Indonesians have a basic understanding of English, which, combined with apps like Google Translate, is usually sufficient for communication.
2. GETTING TO TUMPAK SEWU WATERFALL
- By scooter: from Malang, allow 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes by scooter, depending on traffic. The road is quite busy for the first hour, as you are on a major artery. The last half-hour is the most scenic part, with lush landscapes and the shadow of the Semeru volcano in the background. On the way back, we made a diversion to the Masjid Tiban mosque, a huge Muslim religious complex resembling a blue-and-white castle. It costs 80k to hire a scooter, 30k to fill up the tank and 10k to park near the waterfall.
- By tour : it is totally possible to do a day-tour to get to the waterfall and you will also be entitled to a guide to show you the least slippery paths to the best spots in the area. Allow around 2 to 3 hours for a tour costing around 500-600k.
- No public transporation
2. PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS & ITINERARY
- Open everyday from 7h to 15h.
- The best time to visit Java is during the dry season from May to October. However, the peak tourist period is between July and August due to school holidays and an influx of foreign visitors.
- The rainy season is also interesting as the waterfall will be more powerful, but the hiking trail may be closed due to weather conditions.
- Avoid wearing flip-flops, as they can cause you to slip and fall easily. A friend of mine experienced this. It’s best to wear hiking sandals or shoes with good tread patterns on the heel.
- Total price : for access to the dozens of waterfalls, you need to pay several ‘rights of way’ fees. You can also hire a local guide for around 100k/200k.
We left quite early to avoid the crowds of tourists that usually arrive around 10 am. As we had all the day and weren’t in a rush, we didn’t opted for a local guide.
First, you have to pay 50k to reach a high viewpoint overlooking the main valley. This spot offers a spectacular viewpoint and a nice preview of what’s to come on the way down. The mist had just lifted when we arrived, and once on the platform, you can get up close and understand why this waterfall is a must-see in Java.
The sound of water crashing into the shallow rock pool … the semi-circular enclosure of lush vegetation … and the 120-meter high curtain of falls are truly impressive. I’ve rarely seen such a remarkable natural phenomenon.
Then you will need to descend a series of more or less slippery steps. Be prepared to get wet, as you’ll have to step over streams of fresh water. Once again, you might prefer to take off your shoes or wear hiking sandals.
Once we reached the bottom, we headed to Goa Tetes Waterfall on the left. The entrance fee is 10k, which give access to a series of waterfalls and a pool where you can even swim. The water is cool but welcome in the heat.
We then climbed upwards along a path with ladders and ropes to reach the Goa Tetes caves. You can venture a bit into the caves and meet some little freshwater prawns living there.
Next, we made our way to the main waterfall. Along the way, we met an Indonesian family whose grandmother was adorable. She was carrying a tub of food and let us try a few snacks, including a delicious crispy puffed rice treat!
You then find yourself surrounded by huge green cliffs. After paying a final entrance fee, you continue walking, the sound of water flowing off the cliffs growing louder with each step. As you round a bend, you finally see the majestic curtain of water you glimpsed earlier that morning. It’s incredibly impressive, making you feel small in comparison. The sun reflects off the water droplets, creating rainbows on the background. There are several photo opportunities and we spent a good while here, captivated by the stunning view.
