Tumpak Sewu waterfall.

“A once-in-a-lifetime experience, Tumpak Sewu in East Java is not to be missed. Hundreds of waterfalls, pouring off the edge of a 120m-high semicircular cliff into a canyon lost in the mists far below, is a sight that must be seen to be believed. Tumpak Sewu is an adventure that you are guaranteed to remember for life.” Excerpt From Lonely Planet Indonesia.

Visiting Tumpak Sewu is easy if you have your own transportation. However, as is always the case, distance and time are not linked in Indonesia. Expect a 2 to 3 hour drive each way from Malang. I did not have my own transport so decided to hire a driver with a car. The cost of this was $50 USD. He waited for me whilst I visited the falls.

Once you have payed the entrance, fee at the ticket booth, you follow the path to the viewpoint – for a breathtaking view of Tumpak Sewu waterfall. However, the real highlight is the hike to the falls’ base. The hike begins along a muddy track and stairs, turning quickly into steel gantries, wooden walkways and ladders. About two-thirds of the way down, the ladders end and you’ll find yourself holding a rope as you make your way down a rocky slope with a rushing waterfall all around you. You’ll get very wet, but it is truly worth it.

Waterfalls and cave

In the canyon, you turn right and follow the trail towards Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. At some point you will pay an extra fee as you move into a new village area. Reaching the base of the falls is a memorable experience: the raw power, with gusts of spray soaking you, and the falls plummeting from above are unforgettable.

You then follow the canyon back in the other direction, there you will reach the Goa Tetes waterfalls. These are another set of beautiful falls flowing down an orange-coloured cliff face, forming pools. If you follow the track further, and are careful enough, you will find yourself climbing up above the falls and into the Goa Tetes caves located in the cliff face. There is an extra charge to visit the caves. There is no need to retrace your steps, you can exit the canyon by continuing along and up. Here you will reach some more steps back to a concrete road.

From the viewing platform.
Indonesia part 2 of 3 – Java.

About Richard Griffith

My first independent travel experience was a trip to Israel, in 1997, it was here that I caught the 'travel' bug! In 2001 I took an 8-month sabbatical and traveled around South East Asia. Since then I have managed to visit most of Eastern Europe along with India, Bangladesh, and a few other destinations in between. I love travel and I love meeting new people.
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