Tumpak Sewu: Java’s magical waterfall
Tumpak Sewu, also translated as a thousand waterfalls, is a beautiful waterfall located in East Java. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the waterfall offers a unique experience you won't easily encounter at other waterfalls.
The Tumpak Sewu is about 120 meters high and the water flows down from the volcano Mount Semeru, the highest mountain in Java. Mount Semeru in the background completes the scenery, allowing you to see both an imposing waterfall and Java's highest mountain at a glance.
How to get to Tumpak Sewu waterfall?
The Tumpak Sewu waterfall is in the Lumajang district, located about 2 hours southeast of Malang. In the area, you will find numerous other waterfalls besides the imposing Tumpak Sewu and Mount Semeru. Several accommodations can be found in Lumajang, so you can explore the area at your leisure. You can also book the Tumpak Sewu waterfall as a day tour from Malang, but personally I would recommend staying one night in Lumajang.
Best time to visit Tumpak Sewu.
The best time to visit Tumpak Sewu is during the rainy season (November to April), when the waterfall is at its fullest and the surrounding rainforest is lush and green.
Accommodation tip: 'd Corner Homestay
I myself stayed at 'd Corner Homestay, located just minutes from the Tumpak Sewu waterfall. Furthermore, the Coban Pelangi and Kapas Biru are also nearby. The family was very hospitable and served a delicious plate of nasi for breakfast.
There are also several nice restaurants in the area, where you can try some Indonesian specialties:
- Warung Nada Geprek Pronojiwo
- Warung Mugo Joyo
Visiting the Tumpak Sewu
From my accommodation, it was only a few minutes' scooter ride to the parking lot. I had left early and was eager to see the sun rise on this unique spot. The gate at the entrance was closed, but not locked. Walked through and paid the entrance fee afterwards, since no one else was there at 04:45.
The famous observation deck can be found about a 10-minute walk from the entrance. The observation deck offers a great view of the Tumpak Sewu waterfall from above. From here you can see a curtain of dewy white water flowing down the rock face, while in the background you can see the imposing Mount Semeru. A gem!
Let's go down!
For all the major waterfalls in the area, you basically have to get to the bottom of the valley from street level and make your way down to see these natural wonders up close. I visited several waterfalls, but can still conclude that the section to the Tumpak Sewu was my most adventurous of them all.
Along the way, you get to deal with rickety wooden/bamboo planks and stairs, uneven terrain, and to top it all off, a bit of abseiling. Namely, you go down a rope through a mini waterfall, where the water flows delicately past your feet. So pay close attention to every step you take during the descent. Also, bring sturdy shoes, because that grip will definitely come in handy.
The adventure descent is definitely not suitable for everyone. If you have any doubts whether it is for you, ask if a guide can accompany you down. The guide knows the terrain and can definitely be of added value, especially in the part where you will abseil.
In total, you will be hiking down for about 20 - 35 minutes. Once down at the bottom of the valley it is straightforward. Turn right, and you'll end up at the ticket office for Tumpak Sewu. Here you pay IDR 20,000 for entrance to the bottom of the valley. Finally, cross the river before you can head toward the photogenic stone. Look ahead and see the power of mother nature in optima forma. WOW!
Even though my Drone had no GPS signal I still managed to take a picture. Traveling alone does have its drawbacks in that regard!
2 waterfalls for the price of 1 hike down
Next to the Tumpak Sewu, you will find the Goa Tetes waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by dense jungle and offers an impressive view of the water flowing down the 50-meter-high cliff. The road to it is self-explanatory, and pretty soon a friendly staff member will come to you to collect the entrance fee (IDR 20,000).
When you have seen enough waterfalls, you can walk from the Goa Tetes waterfall back to the parking lot. You will also walk through the water here, but you don't have to walk up through the water. The stairs where you come out next are in fine condition, then once at the top you have to walk a few hundred meters more towards the parking lot.
Total costs:
- Parking scooter: IDR 5,000
- Entrance observation deck: IDR 20,000
- Entrance to Tumpak Sewu: IDR 20,000
- Entrance Goa Tetes: IDR 20,000
Total: IDR 65,000 (€4.30)
Have fun at the magical Tumpak Sewu waterfall!