08° 13′ S, 112° 54′ E
Overview
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About Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu waterfall is located right on the edge of the Lumajang Regency in East Java, Indonesia. It is arguably one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the island of Java. It is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall of around 120 meters down. It’s not just a single stream, but it is more like a thousand waterfalls together. Loosely translated from the Java language, the name means ‘A thousand waterfalls’.
At the top of the waterfall, there is a panoramic point from where you can overlook the waterfall and its surroundings without hiking. It is just a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
To get to the bottom of the waterfall, you have to do a steep and challenging hike down. However, it is definitely worth the effort to experience the power of this waterfall. Visiting Tumpak Sewu is without a doubt an adventure you will not soon forget.
Tip: There are 2 trails to the bottom of the waterfall: Malang Gate (or Coban Sewu on Google Maps) on the west side and Lumajang Gate (or Tumpak Sewu) on the east side. We recommend taking the trail at the Lumajang gate as it is relatively safer. We also heard there are scammers at the Malang gate, charging a very high entrance fee.
Practical
Entrance fee (Viewpoint only): 20.000 IDR per person
To the bottom: +50.000 IDR per person
5.000 IDR for motorbike
Daily: 07:00 am - 03:00 pm
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Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Hike
The trail to the bottom of the waterfall is on the left side, right before the viewpoint. It takes about 20 minutes to walk down into the canyon and then about another 5 minutes through the canyon to the waterfall. During this last part of the trail, you pass another ‘entrance booth’ where you have to pay an additional 50.000 IDR per person.
The trail down is pretty steep with some metal stairs and sections where you are walking down with the stream through the water, holding onto a rope or chain. The way down can be wet and slippery, so be prepared, go slowly, and definitely wear sandals, no flip-flops. As soon as you turn around the last corner, we are pretty sure your jaw will drop. The enormous waterfall will make you feel very tiny and it’s a moment you will never forget.
Be aware that the rocks at the bottom of the waterfall can be very slippery too. Protect your personal belongings, because you will definitely get soaked while admiring the waterfall from below.
Due to heavy rainfall and flooding in July 2023, there was a landslide at the Tumpak Sewu waterfall. As a result, the well-known ‘Instagram’ rock has been lost. This does not alter the fact that you can still take beautiful photos in this impressive place.
Tip: On the way back from Tumpak Sewu, you can visit a second waterfall in the same canyon called Goa Tetes. It is not only a waterfall, but a collection of caves and waterfalls against orange rock walls. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to Goa Tetes from the foot of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and the entrance fee is 10,000 IDR. We didn’t make it there, but we heard it is definitely worth a visit.
How to get there
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour
From Malang, it is approximately a 2-hour drive to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. The best way to visit is by joining a tour. Most of these tours include a local guide and some other waterfalls as well, such as Kapas Biru. This way, you don’t have to do the long drive for just one (but very impressive) waterfall.
During a complete Tumpak Sewu Waterfall – Mount Bromo tour a visit to the waterfalls is combined with a Mount Bromo sunrise tour. There are even tours that include the Tumpak Sewu waterfall, Mount Bromo ànd the Ijen crater! Win-win-win.
By yourself
Another option to visit the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is by hiring a private driver or renting a motorbike and driving there yourself. Prices for a motorbike rental vary from 60.000 IDR to 80.000 IDR per 24 hours.
As we mentioned before, there are two gates to get to the Tumpak Sewu. We advise you to navigate to Parkir Tumpak Sewu, at the Lumajang Gate on the east side of the waterfall. The trail that starts here is relatively safer and we heard there are scammers at the Malang gate (Coban Sewu on Google Maps).
Best time to visit
You can visit the Tumpak Sewu waterfall all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October. Note that even during the dry season, occasional rain showers can still occur. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before your visit and bring a raincoat (might be useful at the bottom of the waterfall as well).
Although the waterfall might be even more dramatic and powerful during rainy season, chances are that the path down to the foot of the waterfall is closed due to safety reasons.
The best time to visit this waterfall is at sunrise when chances are there’s hardly anyone else there. This way you can also avoid having to walk back up the steep path at the hottest time of the day. Additionally, try to avoid weekends and peak tourist season to avoid the crowds!
Other things to do near Tumpak Sewu
Not far from Tumpak Sewu, you will find the fairly unknown Kapas Biru, another impressive waterfall to explore. You can easily combine a visit to both and make it a waterfall day. Kapas Biru is a huge waterfall, flowing down a massive orange wall and surrounded by lush greenery.
To reach this waterfall, you have to do a 30-40 minute trek down to and along the valley floor. The way back might be more challenging as you’ll have to hike back up again but it is absolutely worth it. Some tours combine a visit to Tumpak Sewu with a visit to Tapas Biru.
Where to stay
The best place to base yourself to visit Tumpak Sewu waterfall is Malang. It is a lovely city with some other nice things to do as well.
Another option to visit Tumpak Sewu is to stay in Lumajang, which is a bit closer to the waterfall. However, if you plan to visit Mount Bromo is well, we recommend staying in Malang.
Hotels
Discover the best places to sleep in Malang and enjoy a comfortable night.
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via Booking.com
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
