There are places where nature leaves you speechless, and where the absence of mass tourism is a true breath of fresh air. Tumpak Sewu, located in the east of Java, Indonesia, is such a hidden gem. The impressive waterfalls, surrounded by jungle and imposing rock formations, promise to be breathtaking.
Tumpak Sewu, literally “thousand waterfalls” in Javanese, forms a fantastic unit of natural wonders in East Java together with Bromo and Ijen. These three iconic destinations create a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes and adventurous hikes, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Java.
How to Visit Tumpak Sewu?
A visit to Tumpak Sewu in Java can be done in a three-day tour that includes visits to both the Ijen and Bromo volcanoes. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Tumpak Sewu as a day trip from Malang. In that case, expect to spend about two hours with a private driver.
We booked this three-day trip through Azhar from Papin Travelmate. Azhar arranged our accommodations, driver, guide, entrance fees, and more.
We do not have a partnership with Papin Travelmate but were genuinely pleased with the organization, our driver, and guide. Therefore, we also mention him by name here.
We visited Tumpak Sewu on the second day of our three-day trip, and we spent the night before in a beautiful accommodation nearby. As a result, we were at the entrance by six in the morning and saw only a handful of tourists during our entire visit.
Please note that the waterfall is best visited during the dry season from April to October.
Panorama Tumpak Sewu
You can visit Tumpak Sewu in two ways. One is through the panorama platform, and the second is by hiking down into the valley. Of course, we recommend doing a combination of both.
The view is spectacular, especially in the early morning. If you’re lucky, you can also see the Semeru volcano in the distance.
To reach this platform, you don’t have to make much effort. It is less than a ten-minute walk from the parking lot.
You can also rent water shoes in the parking lot. Handy if you don’t have them for the second part of the walk.
Hike to the Valley of the Waterfall
You have already caught your first glimpse of the waterfall, and now it’s time for the most adventurous hike to a waterfall we have done before. You walk down steps and through small streams, crossing a river until you reach the valley. When we were there, the footbridge was out of service, so we had to wade through the water. The hike takes about 40-50 minutes.
Water shoes with a sturdy sole will make the hike a lot more enjoyable. So be sure to prepare for this. Also, bring enough water and a towel, as the waterfall is incredibly powerful in the valley and you will definitely get wet.
Be careful in the valley, there is an area that is labeled as a ‘danger zone’ and it’s best to stay away from it.
Swimming in Telaga Biru and Walking to Goa Tetes
From the valley, you can immediately go back up. However, we decide to take an alternative route to also visit Telaga Biru and Goa Tetes.
Telaga Biru is a natural pond, reinforced with sandbags as a wall. Here you can swim in the icy cold water.
From there, you climb back up to the Goa Tetes cave. This impressive cave gets its name from the Indonesian word for dripping, which refers to the continuous drops falling from the stalactites.
It is not only a beautifully wondrous place, but also a location that holds significance for the local population. We heard stories of people who would meditate for days there, as the cave is said to possess a spiritual power, enhancing the search for inner peace or connection with the higher self.
From the cave, we walk back to the parking lot, after which we return to our hotel for a delicious breakfast and a well-deserved dip in the pool. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Cemoro Lawang, from where we will climb the Bromo volcano the following night.
Read more: Two-week tour Java
Questions or want to know more about Tumpak Sewu in Java? Don’t hesitate to send a message.