Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, East Java- Everything you need to know

If you are planning a trip to the East Java than this magnificent waterfall must not be missed. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall might even be one of the most unique waterfalls in all of Indonesia. This enormous waterfall forms an almost perfect semi-circle curtain of many waterfalls. Earning its name which translated from the local Java language meaning ‘a thousand waterfalls.’ This travel guide will explain how to get to Tumpak Sewu, important information about trail, where to stay and photos to inspire you to visit East Java’s most impressive waterfall!

How to get to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall?

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, also known as Coban Sewu or air Air Terjun Tumpak Sewu in the Javanese language is located at the base of Mount Semeru in the Lumajang Regency, East Java. It is either a 7 hour drive from Surabaya or a 2 hour drive from Malang.

For this East Java trip we had a private driver called Dayat. He works for Zaini Transport and is the most reliable and friendly driver. Having Dayat as our driver made this trip more comfortable and less stressful. You can contact him on his WhatsApp number +62 812 4978 1542 or Zaini Transports website.

This was day 2 of our East Java itinerary, todays all about East Java’s best waterfalls! For more on how to spend 4 days in East Java check out our guide here.

We chose to spend the night before at Tumpaksewu Homestay which is conveniently located only a short 10 minute walk from Tumpak Sewu Waterfall entrance. We stayed in a Bungalow room which had a big room and was super comfortable. What more could you want for only $36 AUD a night. Click here to book your stay at Tumpaksewu homestay.

Things to know before visiting Tumpak Sewu.

Entrance Fees

There are two entrance fees at Tumpak Sewu and a third fee if you visit Goa Tetes waterfall. To view Tumpak Sewu from the top Lookout only, it is only 10,000 IDR. If you would like to do the top lookout and hike down to the bottom the cost is 20,000 IDR. If you want to see the second waterfall Goa Tetes it will cost an extra 5000 IDR.

What to bring?

Rain Jacket: As you will soon find out with this waterfall, there is a constant stream of mist which will leave any clothes and bags you’re carrying very damp. Wearing a rain jacket will help to keep your clothes dry

Good sneakers: The hike down and all around Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is very slippery when wet, so we recommend wearing suitable footwear or shoes with a good grip.

Re-usable Water Bottle: This is a must with any hike, its always good to bring to stay hydrated and to also do our part with helping the environment in reducing plastic waste.

Dry Bag or Rain cover: Our bags all came with a rain cover. This helped to keep our bags somewhat dryer and all our equipment.

Quick Dry Towel: In between taking photos our micro fibre cloth came in handy with wiping down the lens and drying the water off all the camera equipment.

The trail down to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Once you arrive at the car park it is only a short easy walk to the first lookout. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the famous ‘thousand waterfalls’ of East Java- Tumpak Sewu. This is an awesome viewpoint to see the falls from above and a great spot to send the drone if you have one. On a clear day you can see Semeru Volcano right behind it which makes the view even more spectacular. Prepare to be blown away (literally) with the natural beauty of Tumpak Sewu.

The hike down to the base Tumpak Sewu will take you down ladders and steps, through lush rainforests, abseiling down ropes and across streams. This adventurous trail is fun but can be a lit bit challenging in some spots. It can also be bit bit slippery, this why it’s important to wear a good pair of walking shoes. Make sure to take your time on the descent and have 3 points of contact all the time.

Be ready for this amazing waterfall!

Once you reach the bottom of the ravine, its only a short 5-10 walk across a small stream to the waterfall. Once you see it with your own eyes then you will realise just how magnificent Tumpak Sewu is. The 120 meter high ‘many falls’ will take your breath away. Tumpak Sewu is one of the most spectacular waterfalls I have ever seen! The scale of it is just insane!

Do you have a love for epic waterfalls? You can check out some of Tasmania stunning waterfalls in our Tasmania itinerary here.

You can feel the power of the water fall as you and all your equipment starts to get drenched from all the water. This is why a rain jacket and waterproof rain cover for your camera bags comes in handy.

Now that you have made it to the bottom and you are surrounded by a thousand waterfalls there are a lot of great photo spots. We took most of our photos on the right side of the waterfall and used one of the rocks to stand on. You don’t realise how small you are until you look at one of the photos.

On the way back stop at the small hut for a cup of coffee to warm up before the hike back up.

Want to explore more of East Java’s incredible scenery? Check out East Java’s famous Mount Bromo here for your ultimate guide.

A second waterfall Goa Tetes?

If you have the time there is another waterfall called Goa Tetes which is just a short walk away. Follow the ravine for about 10-15 minutes until you come across a waterfall with an orange rock wall. Keep going and you’ll hike past a series of caves and falls cascading down the rocks. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to visit Goa Tetes but you can read about it here.

Thanks for reading

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is one of our favourite waterfalls and was a highlight on our East Java trip. You can see why it earns it’s spot as one of the best in Indonesia and we hope this guide makes your visit an enjoyable one.

Want to see more of East Java’s incredible scenery? Why not add a sunrise over Mount Bromo. Do you plan on spending a few days in East Java? Check out our jam packed 3 day East Java itinerary here.

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