As a tropical country, Indonesia never runs out of breathtaking natural beauty. Not only in America, but in Indonesia, precisely on the island of Java, there is a waterfall known as the Little Niagara. This waterfall is named Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, also known as Coban Sewu.
Located on the border between Lumajang and Malang Regencies, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is very popular among both local and international tourists.
Besides the waterfall, this tourist area also offers other spots like Tretes Cave and Telaga Biru (Blue Lake) that you can also visit.
This time, I will take you on a journey to explore Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, including its location, travel duration, estimated entrance fees, and how to get there.
Where is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall or Coban Sewu is located on the border between Lumajang and Malang Regencies in East Java. The location is still within the area of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, right at the foot of Mount Semeru.
There are two entrances to reach this waterfall: the first one is the Coban Sewu Gate in Malang, and the second is the Tumpak Sewu Entrance in Lumajang, which is around 1 km away from the Coban Sewu Gate.
Located within the same national park as Tumpak Sewu, you can also explore the stunning beauty of Mount Bromo, which we've covered in detail in our guide Bromo: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers (Without a Tour).
Why Visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall or Coban Sewu is a highly recommended destination if you are exploring the island of Java. This waterfall offers a magical and breathtaking charm. You will be treated to views of lush green forests, a cool climate, and a stunning waterfall backdrop with Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java, in sight.
The name Tumpak Sewu comes from the Javanese language, meaning “a thousand waterfalls,” as it has numerous streams of water coming from the Gidih River.
This waterfall stands at approximately 120 meters high, with crystal-clear flowing water. If you are lucky, you might see it against the scenic background of Mount Semeru.
Reaching Tumpak Sewu requires extra effort, as you need to traverse a steep vertical iron staircase. However, the stunning views will make every step worth it.
There are two entry gates you can use: through the Coban Sewu Entrance (Malang) or the Tumpak Sewu Entrance (Lumajang). For first-time visitors, it is recommended to enter through the Tumpak Sewu Entrance in Lumajang.
From the Panorama Tumpak Sewu viewing platform, you can see the waterfall from above and capture unforgettable moments. To get a closer view, you can descend a 700-meter vertical staircase.
Although visitors are not allowed to swim in the Coban Sewu waterfall area, you can still enjoy the best photo spots and the refreshing mist from this “Little Niagara.”
Before heading down the stairs, you will find many vendors selling food and drinks. They also sell various fruits, such as Durian and Mangosteen. If you feel tired after the steep climb, you can stop by a warung (small shop) and enjoy refreshing young coconut water.
The journey down to the waterfall area is not suitable for the elderly, children or individuals with joint problems, as it is quite steep and slippery.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Ticket counters are open from 8 AM to 5 PM
- Ticket Price: Around IDR 10,000 – IDR 20,000 (around USD 0,64 -USD 1,3)
- Note: Tickets sold at the entrance gate only cover access to Panorama Tumpak Sewu. To access the Coban Sewu Waterfall area, you will need to pay an additional IDR 20,000 (approximately USD 1.3), as the entrance is through Malang territory.
Panorama Viewing Platform at Tumpak Sewu
The Panorama Viewing Platform at Tumpak Sewu is a spot where you can admire the beauty of the waterfall from above. Here, you can clearly see the stunning view of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and capture memorable photos. Visitors usually spend around 10 minutes enjoying the scenic view before continuing their trek to the waterfall.
Accessing this viewing platform is relatively easy. You just need to enter through the Tumpak Sewu Entrance (Lumajang) and walk for about 10 minutes on a safe trekking path.
During the rainy season, the trail leading to the waterfall area may be closed, making this viewing platform a great alternative to enjoy Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It is also a safe spot for both the elderly and children.
The Hidden Gem: Goa Tetes and Telaga Biru
In addition to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall (Coban Sewu), there are other hidden gems that are equally breathtaking, namely Goa Tetes and Telaga Biru. They are located around 100 meters from the descent staircase.
Goa Tetes is a cave located beneath a continuous waterfall flow that runs year-round regardless of the season. The constant dripping water gives this cave its name, Goa Tetes (“Tetes” means “dripping” in Javanese).
Hidden inside the cave is a pool that is quite enjoyable for swimming, called Telaga Biru (Blue Lake). Unfortunately, to reach the cave’s entrance, you have to climb a steep and slippery path. Only some people can make it to the interior of the cave. If you are unsure, it is better not to attempt the climb. However, you can still enjoy playing in the water beneath the waterfall or swim in the small streams.
East Java offers more hidden gems in the Banyuwangi region. Curious about what these hidden gems are? Find out more in our Banyuwangi Travel Guide: Uncover the Hidden Magic of East Java.
How To Get There
If you are in the Java or Bali area, it is best to start your journey from Malang. To reach this waterfall, it is recommended to join an open trip or rent a vehicle like a motorbike or car with a driver. Accessing Tumpak Sewu or Coban Sewu can be challenging because you have to go through village areas that are not served by public transportation.
Once you arrive at the entrance gate to the area, you can buy a ticket at the counter for around IDR 10,000 – IDR 20,000 (around USD 0.64 – USD 1,3). The journey from the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall entrance covers about 500 meters on a fairly good and gently sloping path. If you feel tired, you can hire an ojek (motorcycle taxi) for around IDR 20,000 – IDR 30,000 (approximately USD 1.22 – USD 2).
The first spot you can visit is the Panorama Tumpak Sewu viewing platform. To reach the waterfall’s base, Goa Tetes, and Telaga Biru, you need to descend a 700-meter vertical staircase with a more safe track than Coban Sewu Gate. Be careful when going down the stairs, as some parts of the path are rocky and run alongside water streams, so watch your step.
It is best to use the Tumpak Sewu Entrance in Lumajang, as the trek to the waterfall is easier and safer compared to using the Coban Sewu Entrance in Malang.
Starting the Journey on Your Own
If you are traveling on your own, head east from Malang towards Lumajang, covering a distance of around 70 km, with a travel time of approximately 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Prepare funds for parking fees, which are IDR 5,000 (around USD 0.32) for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 (around USD 0.64) for cars.
To Tumpak Sewu with an Open Trip
If you plan to use an open trip service, they often include Tumpak Sewu Waterfall as part of a travel package exploring Bromo. Below are some recommendations for open trip services to visit this destination.
Best Time To Visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
The best time to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall (Coban Sewu) is during the dry season, from around April to September. Rainfall is less frequent, making the journey to the location safer. While Tumpak Sewu appears more stunning during the rainy season due to a heavier water flow, the paths become much slipperier and less safe. You might choose to visit during the rainy season when rain is less frequent, around October or March.
For a complete overview of Indonesia’s weather, check out Best Time To Visit Indonesia: Month and Weather Insights.
Avoid visiting when it is raining, as the waterfall and Goa Tretes will be closed, and access will only be available to the Panorama Tumpak Sewu (viewing platform).
Visit around 10 or 11 AM when the fog usually clears. It is best to avoid visiting on weekends when it is very crowded, and also avoid peak traffic months like July and August.
Allocate around 4-5 hours to fully enjoy the views of the waterfall and other attractions in Tumpak Sewu, as the terrain can be quite steep and challenging.
Backindo Tips for Visiting Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
For a comfortable visit to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, here are a few tips you should know before your adventure:
- Carry a small bag to hold essentials like drinking water, snacks, a light raincoat, a GoPro or waterproof phone case, a change of clothes (if needed), and mosquito lotion.
- Avoid carrying too many heavy items or large amounts of food. If you get hungry, you can buy instant noodles and warm drinks at tents near the waterfall.
- Wear anti-slip sandals or waterproof shoes, as parts of the path can be slippery, and you may need to hike along steep and wet rocky trails. Alternatively, you can rent appropriate footwear at the entrance for IDR 20,000 (approximately USD 1.30).
- Bring cash, as tickets must be purchased in cash, and you will need cash for buying food and drinks at the local stalls.
- Follow all rules and regulations, especially any prohibitions.
- If you decide to stay overnight, choose your accommodation carefully based on its location. The area to focus on is Sidomukti, but be aware that some guesthouses may be located quite far from key spots.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall has become a favorite destination for both local and international tourists exploring Java. Although the journey to reach it can be adrenaline-pumping, this spot is a must-visit for adventure lovers. Always step carefully, and make sure you are in good physical condition and have enough time to fully enjoy this breathtaking natural beauty.
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