The Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is famous as one of the most awesome waterfalls in East Java and is perhaps even the freshest waterfall in all of Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
This thing is called a waterfall, but it’s more like a thousand cascades together, which is why the loosely translated name from the local Java language means “many cascades”.’
These waterfalls plunge into a horseshoe-shaped jungle canyon that looks like something straight out of Jurassic Park. The end result is a natural wonder that you should not miss!
Tumpak Sewu is easy to visit if you are on the way to Mount Bromo. This guide will tell you how to get there and what you need to know before you go!
Tumpak Sewu: The Thousand Waterfalls
Your first stop at the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is a panoramic point that serves as the main vantage point from which you can see the waterfalls from above. This is an impressive vantage point, especially if you have a drone that you can send even higher.
No hike is required to see Tumpak Sewu from the viewpoint, which is just a few steps from the parking lot. The waterfall is super photogenic and it is easy to see how it became known as the “thousand waterfalls” of East Java.
With a drone, you can even see Mount Semeru volcano in the background, or if you look directly at the waterfall in the gorge with a drone, it looks like a tree form of life.
From the point of view, there are two different ways to get to the waterfall, but the way to the Lumajang side (east) seems to be easier and safer.
Tumpak sewu waterfall hike
Do not stay too long at the viewpoint, because you still have to see the waterfall from below! The best lighting for this is in the early morning, before the sun rises, otherwise it can be more challenging to take the right photos.
Walk down the path for about 20 minutes to reach the bottom of the gorge. The path consists mainly of bamboo steps with bamboo railings, and it is a bit sketchy in places, but nothing too terrible. Just proceed carefully.
If you have children and elderly people in your group, they can probably do this part of the hike as well, although they are taking it slow and want to help you.
Once you have reached the bottom of the gorge, you are only a 5-10 minute walk from the main event. The towering walls on both sides of the gorge will let you know how small they are and how epic things are going to be.
There is a shallow stream to cross, with a small bridge covering part of it. Cross the bridge, turn around the corner and get ready to be overwhelmed by the epic view! Then Libra will meet you for the first time and you can not help but feel like an ant.
There are a lot of good photo spots next to the waterfall, but be aware that the rocks are very slippery and any electronic devices you bring within 100 meters of the waterfalls will get soaked.
I recommend that you bring a waterproof bag to safely store your camera, drone or other electronics here in the middle photo strikes.
Enjoy and be safe! Overall, the Tumpak sewu waterfall is one of our favorite places in Indonesia. These are really the “thousand waterfalls” of East Java!
Waterfall of Tetes in Goa
On the way back from Tumpak Sewu, there is a second waterfall in the same gorge called Goa Tetes, which you can visit on a circular hike that will take you back to the parking lot.
Walk down the gorge for about 5-10 minutes and you will see a beautiful waterfall with an orange rock wall. Keep driving and you will pass a series of caves and waterfalls that flow along the rocks.
If you have time to explore, some of these caves are ideal for really neat photo ops.
