Best of Tumpak Sewu - Travel Guide
Ultimate Guide to Goa Tetes Valley Trail
Towering at 120 meters, Tumpak Sewu (in english “a thousand waterfalls”) boasts a magnificent curtain of water plunging into a lush green canyon, surrounded by vibrant foliage and serene natural pools. The journey to reach this pristine paradise involves trekking through dense tropical forests, crossing bamboo bridges, and navigating slippery trails, providing a thrilling sense of exploration for adventure seekers.
If you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply someone looking for an unforgettable experience, Tumpak Sewu should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Table of Contents
What to see in Tumpak Sewu
1. Tumpak Sewu Viewpoint
Our journey begins at the iconic Tumpak Sewu viewpoint. Located high above the ground, this viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and its surrounding lush landscapes. As you gaze out, you'll be treated to an awe-inspiring sight of the waterfall, which translates to "a thousand waterfalls" in Javanese. It's the perfect place to start your Tumpak Sewu adventure.
2. Descend to the Waterfall
From the viewpoint, it's time to get up close and personal with Tumpak Sewu. Prepare to descend along a steep trail that leads to the base of the waterfall. The descent is a thrilling mix of metal planks and ropes, guiding you down a smaller waterfall.
As you make your way down, the sound of cascading water becomes your soundtrack, and the lush greenery that surrounds you transforms the journey into a sensory experience like no other. After you reach the bottom, the adventure continues as you'll need to cross the rapid tea-colored river, and a trusty rope will be your only ally.
3. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu, aptly named "a thousand waterfalls" in Javanese, is a breathtaking masterpiece of nature. The waterfall plunges from towering heights, casting hundreds of majestic veils of water that glistens in the sunlight. You'll be surrounded by the lush greenery of the canyon, adding to the surreal beauty of the scene.
The sheer power and force of the cascading water create an invigorating mist that fills the air, making you feel alive and connected to the raw energy of the earth. Take a moment to soak it all in (literally) as it will feel like being in the middle of the most fantastic of rain storms.
4. Goa Tetes Valley Trail
Once you've had your fill of Tumpak Sewu, continue your adventure by following the trail through the Goa Tares valley. The trail winds through the valley, offering opportunities to spot local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the unique rock formations that dot the landscape.
5. Goa Tetes Waterfalls
As you explore the Goa Tetes Valley trail, you'll come across another hidden gem: the Goa Tetes Waterfalls. These enchanting waterfalls are nestled amidst the lush vegetation, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop. Take a moment to refresh yourself in the cool waters of Goa Tetes pool and revel in the tranquility of this lesser-known spot.
6. Up the Hill - View, monkeys and coconuts
With the Goa Tetes waterfalls behind you, the adventure continues. Go forward on the trail to make your way up the hill. This part of the journey offers a different perspective of the landscape, with panoramic views of the valley below and the surrounding mountains.
As you climb pay attention to the trees around you, a large group of long-tailed monkeys roam this area. Seeing them feed and play as the sunset was one of the highlights of the day. At the end of the trail, near the banana plantations, you will also find a nice place to sit with the locals and enjoy a freshly cut coconut.
Where to stay near Tumpak Sewu
When exploring Tumpak Sewu, a day trip from Malang is a convenient option. Malang is connected through rapid train to all major cities in Java. This Dutch-influenced city is located relatively close to Mount Bromo and offers a wide range of accommodation options and restaurants, making it a comfortable and convenient choice. Malang also offers you the possibility to visit other fantastic nearby attractions such as Mount Bromo or Mount Kawi.
Recommended accommodation options in Malang
How to get to Tumpak Sewu
From Malang to Tumpak Sewu is a 2 hour drive in a normal national road. If you feel comfortable driving in Indonesia, renting a scooter will be your cheapest option. However the traffic was terrible, specially on our way back and you will take longer on a scooter compared to a car.
Our option was to rent a car with a driver through the Traveloka app. The car renting with a driver inclusive of gas, parking, and driver’s fee was about 500,000 IDR. We found this option to be very affordable and convenient. At the end of the day, after a demanding hike, it feels great to have the driver take you home, without you having to worry about driving or traffic. Besides, it further supports the local communities.
Another option is to go with an organized tour, this is especially useful if you do not feel comfortable doing long trails by yourself but you still don’t wanna miss this National Geographic worth landscape. Here are a few suggestions for organized to Tumpak Sewu tours from Malang:
Best time to visit Tumpak Sewu
The dry season(May to October) is generally considered the best time to visit Tumpak Sewu. During the dry season, the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less slippery. You can enjoy clear skies and better visibility, which is essential for capturing the beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The water flow of the waterfall might be slightly lower during this period, but it is still impressive.
The popularity of the site has grown in popularity in the recent years so going during the rainy season (November to April) can help you avoid crowds and enjoy the natural beauty at its best. While the rainy season can bring lush greenery and more dramatic waterfalls due to increased water flow, it also means more rain and potentially challenging trail conditions. The trails may be muddier and slippery, and there could be a higher risk of flash floods, which may be dangerous. I only advise for this option if you are see the waterfall from the viewpoint and do not plan to descend.
| Month | Temperature | Precipitation | Travel Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24/28ºC | 87% | Low |
| February | 24/28ºC | 85% | Low |
| March | 24/28ºC | 76% | Low |
| April | 24/28ºC | 68% | Low |
| May | 23/28ºC | 48% | Average |
| June | 22/28ºC | 33% | High |
| July | 21/28ºC | 18% | High |
| August | 21/29ºC | 9% | High |
| September | 22/30ºC | 13% | High |
| October | 23/31ºC | 25% | High |
| November | 24/30ºC | 63% | Low |
| December | 24/29ºC | 82% | Low |
Current Weather nearby Tumpak Sewu (Lumajang)
Travel Tips
Bring adequate clothes and shoes. Good waterproof hiking shoes are essential as the descent through the waterfall is steep and wet. It is also guaranteed that you be completely soaked when near the waterfall so fast-drying clothes are recommended as well as a swimming suit if you plan to go for a swim at the Goa Tetes pool.
There are some food stalls near the parking lot and a very nice family-owned place at the end of the trail. However, during the trail, there are not many places where you can find food, so make sure to be prepared with food and water for the duration of your trail.
Even though it seems remote this place feels very safe, there are always local people around and many groups with trained guides. Just make sure to not venture out of the trail.
This is the jungle, and there are a lot of mosquitos around so much sure to bring mosquito repelent and sunscreen and wear it at all times.
A small fee needs to be paid to get to the waterfall viewpoint: 20,000 IDR and an additional 10,000 IDR to descend to the waterfall. The parking lot fee is 5,000 IDR for motorbikes and 10,000 IDR for cars. In total you will pay about 35000 IDR per person which is super affordable and those fees help locals to tend to this place and maintain the infrastructure that allows you to visit this incredible location.
Nearby attractions
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