LOCATION
DIFFICULTY
ACTIVITY
LENGTH
3 hours round trip
"Did you bring good shoes with you? There is a river you have to cross" Azhar said the moment we were about to start the hike. Wearing our regular (white) sneakers and with that info, we thought we would be fine just like in the Sumatran jungle. "A" river should be ok, right? Well, "a" river became a few hours of trudging through ankle-high water and clambering through waterfalls. We ended up walking more in the water than on dry land.
Fortunately, that didn't make the experience any less fun, but it increased the chances of my shoes not surviving this trip.
We were guided by hand down waterfalls, through streams, over slippery moss-covered rocks and through fast-flowing rivers. Every few minutes the camera went back in or out of the dry bag, as did the shirts. The way down occasionally went over metal bridges that were super slippery, and where in the jungle we could still rely on sturdy lianas, here we had to move step-by-step and sideways holding on to shaky "ballustrades" tied to ropes.
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At every obstacle we held our hearts, while the tour guide himself did everything quietly on his flip flops with 2 extra cameras on his back.Once we arrived at the bottom, the effort was immediately more than worth it, because what a beautiful view this was! Not only did our guide turn out to have ridiculously good balance, but he was also an excellent photographer and really enjoyed trying out our camera and placed us in the nicest spots for a true photo shoot.
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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Nearest major city: Malang
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Most people venture to Tumpak Sewu on a daytrip from and returning to Malang. From the city a 2 hour drive Southeast will take you to the viewpoint. Other cities that are the closest to Tumpak Sewu are Surabaya (3.5 hour drive) and Cemoro Lawang (3.5 hour drive). You can either book a tour, get a personal driver or take your car/scooter there.
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Exact address: Jl. Raya Dampit-Lumajang No.16, Besukcukit, Sidomulyo, Pronojiwo, Kabupaten Lumajang, Jawa Timur 67374, Indonesia
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TRAVEL TIPS
The viewpoint
Without a doubt, Tumpak Sewu ("Thousand Waterfalls") is the most spectacular waterfall on Java, let alone in Indonesia. After only a ten minute walk from the parking lot you will be able to step foot on the two-level viewpoint, which you may know from the photos with mount Semeru in the backdrop. That view is unfortunately not as visible as it seems unless you have a drone, but it can be seen partially.
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The hike
After about 40 minutes walking along stairs made of bamboo, through streams, and crawling over slippery rocks, you will arrive at the bottom of the canyon. Don't be fooled by the flip flops worn by your guide and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If possible bring waterproof hiking shoes, but we managed on sneakers as well.
The packing list
After crossing the final river you will walk around the bend and be amazed by the waterfalls appearing. Take your time taking photos and figure out how the ligthing best hits your camera. Don't forget to bring a cloth to clean your lense as the constant mist and falling waterdrops will fog your camera within a few seconds everytime you raise it. Here's a complete list of what you should bring:
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Dry Bag for your electronics/clothes
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One or two cloths to clean your camera lens
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Good walking or hiking shoes, if possible waterproof
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Enough water, at least a liter per person - there are no stores along the hike
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In rain season, don't forget a raincoat
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Swimclothes for the natural pools during your hike back up
The hike back up
The hike back up takes inbetween 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness and the amount of photo stops / swimming breaks you take. It is truly beautiful the whole trek and you'll wonder who ever came up with the itinerary. It's more humid and hot (also because it's later in the day), so bring enough water!
WHERE TO STAY
I will only promote hotels/hostels in which I or my friends have actually stayed. That way I try to keep my recommendations as honest as possible! When you click on one of these links & finish a booking, I earn a small amount from Booking.com.
An inexpensive but quite luxurious hotel with a pool & buffet breakfast
Rooms starting at €40 / night
Malang
A highly rated hostel that offers dorm beds & private rooms at very low rates.
Rooms starting at €12 / night
Beds starting at €4 / night
Malang
A hostel in the hearth of Malang, with small but comfortable rooms
Rooms starting at €20 / night
Beds starting at €11 / night
Malang
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