The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is a must-see in Indonesia, so you can’t miss it on your Java Itinerary.

Wondering how to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall in East Java, Indonesia?

Lumajang Regency is the best base for visiting the waterfall, but you can take a day trip from Malang.

Tumpak Sewu translates from the Javanese language to mean “Thousand Waterfalls” and is 120 meters high. We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Indonesia that you shouldn’t miss.

This ultimate guide to the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect on the hike, and tips for visiting.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, also known as Air Terjun Tumpak Sewu or Coban Sewu, is located in East Java, Indonesia, about 2-3 hours from Malang.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Indonesia?

Indonesia has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.

Java is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Java is during the dry season, from May to October.

The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the Java attractions.

Java Island has a tropical climate, hot and humid, and the average temperature is 27°C all year round.

The busiest time to visit Java is between July and August. The rainy season in Java runs from November to April.

Good to know
In the rainy season, the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is the most beautiful because it is powerful and intense. However, during the wet season, the hiking trail may be closed, so we don’t recommend a visit these months.

Read our → Ultimate Java Itinerary

How to Get to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

To get to the Coban Sewu, you first need to get to Java Island, Indonesia.

The plane is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to Java! From Bali, you can fly to Java from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (airport code DPS).

Java has several airports. The flight takes just 1-1.5 hours, and plane tickets start from 30-40 USD (without luggage) per person for one way.

TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Java, Indonesia.

Most people arrive in Tumpak Sewu from Malang.

We have a detailed post on how to get to Java from Bali with all the information you need.

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour from Malang

The distance between Malang and Coban Sewu is around 70 km, and the journey takes 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

The best way to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is to join a day trip from Malang.

Alternatively, you can get there by renting a motorbike or hiring a private driver.

Once you arrive, buy your entrance ticket and visit the waterfall.

Recommended post → Malang Guide

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Opening Hours

Air Terjun Tumpak Sewu can be visited from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to the Tumpak Sewu panoramic viewpoint is 20,000 IDR (1,30 USD) per person. An additional 10,000 IDR (0,65 USD) to see the waterfall from the bottom.

The parking fee is 5,000 IDR (0,35 USD) for motorbikes and 10,000 IDR (0,65 USD) for cars.

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour

The waterfall can be accessed from two sides of the canyon: The west side (from Malang) and the east side (from Lumajang). The most popular side is Lumajang.

If you arrive early in the morning, the weather will probably be foggy and humid! So we recommend starting the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall tour around 10-11 AM to allow enough time to explore the waterfalls and cave.

At the entrance, you can hire a local guide!

From the parking lot, you can reach the impressive viewpoint in about 10 minutes and enjoy a fantastic view of the waterfall.

If you have a drone, you can see the Mount Semeru Volcano in the background, which provides a beautiful photo opportunity.

This tour is not recommended for small children, older people, or those who have knee problems!

Book a multi-day tour, including Mount Bromo and the Kawah Ijen.

From the Panorama Viewpoint to the Waterfall

After that, the waterfall tour becomes more dangerous with bamboo steps and slippery sections, crossing rivers and bridges.

It is a challenging hike to the waterfall, and depending on your fitness level, the tour takes at least 45 minutes.

Don’t hike in flip-flops! You should wear hiking sandals! The way down is wet and slippery, so take care, go slowly, and always hold on!

The Tumpak Sewu has high humidity, and the water spray from the waterfall immediately wet your camera lens. Therefore, protect your lens with a polarized filter and use a special lens cleaner to dry the lens.

You can’t swim at the waterfall! But you can take some fantastic photos and continue your hike to the Goa Tetes Cave, about 20-30 minutes away.

The entrance fee to Goa Tetes Waterfall is 10,000 IDR (0,65 USD). As it is dangerous to get to the cave & explore it, be careful and hike slowly!

TIP
Plan your visit to spend at least 4-5 hours at the waterfalls and cave.

See also → Things to Do in Java

What to Pack for Visiting

• Small backpack
• Light raincoat
• Mosquito repellent
• Water shoes
• Dry bag
• Camera gear
• GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
• Plenty of Water
• Snacks
• Local money

Tips for Visiting

• It is a popular place, so you should avoid weekends!
• Don’t bring unnecessary things with you!
• A local guide is not mandatory! Because you can visit the waterfall on your own.
• Bring enough local money! You can only pay for the entrance fee and local guide with cash!
• Allow enough time to visit the waterfall, as wet and slippery roads can make the hike time take longer.
• Take plenty of water and snacks.
• As unexpected rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.
• Wear hiking sandals and lightweight, quick-dry clothes, as the weather is always warm and humid.
• Bring water shoes and be careful, as the rocks can be slippery!
• Use a polarized lens to protect your camera and get better-quality photos.

Where to Stay near Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Malang is a city in East Java and the perfect base for visiting the Coban Sewu, Jodipan Colorful Village, and Mount Bromo Volcano.

You can spend 2-3 days in Malang, these are our accommodation recommendations.

Best hotels in Malang, Java

• Luxury: The Shalimar Boutique Hotel
• Mid-Range: Harris Hotel or Hotel Tugu Malang
• Budget: Ibis Styles Malang

TIP
Alternatively, stay in Lumajang, the nearest town to the waterfall.

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Map

We hope you found our guide to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go

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