Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: Everything You Need to Know

Tumpak Sewu is one of Indonesia’s biggest waterfalls, tucked away in East Java’s Lumajang Regency. Locals also call it Coban Sewu—‘Coban’ means waterfall in Javanese, and ‘Sewu’ means a thousand, thanks to its many flowing streams. And when you see it in person, it really does feel like a thousand waterfalls coming together in one gorgeous view!

You can take in the waterfall from a viewing platform across the way or hike down a fairly steep trail to see it from the bottom. The trek is a bit challenging, but the view looking up at the towering falls is absolutely worth it!

We would put this in our top 10 of Indonesia’s natural wonders. It’s also still relatively unknown on the tourist trail, especially compared to its neighboring - Mount Bromo. So definitely visit Tumpak Sewu waterfall, especially if you are already in East Java.

If you even remotely enjoy nature, it’s for you! And it’s definitely a photographer’s dream. You can even fly your drone for some epic bird’s eye view photos. Because you can easily see the waterfalls from a convenient platform, it’s accessible for visitors of most physical fitness and even kids. If you plan on trekking down to the bottom, you should be in relatively good fitness, as the climb is quite steep. 

The waterfalls are located in Pronojiwo town, to get there, you can hire a car and driver from either Malang (3.5 hours) or Surabaya (4 hours).  If you are first visiting Mount Bromo, you will also need about a 3 hour drive to get there. Best advice is to book a private tour that will include a pick up in Malang City or Surabaya and can ideally combine a visit to both Mount Bromo and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, or even Mt Ijen.

Many travelers stop by for just a day trip and it’s possible to see it that quickly if you are short on time zooming between Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen, but we’d highly recommend spending a few days in Pronojiwo town. This small hamlet, has much more than Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. Here you can enjoy sunrise views of Mount Semeru, one of Indonesia’s tallest mountains, riding through pine forests as well as checking out a few other waterfalls. Not to mention slowing down and appreciating the lush nature in a quiet town. 

If you are looking to capture the best photos, you should consider the dry season for less cloud coverage and more sun (May - September). However if you are looking to avoid the crowds, go shoulder season (Oct-Nov or March-April). But even rainy season is not bad, since cloud coverage from the viewing point usually doesn’t get so bad that it blocks the views completely. In other words, there’s no bad time to go! 

Just a few hundred meters from the foot of Tumpak Sewu waterfalls, you will find Goa Tetes waterfall which are unique as they are falling over a small cave. It’s just a small detour from your way back to the entrance of Tumpak Sewu and at an extra IDR 5000 or so, it’s a great way to pack in more sites.

Mount Semeru is Indonesia’s second highest mountain and an active volcano. At sunrise it’s perfectly visible from Pronojiwo. You can hire a half day tour jeep experience to take you for an early morning viewing as well as bring you through a pine forest and a few other picturesque spots. 

Another impressive waterfall in the area, is Kapas Biru, a waterfall that can be viewed from a perfect little spot across the way. The photo opportunities here are amazing, as you get to sit in another small stream while taking photos of Kapas Biru in the background. On very clear days you can also see Semeru in the far background. If you come during high season, you may have to queue for your turn to take a photo! 

Yet another nearby waterfall that is nestled in the corner of a lush green canyon. One of it’s unique features is the position in which it is located has the sun hit it just right to make for a most amazing rainbow effect. In fact the name translates to “rainbow mist waterfall”.

If you are making your way to Mount Bromo, you might as well spend a couple more hours driving south and see Tumpak Sewu. Some itineraries will even take you to Tumpak Sewu first and you'll hit Mount Bromo on the next day. Regardless which one comes first, this will usually be a 2 day trip. Along the way you can even opt to stop at Madakaripura waterfall, another epic nature's creation.

If you find yourself in East Java, you might as well hit the three main spots. Usually you'll start in Malang or Surabaya and head to Bromo, followed by Tumpak Sewu and finish up with Ijen. However you can find options that will pick you up in Bali and you can do the reverse trip.

It’s bout 700 meters, but it is quite steep. Most visitors with moderate level of fitness should be able to climb this, but do keep in mind that it might be slippery, especially during rainy season. Most travelers should be able to make the climb down and back in under 2 hours. Would recommend sturdy shoes with a good grip. Would advise against wearing flipflops!

If you are looking for a respite from the hectic Bromo Ijen road trip, we would highly recommend spending a few days here. Pronojiwo is still relatively under developed and under touristed, making it a perfect spot to enjoy some peaceful time. In two days, in addition to seeing Tumpak Sewu you can also do a sunrise jeep ride to see Mt Semeru and head to a viewing point of Kapas Biru waterfall. You can even see a few other waterfalls.

Because it’s still relatively new to the tourist trail, the hotel infrastructure is relatively under developed. However, we found that Tumpak Sewu Homestay is a real gem and Artha Cottages is lovely as well. It’s more of a Bali type hotel with small villa rooms. There’s even a pool! 

Although the fees change at any time, at the time of writing this, the main entrance is IDR 20,000 (or about USD 1.25) to go to the viewing point. To trek to the bottom it’s an additional IDR 50,000 (USD 3.10). Parking fees, to park in the nearby parking lot, are separate, with IDR 5,000 for motor bikes and up to IDR 20,000 for cars.

Although it can get quite busy, especially during high season and Indonesian public holidays, it's still relatively calm. Tumpak Sewu waterfalls has only recently become a part of the traveller bucket list, so it only sees a small percentage of the visitors that come to Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen. During high season you may expect several hundred visitors daily.