Tumpak Sevu Waterfall is becoming known as one of the most amazing waterfalls in East Java and it may even be the hottest waterfall in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
This thing is called a waterfall, but it is more like a thousand waterfalls, which is why the name translated from the local Javanese language means “many waterfalls”.
These thunder down into a horseshoe-shaped jungle canyon that looks like something out of Jurassic Park.The end result is an unseen wonder of nature.
Tumpak Sevu is easy to visit if you’re on the way to Mount Bromo. This travel guide will explain how to get there and everything you need to know before you go.
Tumpak Sevu. A thousand waterfalls
Your first stop at Tumpak Sevu Falls is a panoramic point that serves as the main viewpoint from where you can see the falls from above. This is a great view, especially if you have a drone to fly higher.
No hike is required to see Tumpak Sevu from the view, which is just a short walk from the parking lot.
With a drone, you can even see Semeru Volcano in the background, or if you use a drone to look straight down at the waterfall in the canyon, it looks like the tree of life.
From the viewpoint, there are two different ways to descend to the falls, but the Lumajang (East) side path seems easier and safer.
Tumpak Sevu waterfall hike
Don’t stay too long in the view because you still have to see the falls from below.The best lighting for this is early in the morning before the sun rises, otherwise it can be more difficult to get the right photos.
Follow the trail for about 20 minutes to reach the bottom of the canyon. The path is mostly bamboo stairs with bamboo railings and it’s a bit sketchy in spots. Just keep going carefully.
If you have children and older people in your party, they can probably do this part of the hike as well, although you’ll want to go slow and give them a hand.
Once you reach the bottom of the canyon, you are only a 5-10 minute walk from the main event.The towering walls on either side of the canyon let you know how small you are and how epic the action is going to be.
Tumpak Sewu waterfall from below
There is one shallow stream to cross, part of which is covered by a small bridge. Cross the bridge, go around the corner and prepare to have your mind blown by the epic view. This is when the scale hits you for the first time and you can’t help but feel like you to the ant.
There are many good photo spots next to the falls, but be aware that the rocks are very slippery and any electronics you bring within 100 meters of the falls will get wet.
I would recommend bringing a dry bag to keep your camera, drone or other electronics safe between photo sessions here.
Enjoy and be safe. Overall, Tumpak Seuwi Waterfall is one of our favorite attractions in Indonesia. These are truly the “Thousand Waterfalls” of East Java.
Goa Tetes Falls
On the way back from Tumpak Sevu, there is a second waterfall in the same gorge called Goa Tetes, which you can visit on a tour that will take you to the parking area.
Walk up the canyon for about 5-10 minutes and you’ll see a beautiful waterfall with an orange rock wall.Keep going and you’ll pass a series of caves and waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
If you have time to explore, some of these caves make for some really neat photo ops.
Goa Tetes Falls
Another scene in Goa Tetes
Be careful as the rocks here are VERY wet and slippery. Do not try to keep your feet dry, it is impossible.
Just keep the three points of contact and put your electronics back in the dry bag if you fall on your butt and get wet.
At the end of the waterfall, there is another bamboo trail that leads in and out of the canyon.When you reach the top of the canyon, hang a left and walk to the Tumpak Sevu parking lot.
Voilà, you’ve completed the loop.Two gorgeous waterfalls in one hike!
Entrance fees
There are two entrance fees at Tumpak Sewu and a third fee when visiting Goa Tetes Falls.
- Tumpak Sivu Above. 20k IDR (~$1 USD)
- Tumpak Sewu Below. 50 thousand RDR
- Drip cave. 20 thousand RDR
These are the current entrance fees, but they may increase as the falls become more popular and people start flocking here.
How to get to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall?
Tumpak Sevu Waterfall is located in the Lumajang Register, which is located in East Java, Indonesia.
The nearest airport is Malang (MLG), which has direct flights from Bali (DPS), or you can easily get to Malang from Yogyakarta, which is what we did. Another option is to visit Tumpak Seu on a long day trip from Surabaya (SUB), which has international airport. You can shop for flights to Malang or Surabaya on Skyscanner.
The driving time from Malang to the falls is about 2 hours and from Surabaya it is about 4 hours. I would not recommend using a scooter for this trip unless you are experienced, especially as it involves long distances and driving in the dark.
The best way to visit the waterfalls is a day trip with a car and driver from Malang and this gives you time to visit 3 amazing waterfalls in one day: Tumpak Sevu, Kabut Pelangi and Kapas Biru. See below for more details.
These are the local Javanese names for this waterfall Koban Sevu or Tumpak Sevu waterfall. You can use any of these names if you get lost and need directions, the locals will be happy to help.
Is Tumpak Sevu open?
Yes, Tumpak Sewu is currently open to tourists from 2024.
The falls were briefly closed due to heavy rain and flooding in July 2023, but two viewing platforms are now open above the falls, so you can see it from either the west side (Malang) or the east side (Lumajang).
I will continue to update this travel guide as I get more information. You can also check out more updates on Bahasa Indonesia on their official Instagram page.
Best Tumpak Sewu Tour
Klook has a highly rated Tumpak Sewu Private Tour starting from Malang that includes Goa Tetes Waterfall.
They also have a private Tumpak Sewu tour that starts from Surabaya and includes a visit to the rainbow village of Malang.
We have used Klook for many tours and events around the world and they are great.Highly recommended.
Where did we stay?
The best base for these waterfalls is Malang, there are many good restaurants and hotels to choose from and the town is easily accessible from Bali or Yogyakarta.
We stayed at OYO 353 in Malang and it was only 210k rupiah ($15 USD) for a clean double room with cold AC, hot shower and 30Mbps WiFi.
The value was insane. We will definitely be back. Prices can fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.
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