TUMPAK SEWU – THE BEST WATERFALL IN INDONESIA – EAST JAVA

Tumpak Sewu, also known as Air Terjun Tumpak Sewu or Coban Sewu, is arguably the BEST waterfall in Indonesia! If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure when traveling in East Java, then Tumpak Sewu is not to be missed on your itinerary!

I have put together this complete guide to Tumpak Sewu (Air Terjun Tumpak Sewu) including how to get there, how much it costs, the best time to visit and what to expect!

 

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WHERE IS TUMPAK SEWU (AIR TERJUN TUMPAK SEWU)

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is located at the base of Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Malang City or a 7-hour drive from Surabaya to reach Tumak Sewu Lumajang.

My friend and I rented a car in Surabaya for 7 days to visit as many locations as possible. We picked up our car from Setia Abadi Mobil Rental and paid 300,000 Rupiah ($22) per day.

You can contact them via their website or via WhatsApp +62 857 331 1117. They also offer a good deal for every 10 days rental you will receive one day free.

In my opinion, I recommend renting a car as opposed to a motorbike when traveling through Java as it is a very large island and the must-see locations are very far between one and another.

 

PIN LOCATION OF TUMPAK SEWU

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View of Tumpak Sewu from above

 

ARRIVING AT TUMPAK SEWU (AIR TERJUN TEMPUK SEWU)

There are two different entrances at Tumpak Sewu, one is on the east side of the falls and one is on the west.

Tumpak Sewu West Entrance

When you arrive at the west entrance of Tumpak Sewu you will find a car park on the left-hand side of the road and there is a ticket office here where you will have to pay 10,000 Rupiah to park a car and 20,000 Rupiah for the Tumpak Sewu waterfall entrance fee.

The trek down to Coban Sewu on the west side is not an easy one. You literally have to climb down bamboo ladders that are built into the cliffside.

I recommend using the east entrance, which is a lot safer if you wish to trek down to the base of Tumpak Sewu.

There is, however, an incredible view of Tumpak Sewu on the west side before you reach the ladders, so this is worth checking out for sure!

Tumpak Sewu East Entrance

When you arrive at the Tumpak Sewu east entrance you will find a car park at the end of the road that costs 10,000 Rupiah to park a car and for a motorbike, it’s 2,000 Rupiah.

The entrance to Tumpak Sewu is next to the car park, you will see a ticket office and the entry fee is 10,000 Rupiah. If you visit the west entrance first before the east, hold on to your ticket so you don’t have to pay twice.

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Tumpak Sewu west side entrance

Tumpak Sewu ticket office at the east entrance

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT TUMPAK SEWU

The hike down to the base of Tumpak Sewu will take you through lush rainforest and it also a bit of a challenge which makes the adventure all the more fun.

It can be very slippery when wet and some parts of the trail are quite steep so make sure to have 3 points of contact at all times when making the descent.

There are bamboo bridges, metal railings and ropes fixed into the side of the cliffs to aid you along the way down to Tumpak Sewu. In one section you will have to get your feet wet as you walk across a running stream that flows down and across the cliff face.

Mud steps on the hike down to Tumpak Sewu

Climbing down one of the bamboo ladders

The running stream on the hike down to Tumpak Sewu

 

THE BASE OF TUMPAK SEWU (AIR TERJUN COBAN SEWU)

Be prepared to be in absolute awe when you reach the bottom of the valley. The towering cliffs that surround you will make you feel like the size of an ant.

You’ll come across another bamboo hut in the valley where the locals will ask for you to pay for another entrance ticket if you don’t have one, so make sure to hang on to that original entrance ticket.

Follow the river upstream until you reach the base of Tumpak Sewu.

I am lost for words to describe this incredible creation of mother nature. The 120-meter high curtain of falls at Tumpak Sewu thunders down into a shallow rock pool below.

There are a number of epic viewpoints so peruse the area and take in every moment you spend down at the base of Tumpak Sewu for it is a place you’ll never forget.

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The towering cliffs in Tumpak Sewu Lumajang

Drone shot of Air Terjung Tumpak Sewu

An epic viewpoint at Coban Sewu

 

GOA TETES WATERFALL

In the same valley as Tumpak Sewu, you can find another epic set of falls named Goa Tetes.

A small cave behind this set of falls makes this spot unique and worth a quick visit before making the hike back up the cliffs.

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Goa Tetes cave waterfall

 

SECRET ENTRANCE AT THE TOP OF TUMPAK SEWU

After hiking back to the top of the valley we decided we wanted to try to find a way to get to the very top of Tumpak Sewu where the river flows off the edge of the cliffs.

We perused google maps and found an entrance further upstream at the top of the valley.

We parked the car and followed a dirt track down to the river bed which led us downstream and right to the top of Tumpak Sewu.

Please know your limits if you decide to check out this particular viewpoint Air Terjun Tumpak Sewu.

The secret entrance to Tumpak Sewu

Follow this trail down to Tumpak Sewu Lumajang

The viewpoint from the top of Tumpak Sewu

Sitting on the edge of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

 

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST NEAR COBAN SEWU

If you love hiking and love volcanoes then I recommend checking out Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo on your visit to East Java, either before or after visiting Tumpak Sewu.

Full Blog Post ∼ Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo Tour

 

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TUMPAK SEWU

The best time to visit Tumpak Sewu is in the dry season which is the months of May through to November, although be prepared for an unexpected downpour of rain as it is very unpredictable weather in these mountains.

As I mentioned earlier, the hike down to Air Terjun Tumpak Sewu falls is challenging and slippery when wet, so wear suitable footwear and take plenty of drinking water with you.

There are small warungs/cafes in the car park at the top of Tumpak Sewu if you need to stock up on water and snacks.

 

ACCOMMODATION NEAR AIR TERJUN TUMPAK SEWU

The only homestay I know of near Tumpak Sewu is Edi Travel Home Stay. The rooms are cheap and basic but it is perfect for a one night stay to explore Coban Sewu Lumajang.

Alternatively, the closest city that has more homestays and hotels is in Malang. Click Here to search for all accommodations in Malang.

 

MORE BALI TRAVEL GUIDES

Bali Travel Guide: 2 Week Bali Itinerary

Bali Waterfalls Guide: 7 Best Bali Waterfalls

Bali Beaches Guide: 10 Best Beaches In Uluwatu

Nusa Islands Guide: Ultimate Nusa Islands Guide

 

AIRBNB JAVA

Another option for accommodation in Java is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals in Java.

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MY CAMERA GEAR

• DSLR Mirrorless Camera: Sony A7ii 

• Drone Camera: DJI Mavic Pro 2

• GoPro: GoPro Hero 8 Black

• Everyday Lens: Sony F2.8 24/70mm

• Camera Bag: Lowepro Protactic 31L

• Selfie Stick: Sandmarc Metal Edition 1.2m 

• Tripod: Joby Flexible GorillaPod

• GoPro Dome: Underwater GoPro Dome

• Power Bank: Anker Powerbank

• External Hardrive: WD Elements 4TB

 

WHAT TO PACK FOR BALI?

• Waterproof Phone Case: Universal Waterproof Case

• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle

• Rain Jacket: North Face Rain Jacket

• Water Shoes: Slip-on Water Shoes

• Day Bag: Nomatic 20L Day Bag

• Power Adapter: Universal Power Adapter

• Packing Cubes: 4 Set Packing Cubes

• Microfibre Towel: Quick Dry Travel Towel

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance

• Money Belt: Hidden Money Belt

 

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and if you have any questions about Tumpak Sewu, please drop me a comment below!

Happy Adventuring!