07/08/2026
📍Tumpak Sewu, East Java
Hidden in a deep volcanic valley beneath Mount Semeru, Tumpak Sewu is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia.
It's name roughly translates to “a thousand waterfalls”, referring to the countless streams of water that spill over the curved cliffs, creating the enormous natural curtain you see from above.
The falls are around 120 metres high, with water flowing through the Glidih River system, which originates around Mount Semeru (the largest active Volcano in Java)
What you don’t really understand from the photographs is the scale of how large and spectacular it really is.
From the viewpoint, you’re looking down into this huge green amphitheatre. But you can also descend into the valley and follow the river towards the base of the falls, where everything becomes wetter and considerably more adventurous - it's a wholw vibe.
Tumpak Sewu sits near the border of the Lumajang and Malang regencies in East Java, with the main tourism area at Sidomulyo Village, Pronojiwo.
It’s one of those landscapes that makes Java feel almost prehistoric. Volcanoes, jungle, rivers and waterfalls all occupying the same small corner of the world.
A few tips before going -
Make sure to skip leg day as you'll need glute strength for this descent and, more importantly the climb back up.
And bring some hiking shoes with good grip as you will be descending and ascending through one of the waterfall streams.
I bought mine from Kathmandu 🥾
