Travel tips

Uncovering the Rich History of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

04 September 2024
Blog Author David Junior

East Java has become a popular province serving many natural tourist destinations, from mountains to waterfalls. Tumpak Sewu Malang is one of the visitors’ favorite natural attractions. 

Though frequently overlooked this undiscovered beauty is just as magnificent as the more well-known falls. What sets this experience apart from all others is that you get to enjoy the falls on your own. This article will give you the ins and outs of Tumpak Sewu's history, so check this out!

An Overview of Tumpak Sewu History

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is a beautiful fall located in Sidomulyo Village, Pronojiwo, Lumajang Regency. This waterfall lies 47 kilometers south of the center of Lumajang city, which is still a long way from there. Goa Tetes is another nice site not too far from the waterfall tourist destination.

The name Tumpak Sewu also means tumpak or "rising" and sewu "thousand" in another way. Tumpak Sewu, then, refers to the waterfall's appearance as though it is riding or mounting the waterfall's cliff or wall.

Thus, it follows that Tumpak Sewu is the colloquial name for the thousand waterfall pile. The volume of water that makes this waterfall is quite huge, even if it's not quite a thousand, giving the impression that it's a gigantic waterfall.

The waterfalls are arranged in rows like a curtain and periodically produce stunning rainbows. The waterfall rises to a height of 120 meters from top to bottom, and the site is 500 meters above sea level.

In addition to Tumpak Sewu's history, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is categorized as a tiered waterfall. The Glidik River, which has its headwaters on Mount Semeru, Java's tallest mountain, forms this stunning waterfall.

Yet, before becoming a tourist destination, Tumpak Sewu Semeru was a place where the locals gathered grass until one resident named Abdul Karim initiated to make Sidomulyo Village to be tourist village. 

After including the locals in the process of transforming the village into a tourist destination, a waterfall known as Tumpak Sewu Waterfall was ultimately selected. It was officially opened on March 13, 2015, and is distinctive in that it is a broad waterfall that flows like a curtain.

The management of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall as a tourist destination has led to the creation of new job opportunities, with a large number of young people working in the tourism industry. Apart from that, there are 150–200 foreign visitors per month in addition to around 2,000 local visitors.

Trekking Path to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Another thing you should know aside from Tumpak Sewu’s history is the trekking path. Despite offering fascinating scenery, you require more effort to reach these falls. 

The road is slippery and steep, so be careful on your way to the waterfall. You will also pass small rivers that flow from the waterfall. The water feels cold on your feet and fresh when used to wash your face.

It's also tough to scale the waterfall's rocks and walls. You may find it challenging to navigate this steep and sloping area because some of the bamboo stairs are damaged, although the administration has installed handrails made of iron, wood, and rope.

But, after spending approximately an hour strolling through the valley and forest, you will reach the base of this magnificent, enormous waterfall.

The Attractions of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Now that you already know Tumpak Sewu’s history, let’s figure out the attractions you can visit here. In addition to its breathtaking views, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is charming in a few other places. The following are some of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall's charming spots.

1. The Upper View of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

The first attraction is the upper view of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall which you can reach for 10 minutes walking on the provided road. 

This location provides elevated views of the Tumpak Sewu waterfall's beauty. If fortune favors you, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Semeru's magnificence from behind the enormous walls of the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall.

2. The Lower View of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

A view of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall's splendor from below is also an option. The journey that must be taken, nevertheless, is a little tough and challenging to get to this location.

After going down bamboo stairs to the ravine's bottom, you must cross a little slick area to follow the Glidih River. When viewed from below, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall appears incredibly magnificent. In clear weather, you may be able to observe tiny water droplets that reflect light to create a stunning rainbow.

3. Goa Tetes

Goa Tetes is a cave located at the mouth of the Glidih River, beneath the waterfall. The water that comes from above seeps and drips down the sides of this cave, giving it the name Goa Tetes (Dripping Cave).

4. Goa Bidadari

Not only Goa Tetes, but you can also find Goa Bidadari which is 300 meters away from Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. There is a belief that says lovely angels flock in this cave. Additionally, this location is typically utilized for spiritual pursuits like meditation.

How to Get to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall?

After knowing Tumpak Sewu’s history, let’s find out how to get to this waterfall. As mentioned before, it is located 47 kilometers away from the center of Lumajang City. In addition, this fall is 70 kilometers away from Malang, which approximately need 2 hours of driving. 

The site is also easily accessible by car, with paved roads that can accommodate both motorcycles and cars. You will need to walk around 400 meters to reach the viewpoint once you get there.

If you plan to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, it is best to prepare well to make your travel the most memorable one. In this case, you can entrust Cheap Bromo! You can choose your desired Tumpak Sewu package and get picked up from the hotel, train station, airport, and harbor where you arrive. Book your trip now!