3 breathtaking waterfalls of East Java

Just like Bali Island, Java is literally dotted with waterfalls. Among them, there are modest and unremarkable ones and there are massive, beautiful ones that look like movie decorations for "Avatar". The good news is that you don't have to go anywhere special to see the most spectacular ones. You can combine seeing them with a trip to the eastern part of the island and visiting the main attractions, such as Mount Bromo and Ijen.

Tumpak Sewu

Tumpak Sewu is probably the most spectacular waterfall on the island of Java. Its height is 120 meters. The name translates to "thousands of waterfalls" because in fact, it's not one waterfall but several streams of water that cascading down from a cliff and dozens of other streams gushing directly from the rocks. It's so massive that it's difficult for the human eye to fully assess its scale.

On the way to the waterfall, there are many viewing platforms that allow you to see it from different angles. But to feel its full power, it's worth going down to its base. The descent is quite difficult, at the end you will have to climb down a staircase, so you need to have at least a minimal physical preparation. It's better to leave children on the viewing platform. Down below, you'll feel like you're in a basin surrounded by powerful rocks. Streams of water rush from all sides with a roar. You can easily get your equipment wet, but if you find the right perspective, the photos turn out to be magical.

To see the full beauty of the waterfall, you'll have to fly up. A drone captures epic footage: on a clear day, the highest active volcano on the island, Semeru, can be seen in the background of the waterfall.

It's definitely worth stopping by Tumpak Sewu waterfall if you're traveling through eastern Java and heading south towards Mount Bromo. It's conveniently located on your way.

It's best to visit the waterfall during the dry season, from April to November. During the rainy season, it can be dangerous to descend the slippery surface.

Madakaripura

Another impressive waterfall hidden in the mountains of eastern Java. Madakaripura is the highest waterfall on the island and the second highest in all of Indonesia. It's a cascading waterfall consisting of 7 streams, the main one of which plunges 200 meters into dense jungle foliage.

There's a legend surrounding Madakaripura that in the 14th century, the prime minister of the Javanese empire Majapahit dissolved into thin air near the waterfall, and was never found. Javanese people believed that the prime minister possessed supernatural power and drew strength from a cave behind the waterfall. Pilgrims still come to meditate in this cave in honor of the national hero.

You'll have to walk about one kilometer to get there along the bottom of a ravine through which a stream flows. Once there, it's like entering a watery kingdom – the walls of the ravine are covered in moist vegetation, and in some places you'll have to ford streams that are knee-deep. Be prepared to get wet. The walk is  far, but it's not difficult and even interesting to see what obstacles this path has in store for us.

And finally, your face is cooled by the damp air, and an incredible view opens up before you! Bring a drone with you if possible to capture the natural wonder in all its glory.

Madakaripura is located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, so it's very convenient to combine a visit to the waterfall with a trip to Mount Bromo and a visit to the Tumpak Sewu waterfall.

Coban Pelangi Waterfall

Coban Pelangi Waterfall is another high, but much less known waterfall in the Malang area of East Java. Its name literally means "rainbow waterfall" and it is not given that name for no reason: on a sunny day, a rainbow is always visible at the foot of the waterfall.

A powerful stream of water bursts straight out of the depths of the dense jungle and with a roar falls down into a basin, creating a light mist of splashes.

You can admire the waterfall from one of two viewpoints, one located at the top and the other at the bottom.

The path to the upper viewpoint is quite easy and will take only 10-15 minutes. At the end, you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the entire waterfall. There is a small treehouse and benches nearby where you can rest.

Getting to the lower viewpoint is slightly more difficult, as the descent is steeper. The journey will also take 15-20 minutes. But you will be rewarded with new beautiful angles and the opportunity to photograph Koban Pelangi up close.

A visit to the Rainbow Waterfall can also be conveniently combined with a trip to the volcanoes.

If you want to visit East Java and see the Martian landscapes of Bromo-Tengger National Park and a real active volcano, giant ferns, breathtaking waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes, we suggest choosing a two-day organized tour.

On our website, you can choose the itinerary of your trip, including the volcanoes you want to climb and the waterfalls you dream of seeing.