The Best Waterfalls in Indonesia

East Java

Two waterfalls lie in East Java. Tumpak Sewu is a curtain of water made of many streams, pouring down green cliffs in Lumajang's Pronojiwo area. Visitors take a steep descent of stairs from the car park. Weekends bring long queues, so go early and wear non-slip shoes. Madakaripura drops through a narrow gorge between steep cliffs to a pool at its base. A motorbike taxi leaves the car park, then the riverside trail has several river crossings. A local guide is required. Expect to get wet, so bring a raincoat.

Bali

Bali has three of these falls. Sekumpul plunges into a pool inside a steep green gorge, and about 400 steps lead down to it. Entry costs 20,000 IDR for the view only. Nungnung drops 20 to 25 metres into a shallow pool, and its 500 steps are tiring to climb back. Swimming is allowed, but the current is strong near the fall. Aan Secret holds several waterfalls in a narrow gorge, with little water outside the rainy season. Visitors wade upstream on foot.

Lombok and Moyo Island

Two waterfalls lie on Lombok and Moyo Island. Tiu Kelep is a 42-metre fall where water pours from a cliff in a broad curtain below Mount Rinjani. Visitors walk about 30 minutes from the Gate 1 car park, crossing a river on the way. Entry costs IDR 20,000 per person, and guides are offered but not required. Mata Jitu falls through jungle as tiered turquoise pools over limestone. A motorbike taxi from Labuan Aji takes about 20 minutes, or walking takes about an hour. Tour groups crowd the site after 10 AM.