Summary
Coban Pelangi Waterfall is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the Malang area of East Java, Indonesia. The name Coban Pelangi translates to ‘rainbow waterfall,’ derived from the vibrant rainbow that can be seen on sunny days (unfortunately, it was overcast during our visit, so we missed out on the rainbow). This travel guide will provide essential details about how to get there and everything you need to know before you embark on your adventure!
Coban Pelangi Waterfall Hike
Initially, I wasn’t expecting much from this hike based on previous reports, but it turned out to be quite impressive. Positioned in the mountains, the climate is pleasant, and the fresh air is invigorating. There are two viewpoints to appreciate the beauty of Coban Pelangi waterfall — one above the waterfall and one below.
Both hikes are relatively easy and offer stunning views. If time permits, I recommend exploring both!
Upper Viewpoint
The upper viewpoint hike is the easier of the two, taking only about 10-15 minutes to reach the destination. The path is mostly flat, and upon arrival, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and the waterfall from above, featuring a quirky treehouse decorated with rainbows and benches for relaxation.
I was able to capture additional aerial views with a drone. You can view some of my shots of Coban Pelangi in my Indonesia drone video on YouTube.
Lower Viewpoint
The lower viewpoint offers a closer look at the waterfall. This section of the hike is slightly steeper but still only takes about 15-20 minutes one way. At the lower viewpoint, there are several great spots for capturing photos of Coban Pelangi up close. While I don’t know the exact height of the waterfall, it’s estimated to be between 50-100 meters, making it quite a sight!
Entrance Fees
As of 2024, there is an entrance fee of 15k IDR (approximately $1 USD). This fee grants access to both viewpoints of the waterfall.
How To Get To Coban Pelangi Waterfall
Coban Pelangi waterfall is located in the Malang regency of East Java. The nearest airport is Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG) in Malang city, which offers direct flights from Bali (DPS). An alternative and convenient way to reach Malang is by train from Yogyakarta, which is what we opted for.
To visit the waterfall, it’s an excellent idea to schedule your trip on the way to Mount Bromo. Many travelers usually stop at Madakaripura waterfall en route to Bromo, but Coban Pelangi is a worthy alternative.
Our stay in Malang involved renting a car with a driver through Zaini Transport, allowing us to explore multiple waterfalls in Java before undertaking a 3D2N adventure to Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen. Coban Pelangi was the last waterfall we visited while heading to Bromo. Our driver, Dayat, was punctual and very knowledgeable about the area, ensuring we found everything without any hassle!
Where We Stayed
The ideal base for exploring these waterfalls is Malang. The city boasts a wide variety of restaurants and hotels, making it easily accessible from either Bali or Yogyakarta.
We chose to stay at OYO 353 hotel in Malang, which was an amazing value at just 210k Rupiah (approximately $15 USD) for a clean double room equipped with cold A/C, a hot shower, and 30 Mbps WiFi. This level of value is hard to come by during travels! We look forward to returning in the future. Keep in mind that prices may vary, so always check for the best deals!
