Summary
The hills and mountains in Java are full of amazing waterfalls; however, one of the best is Kabut Pelangi Waterfall in East Java. Also known as Air Terjun Kabut Pelangi, this remarkable cascade is nestled within a lush jungle amphitheater. The name translates to ‘rainbow mist waterfall’ in Indonesian, highlighting its stunning visual appeal.
This travel guide will describe how to visit this enchanting site and what you need to know before your journey!
Kabut Pelangi Waterfall Hike
The hike to Air Terjun Kabut Pelangi takes approximately 45 minutes one way. Returning tends to take a bit longer due to the steep hillside. Consequently, while the path isn’t incredibly difficult, it can be hard to navigate, especially during or shortly after the rainy season. During our visit in May, we found certain areas to be somewhat overgrown, with several stream crossings that required getting our feet wet.
As the waterfall garners more popularity, it’s expected that the trail conditions will improve. On your ascent to Kabut Pelangi, you will encounter a smaller waterfall which is nice, although the main waterfall is far more impressive!
You’ll know you’re nearing your destination when you spot a small bamboo stairway leading over some boulders.
Although I enjoy hiking in sandals, this particular trek is best suited for sturdy shoes. During our hike, we unexpectedly encountered a large scorpion on the trail. To complicate matters further, my friend had lost a sandal at a prior location earlier that day, and I had lent him one of mine. So, barefoot with scorpions made for an unforgettable experience!
In any case, the stunning view at the end was remarkable and made the adventure worthwhile. The ideal time for photographs is during the morning or late afternoon, or on any overcast day. When we arrived shortly after noon, the bright sun behind the waterfall made photography challenging.
We needed to advance closer for better shots. Even on an overcast day, this location stands as one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Indonesia. Enjoy the hike and always prioritize safety!
Entrance Fees
The entrance to Kabut Pelangi Waterfall is free as of 2024. Typically, the entire trail is unstaffed, meaning there is no entry fee. During our 2-hour hike, we encountered no other visitors.
How To Get To Kabut Pelangi Waterfall
Kabut Pelangi Waterfall is situated in Lumajang, East Java. The closest airport is Abdul Rachman Saleh (MLG) in Malang, which offers direct flights from Bali (DPS). Moreover, reaching Malang from Yogyakarta is convenient by train, which is how we traveled.
The best method to experience the waterfalls is by hiring a driver for a day trip from Malang. This arrangement allows time to visit three incredible waterfalls u2013 Tumpak Sewu, Kabut Pelangi, and Kapas Biru.
Our East Java Driver
We used Zaini Transport for our adventures and were based in Malang. By hiring a car and driver, we explored the waterfalls and later embarked on a 3D2N trip to Mount Bromo and Ijen. Their daily service cost was 400k Rupiah plus petrol, totaling approximately 620k Rupiah ($44 USD) for a full day of visiting the three waterfalls before returning to the more comfortable accommodations in Malang, where a plethora of dining options and hotels awaited us.
Our driver, Dayat, was punctual and well-versed in the area, ensuring we navigated effortlessly to the beautiful waterfalls!
Where We Stayed
Malang serves as the perfect base for exploring these splendid waterfalls. The city boasts numerous quality restaurants and hotels, and it is easily reachable from Bali or Yogyakarta. We chose to stay at the OYO 353 hotel in Malang, where we enjoyed a clean double room with cold A/C, hot shower, and 30 Mbps WiFi for only 210k Rupiah ($15 USD).
The value provided was extraordinary! Our experience leaves us eager to return. Though prices may vary, it’s wise to keep an eye out for the best deals.
