The hills and mountains in Java are full of amazing waterfalls, but one of the best is Kabut Pelangi Waterfall in East Java.
Also known as Air Terjun Kabut Pelangi (in Indonesian), this is a huge cascade in a green jungle amphitheater. The name means โrainbow mist waterfallโ in Indonesian, and the size of this one is crazy awesome.
This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!Kabut Pelangi Waterfall Hike
The hike to Air Terjun Kabut Pelangi takes about 45 minutes one way. Going back takes a bit longer because itโs a steep hillside.
Itโs not a very difficult track to the main waterfall, but the path can be hard to see sometimes, especially if you go during or soon after the rainy season. We went in May and things were a little overgrown in places, and there were several stream crossings that required getting your feet wet.
The path should improve as the waterfall becomes more popular.
On the way to Kabut Pelangi, youโll pass a smaller waterfall that is nice too. Just donโt hang out here very long, because the main waterfall is much better!
Youโll know youโre near the finish line when you reach a small bamboo stairway leading over some boulders.
Iโm a big fan of sandal hiking, but this is one trek where shoes are a good idea.
Halfway through the hike, we spotted a big scorpion in the middle of the foot path. To make matters worse, my buddy had lost a sandal at Goa Tetes waterfall earlier in the day, and I had loaned him one of mine. Barefoot with scorpions, yay!
In any case, the end view was amazing and we felt like it was worth the hassle.
The best time for photographs here is in the morning or late afternoon, or any overcast day. We arrived shortly after noon, and the lighting was blown out because of the bright sun behind the waterfall.
We had to hike to a closer spot to get better pics. Even on a bad day this is easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Indonesia!
Enjoy and be safe!
Entrance Fees
FREE as of 2019.
The whole trail is unstaffed and thereโs no entry fee. We didnโt see another person on the trail in almost 2 hours.
How To Get To Kabut Pelangi Waterfall
Kabut Pelangi waterfall is located in Lumajang, East Java.
The nearest airport is Abdul Rachman Saleh (MLG) in Malang, which has direct flights from Bali (DPS). You can also reach Malang easily by train from Yogyakarta, which is what we did.
The best way to visit the waterfalls is with a driver on a day trip from the city of Malang, and this gives you time to visit 3 amazing waterfalls in one day โ Tumpak Sewu, Kabut Pelangi, and Kapas Biru. More driver details below.
Our East Java Driver
We based ourselves in Malang and booked a car + driver through Zaini Transport for visiting the waterfalls and then later a 3D2N trip to Mount Bromo and Ijen.
Their daily price was 400k Rupiah + petrol, which worked out to be 620k Rupiah ($44 USD) for a full day visiting 3 waterfalls in Lumajang, then driving back to comfy Malang where they have better food and hotels.
Our driver Dayat was punctual and very familiar with the area, so we had no trouble finding the waterfalls!
Where We Stayed
The best place to base yourself for these waterfalls is Malang. There are lots of good restaurants and hotels to choose from, and the city is easily accessible from Bali or Yogyakarta.
We stayed at the OYO 353 hotel in Malang and it was only 210k Rupiah ($15 USD) for a clean double room with cold A/C, hot shower, and 30 Mbps WiFi.
The value was insane! We will definitely come back. Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.
We stayed here at the OYO 353 hotel and it was only $15 USD for a clean double room with cold A/C, hot shower, and 30 Mbps WiFi. Incredible value!
See Also
- 1-Week East Java Itinerary - Temples, Waterfalls, & Volcanoes
- Mount Bromo Volcano Sunrise - Complete Travel Guide
- Kawah Ijen Crater Lake - Complete Travel Guide
- Best Hikes In Indonesia - Volcanoes, Jungles, & Waterfalls
- Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands - Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
- Indonesia Waterfall Guide - Best Waterfalls In Indonesia
- Indonesia Beach Guide - Best Beaches In Indonesia
- Best Things To Do In Indonesia - What To Do In The Islands
- Indonesia Travel Guide - Tips, Info, & Photos
2 comments
Is the hike to Kabut Pelangi doable for non regular hikers ? Are there lots of uphills. Iโm in my 50โs
Hi Shireen. You go downhill to the waterfall, and then uphill when you come back. The uphill part is a bit strenuous, but not too long. It depends on your fitness level, but if you can hike up a hill for 1 hour (or less) then you shouldn’t have any problems with Kabut Pelangi. Good luck!