Madakaripura Waterfall — Attraction in East Java

The first time I visited this place, the place itself is nice, just less information.

We were having 1 guide to showing us the direction to go to the waterfall, because they told us the guide is a mandatory, so I respect their rules. actually you can go by yourself, but you don't know how safe you are when you visit a new area. And local people in that area know better than us, of course it will be safer for us too accompanied by a local guide. But it's all up to your decision. For me if I have I'm willing to pay the guide, as long as they are telling in a polite way, not by forcing people.

But to be honest, the guide was dissapointing, he supposed to be guiding, not leaving us behind, and just being quiet didn't tell us anything, how long it takes to reach the waterfall etc. Looks like he just wants the money. We slipped many times, because we were trying to reach the guide in front of us. I am a guide in Bali, and I would never leave my guest behind me like that. The guide was just sitting and waiting, so it's boring. He was supposed to explain the history of the waterfall or any interesting story on the place itself. That's the guide job anyway, besides showing us the way and also telling some stories could be nice.

We need to ride a scooter to reach the entrance door, from the parking lot. The scooter driver told me, if the ojek job is helping local people to earn money for daily earning.

And from here it takes a 1 hour walk to reach the waterfall. After the last bridge, you're gonna be showered by the water, for me it doesn't matter to get wet, we are in the waterfall right hehe. Just protect your belongings by rain cover or else, so it won't get wet.

When we were there, we experienced a small land slide that shocked me a bit, so I didn't get in further. Too scary. But the good one is our guide has a walkie talkies, so he can contact someone if there is an emergency situation, that's the benefit of using a guide, for our own safety.

Some advice for the people there, if you give good service, people don't mind to give a tips, but asking to give tipping isn't a good way, because tips will be given when the customers are satisfied. So if any of you are satisfied with their service, maybe you can give some tips, that would be amazing and also help the locals too.

And don't scam people please, I am a guide from Bali, but that's not nice when we arrive at parking lot, people start asking for this and that. Money money....chill man, we need to straighten our legs first, prepare, then we will definitely ask for what we need to pay etc. They just make us rush in everything.

I hope they can learn to be better...

Travelled here and had an amazing time. We’d haggled with locals in Probolinggo to find a cheap taxi but couldn’t find a taxi return trip for less than 500,000 rupiah, so we settled for 500,000 and booked using our hostel.

The trip took an hour and twenty minutes in each direction. When you arrive, you stop at a barrier where you exit the taxi. There’s some warungs around and a lot of locals. The locals (and taxi driver) try and convince you to catch a motorbike to the next checkpoint that’s about 2km away. They’ll also say that it’s essential to have a guide, but it’s not. After firmly stating that we didn’t need a guide, we took motorbikes to the entry gate. It cost us 20,000 each for a return trip. When you arrive at the entry gate they’ll try and convince you to pay them 20,000. Don’t do it. Pay them 10,000 as agreed because you’ll have a different driver on the way back.

The entry gate area has a few warungs where locals will try and sell you drinks, honey, flip flops, raincoats and phone protectors. If you don’t have protective gear I’d suggest buying some because you will get wet. I managed to haggle flip flops down from 20,000 to 15,000 rupiah; raincoats cost 10,000 but I’m sure you could haggle that down too. Alternatively there are lockers near the waterfall so you can pop all your valuables in there for 5,000 or 10,000 rupiah. I’d suggest buying a drink or some food from the locals, it’s a nice gesture and helps the local economy - make sure to say Matur Suwun! (thankyou in Jawa)

To get to the waterfall you have to pay an entry fee of 36,000 rupiah then walk about 1.5km. The walk is really nice and quite easy. If you’re lucky you’ll see a few monkeys hanging around! There’s a small hut along the way where you will need to hand in your tickets, so don’t throw them away! Follow the path along until you reach the waterfalls! You’ll need to pass through a few smaller waterfalls and calf deep water to get to the main waterfall, so be careful as it can be slippery! The waterfall area is really beautiful, the water is lovely and refreshing is is great to be able to relax in nature.

Overall Madakaripura waterfall is 5 stars. It’s such a breathtaking waterfall and unlike any waterfalls in Australia. This is a must do if you’re...

Madakaripura Waterfall is nothing short of a visual masterpiece, a dream destination for photographers seeking to capture the raw beauty of nature. Nestled in the lush Probolinggo region near Mount Bromo, this hidden gem offers an otherworldly experience that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

From the moment I arrived, I was mesmerized by the towering cliffs encircling the waterfall, creating a natural amphitheater where water cascades like silken threads from dizzying heights. The ethereal mist dancing in the sunlight added a magical quality to every frame. The play of light and shadow through the dense foliage created endless opportunities for creative compositions, making every shot feel unique.

The journey to the waterfall was an adventure in itself, with a short trek that led me through verdant forests and along a shallow river. It was a chance to capture not only the main falls but also the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. The sound of rushing water and the cool spray were a constant reminder of nature’s unyielding power and beauty.

The waterfall's main cascade, a staggering 200 meters high, is the star of the show. Positioning my camera to include the lush green cliffs, shimmering water streams, and the occasional rainbow felt like painting with nature's own palette. Long-exposure shots here are nothing less than breathtaking, as the cascading water transforms into silky trails against the rugged rock.

Madakaripura also holds a mystical charm with its historical connection to the legendary Gajah Mada, making it not only a visual treat but also a place steeped in cultural significance. This added depth to my photography, allowing me to capture not just the landscape but the spirit of the place.

A word of advice for fellow photographers: bring a waterproof camera cover and wear non-slip shoes. The spray from the falls is constant, and the terrain can be slippery. Early morning visits are ideal for soft, diffused lighting and fewer crowds.

In conclusion, Madakaripura Waterfall is a must-visit for any photographer. It challenges you to adapt to its dynamic environment while rewarding you with images that feel alive and transcendent. Every click of the shutter here is a memory, a story, and a...