Hiking Tanggedu Waterfall – also known as Grand Canyon of East Sumba, is an amazing destination if you are a nature lover and adventure seeker – you will love the untouched landscape of the area. Air Terjun Tanggedu is less-known than popular Lapopu or Waimarang. It’s located in a remote area, offers a pleasant trekking for a half-day experience. The trail takes you through breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding hills and sounds of nature.
How to get to Tanggedu Waterfall?
Tanggedu Waterfall is located near Tanggedu Village, only 50 kilometres from Waingapu but the drive will take 1.5-2 hours due to poor road condition. It’s an asphalt road for the most of the time but once you get closer to the waterfall there are rocky and dusty sections, so it’s best to use jeep for this adventure.
At first I was exploring the island on a motorbike but for long distances you simply need a car or a tour. I was traveling with a private guide for few days, after visiting west side of the island we reached magnificent Sumba Timur and hiking Tanggedu Waterfall, flowing between amazing cliffs was on my priority list.
The landscape on the way to the waterfall is breathtaking, it’s a mix of green hills beauty and tranquility of Savanna Puru Kambera, where you can easily spot wild horses.
Starting point for hiking Tanggedu Waterfall.
The hike starts with a small parking place with ticket spot. The entry ticket is 25 000 Rp and parking space is 10 000 Rp. There will be locals offering a motorbike ride to the waterfall.
The distance is only 2.5 kilometres and it will take you 20-25 minutes to reach a waterfall. The path is quite easy, you will have no problem finding a direction and I don’t think guide is needed for this trek.
Hiking Tanggedu Waterfall - the trail.
First you will cross a bridge to start trekking a tiny asphalt road, which quickly turns into a muddy trail, leading through small bush and corn fields. The biodiversity of this region is truly remarkable, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a natural paradise. You can spot exotic birds and butterflies. As you make your way towards the waterfall, you’ll encounter various flora and fauna that thrive in this untouched ecosystem.
Once you reach a waterfall sign there are few bungallow facilities on your right with a local guide services. He is well familiar with the area and might take you for a guided tour.
From this point all you have to do is taking long stairs down leading to the canyon. It is possible to walk along the canyon, just be careful as it gets really slippery. There are many natural pools different sizes that you can swim in, which in dry season have beautiful tuquise colour. That’s why Tanggedu Waterfall is also called Green Canyon.
It’s a perfect, quiet place to relax and spend few hours in the nature. Take some snacks with you and plenty of water, there are no food stalls on the way (at least not in March) and humidity level is insane in the dense forest. There are no changing facilties neither proper toilets. Hiking Tanggedu Waterfall should be avoided in rainy or stormy days, as the trail can become slippery and dangerous.
For those seeking an extended adventure, camping options are available near Air Terjun Tanggedu. There’s a small bugallow in case of any rain. Spending a night under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature can be a great experience. Just make sure you leave no trace behind to preserve the beauty of the area.
How to get to Waingapu?
There are TWO ways to get to Waingapu.
FLIGHT. The best and quickest way is to fly. There are regular flights from major Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Bali, and Kupang. Flights are really cheap if you book them in advance, check on skyscanner.com for best deals. I booked return flight (NAM Air) from Bali a week in advance for less than 100$. The flight is only 50 minutes. Other local airlines: Wings Air, Citilink (Airportia).
FERRY. The cheapest way to get from Bali to Sumba is by ferry but it takes 2 days. The costs is around: Rp450000 – Rp600000.
Never travel without medical insurance.
Although medical insurance is not required by law, you should never skip or under-insure yourself just to save money.
Medical insurance saves you lots of troubles in case of any emergency or a situation when your trip doesn’t go as planned. One I can surely advise is SafetyWing, which can be purchased while already abroad with option for adventure sports.
Tranquility of Savanna Puru Kambera.
On the way to Tanggedu Waterfall you will have a chance to admire amazing savanna Puru Kambera. The place is known for its picturesque landscapes, making it a popular spot for visitors and photographers. It’s a combination of open grasslands and rolling hills, where wild horses can be easily spotted.
The best time to visit Savanna Puru Kambera is during the dry season, which typically falls between May and September.
Where to stay in Waingapu.
There is not that much accommodation options in East Sumba but there are few decent places and I would advise to book a room in advance.
I stayed in Padadita Beach Hotel for something like $28/per night including breakfast. They have really comfy hotel rooms, tasty restaurant food and amazing pool facilities, especially at sunset time. There are stairs taking you down to the beach. It’s a bit rocky but very charming. Hotel garden is amazing, if you like nature you can relax on sun beds among exotic flowers, sipping fresh fruit mocktails.
Similar accommodation standard offers Morinda Villa and Resto or Hars Garden Sumba. You can browseall accommodation options on Agoda.com.
Waterfalls near Waingapu.
- Tanggedu Waterfall.
- Lapopu Waterfall.
- Waimarang Waterfall.
- Matayangu Waterall.
- Waikelo Sawah
- Gunung Meja Waterfall.
Note – you might not be able to reach some of the waterfalls during rainy season in Sumba, the trails are to dangerous or not accessible due to high level of water.
How to get to Tambolaka from Waingapu.
One option is to rent a car and drive yourself, or rent a car with a driver – this costs around 1 000 000 Rp.
If you choose to travel more adventurous way you can take local mini bus – Travel Sinar Lombok. Ask your hotel to book a ticket for you for the bus in advance and the bus will collect you from your hotel in Waingapu. The ticket is only 100 000 Rp and the journey takes 4-4.5h to Tambolaka.
