German Students Explore Two Central Java Waterfalls

· October 27, 2026 ·
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Three exchange students pose in front of Curug Lawe waterfall in Central Java

Exchange students from Albstadt-Sigmaringen University in Germany spent Saturday, October 17, 2026, exploring two popular waterfalls in Central Java: Curug Sewu and Curug Lawe.

Local accounts at Curug Sewu

Curug Sewu was the first stop. It is described locally as one of Central Java's largest waterfalls. According to a local explanation, its name comes from sewu, the Javanese word for "a thousand," and refers to the large volume and force of the falling water. A rainbow often appears at its base early in the morning, and some visitors come specifically to see it.

Two small caves, Gua Gentong and Gua Baladewa, are nearby. Local folklore associates the caves with a spirit resembling Hanoman, and a Hanoman statue stands close to them. The site also has a spring called Tuk Lanang, whose water, according to local belief, helps those who drink it remain young.

A forest hike to Curug Lawe

The group then drove to Curug Lawe in Kalisidi Village, at the foot of Mount Ungaran. The name lawe means "fine thread," reflecting the thin strands of water that descend a 30-metre cliff.

The uphill trail passed through tropical forest, dense trees and alongside a loud, fast-flowing river. For most of the students, it was their first time in a rainforest.

"Everything was new to me. I kept stopping to ask what a plant was, and what was making that noise in the trees," Frederick said.

The sound came from tongeret, the Javanese name for cicadas, and accompanied the group for most of the climb.

When the students reached Curug Lawe, they were thrilled. Within minutes, they entered the water.

Event Gallery

Curug Sewu drops over a rocky cliff amid forest, with pink flowers in the foreground.
A wide view of Curug Sewu on arrival.
Four visitors stand at a railing and look toward the twin streams of Curug Sewu.
The group takes in Curug Sewu from the lookout on arrival.
Hikers walk along a narrow path beneath tall trees at the start of the route to Curug Lawe.
The group begins the forest hike to Curug Lawe.
A clear stream flows over dark rocks through dense green forest beside the Curug Lawe trail.
A rocky stream runs alongside the trail to Curug Lawe.
Three students rest on sunlit boulders beside a shallow forest stream on the Curug Lawe trail.
Students pause beside the stream during the hike.
Two hikers stand barefoot on rocks beneath the tall central cascade of Curug Lawe.
Two members of the group reach the base of Curug Lawe.
The tall Curug Lawe cascade pours down a dark, moss-covered rock wall into a shallow pool.
A close view of Curug Lawe at the end of the hike.