Sipiso Piso - Tallest Waterfall In Indonesia

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Wonders of Sipiso Piso Waterfall - North Sumatra, Indonesia

Recently I got the chance to visit the stunning Sipiso-piso waterfall, which is located Tongging, the Batak highlands of North Sumatra with a drop of 120m (390 ft) and considered as the tallest waterfall in Indonesia. 

In Batak language, Sipiso-piso means piso or knife. I was informed this due to the height and rapid waterfall which resemble a sharp blade when viewed from a height. 

Below is the magnificent view of the Sipiso Piso waterfall from the top of the rest area (we parked our car here)

The hike downhill was relatively easy in the beginning as the trail is quite easy to maneuver - cemented walkways and hand guard rail throughout. As we pass through some small huts, we get a clear view of the Sipiso waterfall and lots of great's spots for taking pictures. 
 
Mid-point, we did notice that the steps start to get to be a little steeper and slippery as the areas around the waterfalls is almost wet due to the massive volumes of water and air moisture. The roaring of the waterfall gradually become louder as well to the point you have to shout to each other when trying to talk.

View of the Sipiso Piso waterfall (midpoint) 

View of the trail (concrete steps - most of the ways)

 
View of the Sipiso Piso waterfall (near the base) - you can observe a person standing at the bottom to allow you to comprehend the size and heigh the waterfall.


View of the travelers near the waterfall


At this area, you can actually get to feel the roaring sound of waterfall and power of humongous volume of water gushing down 120m from the top creating a cooling mist surrounding you. 
View of the Sipiso Piso waterfall (with the writer himself at the base of the waterfall)


View of the trail (dirt and rocks- at the base of the waterfall)

Earlier I mentioned that going downhill was "easy peasy".. but going back up is entirely a different level of difficulties. As the walk is uphill all the way, it does take a little of huffing and puffing of almost 1-hour. So, do take it easy and remember.. one step at a time and you will get there eventually..hahaha!  

How do I feel about the place
Overall, I will rate this place 9 out of 10 for its natural beauty and awesome power of the waterfall. I do highly recommend people to come, and check Sipiso piso if you happen to be around the area.
However, I can't say the same about this place on upkeep and cleanliness - I rate this place as 3 out of 10 for cleanliness - as rubbish are strewn all over the places by the visitors. I do hope the local authority will take some actions to clean-up and maintain the beauty of this place.

How to get here
If you are coming Medan city, you need to drive close to 4hours (approximately 100km) to get to the region of Tongging village, Karo regency (passing through the famous resort town of Brastagi). There are few ways of getting here (ie. private vehicle or public bus), but I do highly recommend chartering a private vehicle instead for ease of moving around.


Note - The road conditions from Medan isn't great (narrow road, big potholes and traffic congestion), hence I would say the car ride isn't very pleasant.

Difficulty level
The trail is relatively, it took me just under an hour to reach the base of the waterfall. The trail to descend to the base of the waterfall is mostly steps made of concrete (which lower parts made-up of dirt and rocks) and passing through some small huts built by the local to sell snacks/drinks.

Word of caution - some parts of the path is very steep and slippery due to built-up of moss on the pathway (as the lower parts of the trails is always wet due to moisture coming from the waterfall). I recommend getting a shoe with good grip due to the slippery conditions, but I do observe the locals just wearing their flip flop only.


Duration of hike (2 to 3 hours)

Probably 2 hours plus (1 hour each way) and plus 30 minutes to explore the base of the waterfall.


Happy trekking and stay safe.

Happy New Year 2024.

Location: Air Terjun Sipiso Piso, Pengambaten, Kec. Merek, Kabupaten Karo, Sumatera Utara 22173, Indonesia
Love going to back to nature and enjoy the beautiful environment and landscape created by mother nature. Happy to share my travel experiences and hope it can help to encourage everyone in learning to appreciate our nature and do their best to protect the environment.

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