ADVERTISEMENT

Nestled in the heart of East Java, Lumajang Regency is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Among its many attractions, the renowned Tumpak Sewu Waterfall stands out, resembling a cascading curtain of water. But the allure of Lumajang doesn’t stop there.

Situated in the Pronojiwo Subdistrict, about 50 km from the city center, lies a charming tourist village. This idyllic locale, home to over 8,200 residents spread across 41 neighborhood units and 14 administrative units, offers a trio of stunning attractions: a waterfall, a river, and a lake. The village itself is divided into seven quaint hamlets.

According to the Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry’s travel website, Pronojiwo Village is a canvas of natural beauty, featuring three mesmerizing attractions: the Kabut Pelangi Waterfall, the Kapas Biru Waterfall, and the Sumber Telu River. Each of these spots paints a picturesque landscape that captivates every visitor.

Since 2016, these attractions have been managed directly by a local community group. The village also thrives on unique micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering a variety of local cuisine and handicrafts made from plant-based materials.

Cultural enthusiasts will be delighted by the traditional arts often showcased in the village, including the kuda lumping (horse dance) and barong cokot (a type of masked dance). For those wishing to extend their stay, several homestays and resting areas are available.

The Kabut Pelangi Waterfall, originating from a spring on Mount Semeru, stands tall at approximately 75 m to 95 m. Its name, translating to Rainbow Mist, is derived from the morning spectacle of a rainbow forming amidst the mist between two rocks in front of the waterfall. A trek of approximately 1.4 km is required to reach this breathtaking sight.

The Kapas Biru Waterfall, another gem of Pronojiwo Village, is a collection of streams from the river above it, including those from Sumber Telu. Named Kapas Biru, or Blue Cotton, the waterfall appears like blue-colored cotton in photos. Standing at approximately 100 m, it requires a trek of about 1.3 km from the parking area. For the best panoramic views, it is recommended to visit both waterfalls between 9 – 11 in the morning. A campground is available for tourists who wish to camp in front of the waterfall.

Another Instagram-worthy spot in the village is Sumber Telu. This spot consists of several springs from the river flow located below the cliffs, above the Kapas Biru Waterfall. Sumber Telu, known for its clear and refreshing water, is a short trek of approximately 300 m from the parking area.

MSME’s products from Pronojiwo Village include culinary delights made from snake fruit. Visitors can savor chips and dodol (a sweet toffee-like confection) made from snake fruits, which are popular among tourists. For handicrafts, the local community crafts bamboo into various products, such as cups, teapots, and other dining sets. The residents also organize an event called Pasar Tiban, where visitors can find unique products from the village, including traditional foods.

Today, Pronojiwo Village has become a major attraction in Lumajang Regency. As per Yuli Harismawati, the Head of the Lumajang Regency Tourism Agency, data from Tumpak Sewu shows that more than 5,000 foreign tourists visited the tourist spot from January to June 2023, with most of them hailing from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Belgium, and Russia.

To facilitate international tourists in exploring each tourist spot in the Pronojiwo District, the local government has provided the Pronojiwo Tourism Information Center (PIP). The PIP offers various tour packages and the best tourism routes, ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience in this scenic village.

ADVERTISEMENT