Sri Gethuk Waterfall
A picturesque natural waterfall in Gunung Kidul, offering a unique raft journey and refreshing swims amidst lush forests and limestone cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Sri Gethuk Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque natural waterfall in Gunung Kidul, offering a unique raft journey and refreshing swims amidst lush forests and limestone cliffs.
"Lovely place to have a swim and it's a bit off the beaten track so pretty quiet when I went midweek."
Support Local Stalls
Buy snacks/drinks from small stalls run by locals to support their livelihood. :shopping_cart:
Choose Your Route Wisely
Raft or walk the scenic trail to the waterfall. Walking offers more nature immersion. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oyo River Raft Journey
Oyo River
A scenic raft ride across the river, offering a unique perspective before reaching the waterfall.
The Cascading Sri Gethuk Waterfall
Main waterfall area
Witness the picturesque natural waterfall amidst forest and limestone cliffs, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Riverside Trail Adventure
Path along Oyo River
An alternative to the raft, this trail offers a more immersive experience with local flora and fauna.
Flying Fox Thrills
Above the river
Experience the adrenaline rush of a flying fox ride with stunning views over the river and waterfall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Waterfall
Managing Expectations & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support Local Stalls
Buy snacks/drinks from small stalls run by locals to support their livelihood. :shopping_cart:
Choose Your Route Wisely
Raft or walk the scenic trail to the waterfall. Walking offers more nature immersion. :hiking_boot:
Swim Safely
Life jackets are required for swimming in the river. Water can be cold! :swimmer:
Avoid Rainy Season
River water can be murky and less appealing during heavy rains. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
Support Local Stalls
Buy snacks/drinks from small stalls run by locals to support their livelihood. :shopping_cart:
Choose Your Route Wisely
Raft or walk the scenic trail to the waterfall. Walking offers more nature immersion. :hiking_boot:
Swim Safely
Life jackets are required for swimming in the river. Water can be cold! :swimmer:
Avoid Rainy Season
River water can be murky and less appealing during heavy rains. :umbrella:
Bring Cash
Entrance fees and raft rides are typically cash-only. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sri Gethuk Waterfall is praised for its picturesque natural beauty and relatively uncrowded atmosphere, especially during weekdays. Visitors enjoy the unique raft journey and the refreshing swim. However, some reviews mention concerns about management issues and the cost-effectiveness of the access fees.
"Alright, but not a must-visit.
The views are pretty, and it is rather quiet and uncrowded - which is a nice combination. The walk from the carpark is maybe about 10 to 15 minutes (slightly tiring, but not difficult), and that is followed by a ride on a makeshift raft for another 10 minutes before we get to the waterfall.
Along the walk there are some small stalls which look like they are run by some of the families that live nearby, and who sell some simple and unexpensive snacks and drinks. Might be a good idea to purchase a couple of small items from them to support their efforts to earn an honest living.
Have to pay for entrance and the raft ride, the combination of which makes things slightly pricey, but not ridiculously so. Heard from our guide though, that this is supposed to be a public place and the collection of entrance fees is done by a group of unregulated local thugs who do nothing for the upkeep of the place - was not able to independently verify if this is accurate."
Melvin Lin
""Not recommended as a destination until they address their management issues. Several incidents during my visit left me frustrated. Firstly, the cost: there are options to reach the waterfall either by walking or by boat. Opting for the boat requires a payment of Rp. 10,000 per person for a round trip. The problem arose when, after paying for six people, the boat left us stranded during our return trip. Despite waiting for an hour, it did not return, prompting us to walk back to the entrance.
Another issue concerns the area near the waterfall. Besides the main waterfall, there is a small path leading to the river. Intrigued by the sight of a foreigner and a tour guide walking the path, my friends and I decided to follow. Excitement turned to disappointment when the tour guide yelled at us, insisting it was a forbidden area unsuitable for tourism. When questioned about a foreigner being allowed, he simply stated the foreigner was with him. Only later did we notice a sign on a tree indicating the boundaries of a play area, which we hadn't seen initially as the tour guide casually walked there. Subsequently, they even crossed the river and played in the area.
Lastly, in addition to the unpleasant events, I advise against visiting during the rainy season. The river becomes dirty and murky, making swimming unappealing.""
Ahmad Rafiano Harya Putra
"Lovely place to have a swim and it's a bit off the beaten track so pretty quiet when I went midweek. 25k for entry, 20k to swim in the river (you need to have a lifejacket) Not sure about the boat, as I walked and it only takes about ten minutes. It's mostly downhill, so a bit trickier going back up!"
Jethro Perkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Yogyakarta, you can rent a car or motorbike to Gunung Kidul. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the Oyo River, where you can take a raft or follow a path to the waterfall.
The walk from the parking lot is about 10-15 minutes and can be slightly tiring, especially on the way back up. The riverside trail is also an option.
You can opt for a raft ride across the Oyo River, which takes about 10 minutes, or choose to walk along the scenic riverside path.
No, you'll need to park your vehicle and then proceed to the waterfall via raft or by walking.
Yes, there is a parking area available near the entrance to the waterfall access point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's an entrance fee, and an additional fee for the raft ride (around Rp. 10,000 per person for a round trip as of June 2019). Prices may vary. +1
Yes, there's a fee to swim in the river, and life jackets are mandatory.
Information on group or child discounts is not widely available, it's best to inquire on-site.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or arrive earlier in the day.
Currently, tickets are typically purchased on-site at the entrance and for the raft ride.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the river, enjoy the scenic views, take a raft ride, or try the flying fox for an adventurous experience.
Yes, it's a popular spot for swimming in the river, but the water can be quite cold. Life jackets are required.
Toilets are available near the parking area and food vendors, but not directly at the waterfall. Changing facilities might be basic.
Many visitors enjoy the raft ride across the Oyo River and then swimming or relaxing by the waterfall. The riverside trail offers a different perspective.
You can explore the surrounding forest, enjoy the views from the flying fox, or interact with local vendors along the path.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the waterfall's cascade, the unique raft journey across the Oyo River, and the lush green surroundings. The flying fox also offers great aerial shots. 
Drone footage has been captured here, offering stunning aerial views of the waterfall and river. Always check local regulations before flying.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the waterfall is also picturesque in the afternoon. Consider the angle of the sun for the best shots.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape, and a waterproof camera or phone case is useful if you plan to swim.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Drone shots provide a spectacular aerial perspective of the entire area. Consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Sri Gethuk: The Journey
Some travelers have noted that the management of the access, particularly the raft service, can sometimes lead to frustration, with reports of delays or unexpected issues.
Experiencing the Waterfall and River
The water is known to be quite cold, even in warmer months, offering a refreshing escape. For the more adventurous, a flying fox ride is available, allowing you to soar above the river with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit