- Address: Tongging, Merek, Karo, North Sumatra 22173, Indonesia
- Tel: +62 823-6956-6485
Unusual, beautiful and sharp - all this can be said about the Sipiso-Piso waterfall in Indonesia . What exactly gave him such a characteristic? Let's find out!
general information
The Sipiso Piso waterfall is unique in that its source is the underground river below the upper level of the plateau. The plateau itself abruptly breaks off by a vertical gorge near the northern extremity of Lake Toba . The stream of water falls, literally cutting the air, from a height of 120 m. From the local language, the name of the waterfall "Air Terjun Sipiso-Piso" translates "waterfall as a knife". And indeed, it very much resembles its own form of Indonesian long parang.
What is interesting about the Sipiso Piso waterfall?
It is located among steep cliffs and tropical forests. This is a very popular waterfall in Sumatra , and to look at it comes a lot of connoisseurs of natural beauty among locals and tourists. In combination with a plateau and a sharp precipice, the waterfall makes a terrific impression. Some interesting facts about Sipiso-piso:
- Batak legends say that the waterfall appeared as a result of the battle of the dragon of the underground river and creatures with supernatural abilities that inhabited the lake of Toba;
- local people come here with full buses, conduct numerous photo sessions;
- established 3 sites for the inspection of the territory. The first is located opposite the gorge. The second one is approximately in the middle of the stairs leading to the waterfall. The third viewing platform is located at the bottom of the gorge, closest to the water stream Sipiso-Piso;
- the best view opens from the first site, from where you can see the volcano Sibayak, most of the Toba lake and the waterfall itself;
- it's cool and very humid, everything is covered with splashes, and the air is filled with water dust;
- Sipiso-Piso is the highest breakaway waterfall in Indonesia.
Features of visit
You can come to the Sipiso Piso waterfall on any day of the week. Upon arrival, you will see the arch, where you need to buy a ticket to enter. The adult will pay a small amount of $ 0.30, and for the child it will be twice less. Going a little further, you will see a small area with cafes and shops. Tourists are advised to try a delicious cocktail of avocados in a cafe opposite the trail to the waterfall.
A few nuances when descending to the Sipiso-Piso waterfall:
- need to wear comfortable shoes;
- the descent itself takes about 3 hours;
- The climb back to the mountain is much harder because of the difficult stairs.
Where to stay?
The closest accommodation to the waterfall is located in the village of Tonggin on Lake Toba. There is a wider choice in Berastagi. The most luxurious option is Taman Simalem Resort, which is in a beautiful location with a view of Lake Toba.
How to get there?
To get to the Sipiso Piso waterfall, you need to take a bus from Berastagi to Cabaña, and then take the bus to Merek. From the main road to the waterfall about 3 km. They can be overcome independently on a scooter. The most convenient option - rent a car in Berastagi.
You can also reach the waterfall from Medan :
- a bus to Kabanyah (3 hours on the road for $ 1.50), after a transfer to Pematang Siantar to Merek (on the way 1 hour for $ 0.60). In Merek you can hire a motorcyclist for $ 0.75 or rent a three-wheeled motorcycle for $ 1.13.
- If you are coming from Parapata:
- bus Parapat-Pematangsiantar (1 hour on the road for $ 0.75), after a transfer on the Kabanyah and before Merek (2 hours on the way for $ 1.50).