Who would have thought, on the path to Ijen Crater, which is famous for its blue flames, is hidden a unique waterfall whose water is not as fresh as usual, but bitter and greenish? Its name is Kalipait Waterfall, a hidden beauty that offers an exotic panorama with a mystical nuance typical of Mount Ijen. The waterfall is strategically located on the side of the main road before the first outpost to Ijen Crater, making it an attractive stopover for hikers and tourists alike.
When I first heard the name, I wondered—how "bitter" is the water here? Apparently, the name Kalipait is not just a name, but reflects the characteristics of its water which contains high sulfur and has a low pH. The water is greenish-yellow, foamy, and has a distinctive sulfur aroma that is quite pungent. This happens because this waterfall comes from the seepage of the Ijen Crater lake which is famous for its high acidity.
Kalipait may not be a suitable place for soaking or playing in the water like waterfalls in general, but that's exactly where the attraction is. The uniqueness of the water color that contrasts with the lush trees around it creates an exotic and photogenic panorama. If you are planning to hike or just travel to this area, don't forget to stop by Kalipait for a moment to enjoy this unusual beauty!
Journey to Kalipait Waterfall
I visited Kalipait Waterfall on my way to Ijen Crater from Bondowoso. From the center of Bondowoso, the journey is about 1.5 hours by motorized vehicle along a winding road typical of the mountainous area. The air is getting colder, and along the way, the green scenery of the tropical forest refreshes the eyes. There is no additional fee to enter this waterfall, because the ticket is included in the entrance ticket to Ijen Crater. So, if you intend to hike or just want to enjoy the atmosphere of the mountains, this place can be an interesting additional destination.
The Uniqueness of Kalipait Waterfall
As soon as I arrived at the location, I was immediately amazed by the view of this waterfall. The water that flows rapidly from the high cliff is greenish-yellow and looks foamy. If we are usually tempted to play in the water in the waterfall, it is not recommended here! The water is high in sulfur and has a low pH, making it dangerous to consume or even just soak.
The smell of sulfur is also quite strong, considering that the water source comes from the seepage of the Ijen Crater lake which is famous for its acidity level. However, this is precisely what makes Kalipait different from other waterfalls. The sensation of seeing a deep green waterfall surrounded by shady trees creates a unique and photogenic contrast!
Tips for Visiting Kalipait Waterfall
To make the experience of traveling to Kalipait Waterfall more enjoyable, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Use comfortable, non-slip footwear – The path to the falls can be slippery, especially after rain.
- Don't play too close to the water – The acid content is high and can be dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin for a long time.
- Bring a mask or nose covering – The smell of sulfur can be quite strong for some people.
- Visit in the morning or evening – The weather is cooler and the lighting is better for taking pictures.
- Keep it clean – Even though this place has been managed as a tourist destination, still be responsible by not throwing garbage carelessly.
Summary
Kalipait Waterfall is one of the unique natural features that should be visited when you are in the Mount Ijen area. Although it cannot be used for playing in the water, its exotic scenery and cool atmosphere make this place worthy of being included in the list of tourist destinations. So, if you plan to climb Ijen or just walk around Bondowoso, take the time to stop here. Who knows, you can get a unique experience and cool photos that are different from the usual!
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