Today is the World Water Day and together with few fellas from Travel Bloggers Indonesia, we get ourselves to write a post with ‘water’ as the main topic. :)
If we look at the world map, we understand that water covers more than 50 percent of the Earth’s surface – be it an ocean, river or lake. As I am not a water expert so I won’t write something really deep into it but rather to share about something really close to it. Yeah, it’s still about water, just that it is ended with falls, a.k.a waterfalls. :)
When I was browsing through photos from my previous trips, I just noticed that for the past 7 years, I have been to 10 waterfalls. Although it’s not even 1 percent yet from the total number of waterfalls in the world but that’s a big jump compared to what I had achieved before that – which was none. I shall say I am getting to love more outdoor activities nowadays. And here are the waterfalls that I have been to and I think you should check it out too if you have not. :)
1. Niagara Falls (Canada/USA)
ELEVATION: 51 m
Niagara Falls consist of three waterfalls which are Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. This falls is located at the international border between Canada and the United States and viewable from both sides. Besides for recreation purpose, the Niagara Falls is a valuable source of hydroelectric power, too.
I couldn’t get closer to the falls as the boat ride to the falls was closed during winter. If you are going there during night-time, you will see colourful spotlights illuminate the falls. Some says, it’s more beautiful to view the falls from the States, so I think I need to go back there again to take another shots as those photos were taken in Canada. :p
2. Pelepah Falls (Malaysia)
Pelepah Falls is located in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia. Rarely and probably this is the only waterfall where we can sit on its surface – for natural spa perhaps? While to get to this main fall, we have to walk in the river, scramble up a steep slope several times, hang on fixed ropes, but all our efforts will be paid off once we dip in into the water. :)
[ Read Story: Pelepah Falls and Firefly Hunt at Kota Tinggi ]
Although this falls seems to be safe but after heavy rain these falls will be powerful. That can be seen from the fallen trees around the falls which may be caused by the flash-flooding.
3. Gitgit Waterfall (Bali)
ELEVATION: 35 m
Some people may not know Indonesia. But once you mention ‘Bali’, everyone knows it. :D Gitgit Waterfall is one of the waterfalls that can be found in Bali. It is not too far from Lovina where we can go for dolphin viewing and make a stop here after that.
4. Tiu Kelep Waterfall (Lombok)
ELEVATION: 45 m
From all the waterfalls I have seen so far, I like Tiu Kelep Waterfall the most. It has a big fall layered above several little small falls which makes it completely beautiful. The journey to this waterfall is about 1 hour from the entrance and will involve few slope steps and also shallow rivers with clear water passing through the forest.
5. Sendang Gile Waterfall (Lombok)
ELEVATION: 30 m
Before reaching Tiu Kelep waterfall, we will first reach Sendang Gile Waterfall which is located only about 15 minutes walk from the entrance. These two Lombok waterfalls are located in the foot of Mount Rinjani which also a part of track to this highest mount in Lombok Indonesia.
6. Shifen Waterfall / 十分大瀑布 (Taiwan)
ELEVATION: 20 m
Shifen Waterfall is a cascade waterfall similar to Niagara Falls, where the bedrock slopes in the opposite direction of the water flow. That’s why Shifen Waterfall is known as “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls” too. And also because of the location which is misty most of the time, rainbows often appear around the waterfall. :)
7. Cibeureum Triple Waterfalls (West Java)
ELEVATION: 40-50 m
Cibeureum Triple Waterfalls is located within Mt. Gede Pangrango National Park which is about 2 hours drive from Jakarta. As the name said, there are three falls – Cibeureum, Cidenden and Cikundul Fall. But I think I missed the 3rd one. Booo… ~
8. Coban Pelangi (East Java)
ELEVATION: 30 m
‘Pelangi’ means rainbow. The locals name it so because we often can see rainbows around this waterfall. This waterfall is located at the foot of Mount Semeru and most of the people who are going to Mount Bromo will pass by this waterfall.
The journey from the entrance to this waterfall may involves many steps which sometimes can be quite tiring, too. Especially after your your Bromo trip. So, be prepared!
9. Huka Falls (New Zealand)
ELEVATION: 8-11 m
The Huka Falls are a set of waterfalls on the Waikato River that narrows from roughly 100 metres across into a hard rock granite canyon only 15 metres across. At the top of the falls is a set of small waterfalls dropping over about 8 metres while the final stage of the falls is an 11 metre drop.
Entrance to this Huka Fall is free! There are two ways to get there – by bus or by foot. It is an easy one hour walk from Spa Park to Huka Falls trail. While walking through the trail, we can enjoy the view along the Waikator river. Just that, watch out the path you are taking when you are on the way back as there is a bicycle trail which if mistakenly take will lead you to longer path back to where you come from.
If you ask me what I love most about Huka Falls? The blue color of the water!
10. Snoqualmie Waterfall (USA)
ELEVATION: 82m
Snoqualmie Falls is located in Washington, USA. It has two-acre park and like the Niagara falls, Snoqualmie Falls is a source of hydroelectric power, too. There is also a hiking trail where we can walk through the rainforest to enjoy the scenery.
So far, I think I had the hardest time to take photo of this waterfall because no matter where I stand at the viewing deck, I will still get the water spray from the fall on my camera.
As of today, that’s all the waterfalls I have been to. I enjoyed the process of getting there and also the waterfalls itself. 10 waterfalls, 10 different experiences. And I hope in the next 10 years and many years to come, all the waterfalls remains clean and well-preserved as it is.
What do you think? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences to waterfalls, too! :)
Read what other TBI‘s Bloggers have to say on their blogs in accordance with the World Water Day, 22 March 2015.
Wisata Tasik Kenyir, Eco Tourism atau Ego Tourism Park? oleh Olive Bendon
Cerita dari Pesisir Semarang oleh Albert Ghana
Kelana Air oleh Badai Taufan Gio
WWD 2015: Mau Mencemari Sungai Indonesia dengan Berapa Milyar Bakteri Lagi? oleh Imama Lavins
Peduli Lingkungan di Hotel oleh Lenny Lim
Apa itu Ketahanan Air? oleh Titiw Akmar
Wae Latu, Berkah Air Bagi Kampung Sepak Bola oleh Atrasina Adlina
ke mana air ciliwung mengalir? oleh Indri Juwono
