Curug Cimahi: Visitor Guide

Curug Cimahi is one of the most popular waterfalls in Sunda. Curug is the Sundanese word for a waterfall, while Cimahi is the name of the river that flows through it.

Curug Cimahi looks very different depending on when you visit. During the day, the 87-meter cascade dominates the valley, while at dusk it transforms into a colorful light display that has earned it the nickname Rainbow Waterfall. Curug Cimahi is easy to reach from Bandung, but the journey to the base involves more than 500 steps, making it worth knowing what to expect before you go. This guide covers the highlights of the waterfall and explains exactly how to get there.

Walking Down the Stairs to Reach Curug Cimahi

Don't be surprised if you see a signboard in front of the ticket booth that says Rainbow Waterfall instead of Curug Cimahi. It became known as Rainbow Waterfall after colorful lights were installed, making the waterfall glow with vibrant colors at night. If you want to see Rainbow Waterfall at its best, you should come at dusk. The lights are on daily from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

I took this picture just after the lights were turned on at around 5 p.m. You might notice a straight green beam rising from the bottom of the waterfall. However, the colors aren't very vivid because the surroundings are still bright.

When dusk falls, Curug Cimahi transforms into the Rainbow Waterfall as colorful lights illuminate the cascading water.

The first residents to greet visitors are usually the monkeys. They often gather around the signboard, hoping visitors will feed them. However, please be cautious—they are wild monkeys, so it's best to leave them alone. Avoid carrying snacks, especially peanuts, as they may try to grab them from you.

A wet and slippery section of the 500+ steps at Curug Cimahi (Rainbow Waterfall).

There is a viewing platform beside the ticket booth where you can see Curug Cimahi clearly. The waterfall sits inside a small valley. Although the waterfall has a vertical drop of 87 meters, you'll need to descend more than 100 meters to reach the bottom, and the only way down is via the stairs. If the climb back seems too challenging, simply relax and enjoy the view from this platform.

However, most visitors find it hard to resist taking a dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. On the way to the pool, you'll pass two hanging platforms where visitors can sit and enjoy the view. Although these platforms are quite spacious, a warning sign states that no more than 16 people should be on each platform at a time. They are also a bit squeaky and wobbly, as they are supported by only a few poles.

Continue down the stairs, and you'll soon reach the bottom of the waterfall. The rocks can be slippery here, so watch your step. Many visitors enjoy playing in the cool water, but be careful of the uneven ground beneath the surface. Some areas are shallow, while others are surprisingly deep. Plus, be extra careful of flash floods during the rainy season.

The next challenge is returning to the entrance. Of course, reaching the pool is much easier than climbing back up. We counted 521 steps each way, and water from the cliff dripped onto some of the steps, making them extra slippery. In addition, the steep climb makes it more difficult to maintain a steady pace.

How to Get to Curug Cimahi (Rainbow Waterfall)

Tap/click the map to get directions to attractions in Cisarua, Lembang.

Opening Hours:

7am-5pm daily

Ticket:

Rp.22,000

Curug Cimahi is located in West Bandung Regency, along the road connecting Lembang and Cimahi. It is located on Jalan Kolonel Masturi No. 325, Cisarua, Lembang. It can be reached either from Cimahi or via Jalan Setiabudi in Bandung through Cihideung Village. The GPS coordinates are 6°47'55.0"S 107°34'33.0"E (-6.798611, 107.575829).

If you're driving, you can park your car or motorcycle at the Cisarua Bus Terminal, which is right next to the entrance to the waterfall. The parking fee for a car is Rp10,000, payable upon entry. Alternatively, you can park in the open field across the street.

The bus terminal next door serves Angkot (Angkutan Kota), a public minibus service that runs to Pasar Atas Cimahi Terminal. There is no direct public transportation from Bandung, so getting here by public transportation can be challenging. Using a ride-hailing service such as GoJek or Grab is much more convenient, although renting a car is another good option.

A visit to Curug Cimahi typically takes 2–3 hours. If you visit in the morning, you can take lunch and enjoy a Sundanese meal at Asstro Restaurant across the street. The restaurant shares a parking lot with Grace Rose Farm, a working rose farm where you can visit and buy flowers. Another nearby attraction is Dusun Bambu, a family leisure park that offers a wide range of activities for the whole family.