Matayangu Waterfall
A waterfall inside Manupeu Tanadaru National Park that locals regard as sacred, reached by a steep descent on foot.
RegionCentral Sumba
TypeWaterfall
Getting thereAbout 1.5 hours from Waikabubak, then a trek
Best timeNovember to June, starting early
TerrainModerate to hard — a steep descent to the valley floor
A full day
Unlike the other falls, which pair with two or three other stops, Matayangu takes a whole day. That is why it stands alone on day three of our 4D3N Package 2.
Deep in the park
Matayangu lies inside Manupeu Tanadaru National Park. The path runs through forest and drops sharply to the valley floor, where the water falls into a pool ringed by rock walls.
Treated as sacred
Local people regard Matayangu as a sacred place, with a cave nearby used in ritual. There are rules of conduct at the site, and your guide will explain them before you go down.
What it asks of you
Footwear with real grip, enough water, and reasonable fitness. The climb back up is considerably harder than the way down.