Enjoying the Alluring yet Mystic Sedudo Waterfall in Nganjuk

SURYA.co.id | NGANJUK - Sedudo Waterfall does not only provide alluring panorama and clear water splashes, but also a traditional ritual during the full moon. From that ritual, this place is believed to be a source of life.

Located in the same area with stunning and cold Mount Wilis, Sedudo Waterfall could be an exciting travel destination. Even though it is only a waterfall, the visitors will know that from this waterfall brings life to local residents, such as water supply for irrigation in hundreds of hectares of the field in years.

During the 30 kilometers trip in the southwestern part of Kota Nganjuk, you will find a farmer village. After about 30 minutes, you will find an uphill pavement road. The weather becomes colder, and the sun shines not as bright as before. It is because the fog covers the shine.

Just like a Princess
With tranquil and cold ambiance, and not forgetting the evergreen trees, Sedudo Waterfall is just like a princess in a beautiful garden. Everyone in this place will want to stay in this place for a long time.

After seeing the beautiful scenery, you also could enjoy the beauty of Sedudo Waterfall from above. Less than 5 minutes, you will arrive in a courtyard. At first, there was no courtyard because it was constructed 20 years ago. Moreover, the swimming pool with water from the waterfall was just constructed 5 years after the construction of the courtyard was done.

Fortunately, the facilities are quite complete. There are locker rooms, restrooms, some food vendors, and some merchants. All of those facilities make the visitors feel convenience in this place. Insects’ sound mingle with water splash sound make you forget all of your hardship and stress.

For the visitors that do not want to catch a cold, you could submerge in the afternoon when the sun bright the most. Even though at that time the water is still cold, at least not as cold as in the morning or evening.

Ki Ageng Ngaliman’s Bless
Every attraction must have a particular value. For example, a unique story from that place. It makes that attraction become more interesting. it is just like Sedudo Waterfall. In a full moon in Suro month (one of the months in Javanese Calendar), there is a ritual that make Sedudo become more crowded than usual.

According to Rahman, a guard of Sedudo Waterfall for decades, this place is meditation place of Ki Ageng Ngaliman, was a famous Moslem figure in Nganjuk. As the honor of his work, in every Suro, there is a ritual. The name of the ritual is Taking the Sedudo Water with a slow-march of long-haired girls wearing Javanese clothes to go to the pool below the waterfall.

The 5 front girls bring klenting (a Javanese vase), while the other 10 march together with the 5 girls. The song of Ilir-Ilir will accompany them. The 15 girls are called Princess Tirtosari. Not so long, they will reach the pool where 5 men wait for them. The men also wear traditional clothes. Those men are called Jejaka Taruna will take water from Sedudo Waterfall

After the water is fully filled on the vase, the five men will go under the waterfall. And the water inside klenting is being offerings.

Stay Young and Wise
Those offerings bring safety blessing for the residents of Kota Nganjuk. The smell of incense is strong around the waterfall during the ritual. Because of this mystic reason, many people from Nganjuk and East Java believe the effectiveness of the water from Sedudo. People believe that after taking bath in this waterfall, you could stay young, prosperous, and wise. Many businessmen and politicians believe this.

They believe that this eternal water is where the God stay. So, it is not surprising on the first day on Suro, thousands of people come here. In the mid of its cold water, those people taking bath together.

Other historical value, this waterfall existence was a main source of water during Majapahit Empire ruled and during the glory of  Muslim empire in Indonesia. In Majapahit era, the water was used to wash the weapons of kings and vicegerents. While during Moslem’s empire era, this place is the place where Ki Ageng Ngaliman did his meditation.

To reach this waterfall, you could use various transportation. Even though there is no straight public transportation that will bring you until the attraction, there are many rental cars that could take you there.

All in all, do not forget to visit Sedudo Waterfall while visiting Kota Nganjuk. Happy holiday.


Translated by Vicensa Naomi