Sipiso-piso Waterfall Guide: One of The Indonesia’s Tallest Volcanic Plunge - Medan Tour Package & Lake Toba Sumatra Holiday Packages

Sipiso-piso Waterfall is one of the highest waterfall in Indonesia located in Tongging Village, Merek, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, with a height of 120 meters. It is located right on the northern lip of Lake Toba. The water flow perpendicularly to the valley where the source of water coming from the underground waters in Karo Plateau. Based on our SWI Tour & Travel Medan teams experience, this must-visit place is one stopover place for photography before heading to Berastagi. We suggest to visit in morning between 08.00 to 11.00 while you can see the rainbow phenomenon often appear due to the waterfall exposed to sunlights.

Sipiso-piso Waterfall is highly recommended visiting for nature lovers. During their visit, tourists can feast their eyes on the truly breathtaking natural scenery. The air is also refreshing.

For this reason, many people visit to clear their minds—whether from work stress, organizational demands, or other daily routines. However, before visiting, it’s a good idea to get to know this tourist spot a bit better first.

Discovering The Highest Waterfall

To better understand this waterfall, it’s worth knowing the origin of its name. The name “Sipiso-piso” itself actually comes from the Batak language. It means “knife” or “piso.”

This is closely tied to its appearance. At first glance, the waterfall does indeed resemble a sharp knife blade. And why wouldn’t it? The water cascades from a height of 120 meters, creating a truly breathtaking sight.

However, other sources suggest the name was derived from Mount Sipiso-piso. This mountain is indeed located not too far from the waterfall. Regardless of its origin, this waterfall offers the refreshing coolness characteristic of the mountains.

Want to See The Magnificent Wterfall Up Close!

Experience the true holiday by exploring the natural attractions in North Sumatra with SWI Tour & Travel. We are ready to take you the spectacular spots from gushing waterfalls to volcanic summit and lush tropical rain forests.

Choose Our Popular Tour Packages

Medan Lake Toba Tour Package: Visit Samosir Island, Berastagi highlands, Sipiso-piso waterfall and Medan city tour.

Medan Lake Toba Tour Package 5 Days 4 Nights, Medan Lake Toba Holiday 5D4N

Mount Sibayak Sunrise Hike: Conquer the summit of active volcano and witness the stunning sunrise from the peak.

Mount Sibayak Hiking Medan 5 Days 4 Nights, Sibayak Sunrise Hike Volcano & Lake Toba Tour

Bukit Lawang Jungle Trekking: Explore the pristine forests and meet the Sumatra wildlife including Sumatran Orangutans.

Bukit Lawang Jungle Trekking, Sumatra Orangutan Tours 4 Days 3 Nights

Book Your Schedule: +6281282334883

Location and Travel Time

As for the location, this waterfall is located in North Sumatra. More specifically, it is in the village of Tongging, which is part of the Merek subdistrict in Karo. From downtown Karo, it takes just one hour to reach Sipiso-piso Waterfall, a distance of about 30 km or 130 kilometers from Kuala Namu airport via Berastagi.

Admission Fees (Updated as of May 2026)

Admission fees are one of the things to consider when planning a vacation. But don’t worry—this waterfall doesn’t charge high admission fees. Therefore, every visitor can enter the area without breaking the bank.

The entrance fee is only around Rp10,000–Rp15,000 per person. These prices are subject to change at any time. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to check the current entrance fees before planning your visit.

See Also:

Main Activities

Visitors need not worry about getting bored when visiting this waterfall in North Sumatra. That’s because there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy. Here are a few of them.

Exploring Nature

One of the highlights of visiting this waterfall is exploring the natural surroundings. Especially since the Sipiso-piso Waterfall tourist site is equipped with hiking trails. However, you’ll need to watch your step, especially when descending the stairs.

While exploring nature, visitors can also admire the beauty of Lake Toba and the surrounding tourist areas from the observation deck atop the hill. You can also visit the observation post to take in the stunning views, including the mountains, rice fields, and more.

See Also:

Hunting for Photo Spots

For photography enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to visit this tourist spot. That’s because there are many photo-worthy spots here. One of them is taking photos with a flowing waterfall in the background.

You can also wait until dusk to capture the golden glow of the sunset. Visitors do have the chance to experience the atmosphere during sunset since the park stays open until 6:00 PM.

Trying Extreme Sports

A trip to Sipiso-piso Waterfall is even more memorable when you try extreme sports, from skydiving to paragliding right from the top of the hill. You’ll land right on the shores of Lake Toba.

Water Splashing Around

A visit to a waterfall just isn’t complete without splashing around in the water. So, there’s no harm in doing so. But don’t be careless—always prioritize safety, as the area around the waterfall can be slippery.

See Also:

Directions and Access Guide

If you’re interested in visiting this waterfall, take note of the route. In this case, you can choose the route via Letjen Jamin Ginting Street, as it is very efficient.

To access this route from Letjen Jamin Ginting Street, continue on to Mariam Ginting Street and Jalan Besar Kabanjahe Merek. Then continue on to Jalan Saribu Dolok. Once you reach Situnggaling Village, take a right toward Tongging Village.

From there, simply head to the ticket booth. From this point, just follow the signs. It won’t take long before you arrive at the waterfall.

Facilities

The Sipiso-piso Waterfall tourist site offers comprehensive and adequate facilities. These facilities certainly enhance visitors’ comfort during their visit. One such facility is the restroom.

In addition, there is also a prayer room on the premises. This ensures that Muslim visitors, even when busy on vacation, won’t miss their daily prayers. Furthermore, this tourist area also has many food stalls.

The selection of food and drink options is very diverse. The prices are also affordable, so they won’t break the bank.

During your vacation, be sure not to forget to bring souvenirs to give to your loved ones back home. Getting souvenirs is quite easy since there are many souvenir shops at this natural tourist destination.

If you want to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, you can stay at a lodging within the Sipiso-piso Waterfall tourist area. This will make your vacation even more satisfying. The lodgings themselves are equipped with facilities and comfortable rooms.

See Also:

Vacation Tips

Your vacation is sure to be safe and comfortable if you follow the tips below.

Note the Best Time to Visit

One tip to keep in mind when planning a trip to this tourist spot is to consider the best time to visit. The waterfall is actually open year-round. Although the water flow is lower during the dry season, its charm remains undiminished. For that reason, visitors can come anytime.

However, if you want to watch the sunset at this waterfall, make sure to visit in the late afternoon. You can also visit as soon as it opens so you can spend the entire day at the waterfall. During sunset, a golden glow clearly illuminates the area. Another best time to visit is between 8 to 11 where you can witness the rainbow phenomenon.

As for the rainy season, it’s best to postpone your visit to this waterfall. This is due to the risk of flooding. Not to mention, the rocks beneath Sipiso-piso Waterfall are sure to be slippery. Therefore, it’s best to visit the waterfall when the weather is suitable.

See Also:

Wear Comfortable Footwear

Keep footwear in mind when planning a trip to this waterfall. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and fit well. Also, ensure that the soles are made of non-slip material. This will help prevent you from slipping while at the waterfall.

The Friendliness of the Local Community

Many tourists return to this waterfall not only for its natural scenery. In fact, quite a few tourists feel warmly welcomed by the local residents. This comes as no surprise, as direct interactions with the Karo people reveal them to be friendly and polite.

The Karo people have indeed preserved their local wisdom and traditions to this day. Visitors can also learn about the local culture of the community. It’s not just the locals who are friendly; the local government is as well.

Together with the community, the local government continues to do its best to preserve the sustainability of the tourist area. Beyond their friendly demeanor, the collaboration between the local government and the community in developing the Sipiso-piso Waterfall tourist site has become a unique attraction in itself. This includes organizing the tourist area, maintaining environmental cleanliness, and providing adequate public facilities.

Read Also:

Etiquette During the Holidays

During your vacation, be sure to observe proper etiquette. One way to do this is by not damaging the natural environment. For example, avoid littering.

By adhering to these guidelines, you are actively contributing to environmental conservation. This helps keep the area pristine even with a large number of visitors.

Furthermore, when visiting this tourist spot, be mindful of your attire. Wear modest clothing as a sign of respect for the local residents, since the location is quite close to their settlements. In addition to being modest, your clothing should also be appropriate for the weather to ensure a more comfortable vacation.

If you plan to visit other place near the waterfall, you can visit Simarjarunjung Hill for panoramic view of Lake Toba or you may head to Berastagi to visit Gundaling Hill. There are also other waterfalls you can visit in this area including Efrata Waterfall in Samosir Regency and Sikulikap Waterfall in Berastagi.

Don’t hesitate to visit Sipiso-piso Waterfall in North Sumatra. This destination is becoming increasingly appealing to nature lovers. Your vacation will be even more memorable when you bring your loved ones along.