Mandala Waterfall - A Hidden Paradise In Cilacap

A waterfall is identical to a mountain area or plateau. There is a tiring sensation of exploring the uphill, downhill, and winding roads. Yet, the tiresome will vanish after we see the water and enjoy the cool air.

Cilacap is not only well-known for beaches but also for waterfalls. In the western Cilacap, there are many hidden waterfalls. One of them is Mandala Waterfall, the nearest waterfall to downtown Cilacap. The distance is 8 kilometers from Tunggul Wulung Airport, to be precise in Mandala Village, Jeruk Legi District, Cilacap Regency.

The accessibility to Mandala Village is pretty well. Most road has been asphalted, and some are rocky road. The road is not too steep, and it is easy to reach by motorcycle and car. However, visitors have to use private vehicles since there is no public vehicle to go to Mandala Waterfall.

Visitors only need to spend 5,000 IDR per person on the entrance ticket. The ticket counter is at the crossroads before Mandala Waterfall. Those who have not known yet will go ahead until the parking area.

From the parking area to Mandala Waterfall, visitors must walk about 500 meters. The road is up and down with stairs. It is indeed tiring, but the air is cold because of the thick trees.

Mandala Waterfall has surrounded by forests. Visitors that like cycling with mountain or trail bicycles usually spend their hobby in this forest. Many clubs of mountain bicycle lovers come on the weekend to try the challenging and full-of-adrenaline terrain.

Also, there are gazebo or stalls around Mandala Waterfall for you to rest. There are bathrooms and mushola but in poor condition. Mandala Waterfall was popular in the 90s, but it was then abandoned. In these years, locals initiated to take care of Mandala Waterfall. The proof is the existence of the new selfie spot written Curug Mandala.

The water debit in Mandala Waterfall depends on the rainy season. The water debit in the dry season will be not as heavy as in the rainy season. In the Dutch era, Mandala Waterfall was born because of the bomb explosion. In the past, Mandala Waterfall is used as the escape spot from the Dutch army. After knowing that, the Dutch army then exploded Mandala Waterfall. It can be seen from the big hole in the water flow of Mandala Waterfall.

Right under the water flow of Mandala Waterfall, there is a pond. Visitors can swim in that area. Moreover, the water is clear and cold. It is suitable for refreshing our minds from daily activities. Or visitors can also chill to enjoy the fresh air in the area of Mandala Waterfall. (Kasih/Contributor)

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