Hidden Waterfall & Rice Terraces Trek from Yogyakarta

Walk rice terraces and a waterfall most visitors miss

This trek from Yogyakarta combines two overlooked sites: Kedung Kayang waterfall, set against Mount Merapi, and Selogriyo rice terraces, where you walk among working farmers. An English-speaking driver handles the roughly 1.5-hour drive from your hotel, entry to both attractions, and transport back. The day involves a 2km walk with some slopes but no steep climbs, and you can view the waterfall from multiple angles, from above or at its base.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore waterfall and rice terraces

• Drive 1.5 hours to Kedung Kayang waterfall
• Walk up stairs for waterfall view from above
• Walk down stairs to waterfall front
• Walk through local residences to trail entrance
• Buy ticket at trail entrance booth
• Hike 2km to rice terraces viewpoint
• Explore rice terraces and meet farmers
• Visit small temple and enjoy scenery
• Return via different route to entrance

What’s included

• Entry to Kedung Kayang waterfall and Selogriyo rice terraces.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver.
• hotel pickup and return.

Times

• Every day 06:00 07:00 08:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 5 1 private ›

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (17 and older) · Youth (11 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by TRANS MARINDO TOUR

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 13 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

The drive from Yogyakarta to Kedung Kayang takes about 1.5 hours, ending at the entrance to this waterfall inside Mount Merapi National Park. What makes it different from more famous falls is the choice built into the site itself: you can walk up stairs to a tree-top vantage point looking down at the water, or down stairs to stand in front of it, or do both. The waterfall sits with the volcano as a backdrop, and the operator notes that the angle you choose changes what you see.

From there, the driver walks you through local residences to the rice terraces at Selogriyo. The 2km hike is gentle, slopes but no steep sections, and takes you down into working farmland where you can watch buffalo ploughing or stop to talk with farmers, who are described as extremely friendly. A small, well-maintained temple sits at the end of the walk. The return follows a different route back to the entrance, so you see the rice terraces from another angle. The whole stretch from waterfall to terraces and back takes roughly an hour on foot.

Bring waterproof sandals if you want to wade closer to the waterfall, and wear sun protection. The terraces are exposed. Bottled water is included. The full day runs 8 to 10 hours from pickup at your hotel to return, with the drive home taking about 2 hours.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 16 years); Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is Kedung Kayang waterfall like compared to the famous ones near Yogyakarta?

Kedung Kayang sits inside Mount Merapi National Park with the volcano as a backdrop, and the site is designed so you can view it from multiple angles, from above at a tree-top platform or at ground level in front of the falls. It is less crowded than major temple sites and is often overlooked by travelers.

How difficult is the walk through Selogriyo rice terraces?

The 2km hike has slopes but no steep climbs, and the operator rates it as not difficult. You walk through active farmland where farmers work, and you can stop to photograph or chat with them along the way.

How much time do I spend driving versus walking on this tour?

The drive from your hotel to Kedung Kayang is roughly 1.5 hours, the walk between the waterfall and rice terraces about 1 hour, and the return drive to your hotel about 2 hours. The full day is 8 to 10 hours including time at each site.

What should I bring for this tour?

Waterproof sandals are recommended if you want to wade closer to the waterfall. Wear sun protection and bring a hat, as the rice terraces are exposed. Bottled water is provided, and the air-conditioned vehicle means you can rest between sites.