Tanggedu Waterfall or called the Grand Canyon of East Sumba by the visitors is a waterfall that lies in Tanggedu Village, Kanatang District, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. It is called the Grand Canyon of east Sumba or Twin Canyon in East Sumba because the rock cliffs and the water flow are very similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States of America.
Tanggedu is just one of the many hidden paradises on Sumba Island.
This waterfall is less than 46 km north of Waingapu city and has a characteristic form of rock relief that is very unique.
To reach the Tanggedu Waterfall, tourists can use two or four-wheeled vehicles that will cross Mondu Village and Prainatang traditional village. It takes about 1.5 hours if depart from the City of Waingapu.
Along the way to the waterfall spot, tourists will see an amazing view of savanna, traditional houses, and also some of the king’s graveyard.
However, the road access to this place is not good enough and tourists have to park their vehicles in the homes of local residents and continue the journey by walking about 2.5 km to the waterfall spot.
The challenging road condition gives the sense of adventure. Bumpy, up and down the savannah hills through a couple of small villages. In return, it’s all paid for by the scenic and breathtaking view along the way.
You’ll find a wooden signboard welcoming you to Tanggedu Waterfall. From this point you’ll still have to walk for few more minutes, slowly going downhill to the river.
Arriving at the Tanggedu area, tourists will be greeted with a beautiful panorama of the Grand Canyon.
Unlike most waterfalls, the water flows from low altitudes. Only about 8 meters with natural ponds below. However, the flow is quite swift. Surrounded by hills and many trees make the Tanggedu Waterfall so cool with its fresh air.
When you finally arrive, you’ll be rewarded with the incredible view, the walls of a time-layered limestone cliff, and the sound of gushing water. Turquoise blue water and almost white cliff under the open blue sky. You’ll be blown away.
The reliefs of cliffs and rocks flanking the river flow of Tanggedu Waterfall has a unique pattern that make visitors love to capture their exciting moment there with the background of the cliffs and rocks.
There, you’ll find a few pools with different depths. Enjoy the freshness at your own cold ‘jacuzzi’.
Until now, the Tanggedu Waterfall is still managed by the surrounding community. It seems that the local government or private sectors are not yet interested in exploring more of this tourist spot. Even though activities and accommodations around the location can be developed so that it can attract more tourists to visit the Tanggedu Waterfall in particular and Sumba in general.
