RRI.CO.ID, Magelang - Rising 60 meters from the southeastern slopes of Mount Sumbing, Curug Silawe in Magelang Regency, Central Java, continues to captivate visitors with its cool air, lush greenery, and thundering streams.

Nestled in Kopeng Hamlet, Sutopati Village, Kajoran Subdistrict, the waterfall sits at around 500 meters above the sea level, roughly 20 kilometers west of Magelang City, a journey of about 45 minutes.

Its name is said to derive either from lawe (spider webs in Javanese) or selawe (twenty-five). Nearby, Curug Sigong adds to the mystique, famed for producing gong-like sounds on certain nights.

Fed by a tributary of the Tangsi River, Silawe’s flow is especially powerful in the rainy season, with mist felt from as far as 100 meters away. At its base lies a natural pool framed by rocks, shaded by bamboo groves and leafy trees.

Admission costs IDR 11,000 (USD 0.65), including parking. A short but steep 10-minute walk leads to the base, where slippery paths and strong sprays demand caution.

On clear mornings between 8 and 10 a.m., sunlight refracting through the mist can create a rainbow -- an enchanting spectacle that adds to the waterfall’s allure. Despite its forceful cascade, the pool remains safe for visitors.

Access, however, is limited: cars cannot reach the site due to narrow roads, so motorcycles are recommended. Local residents also provide motorcycle taxi services for those arriving by car.

The surrounding area remains largely untouched, with smaller waterfalls such as Curug Bujet and Curug Sigetik located about a kilometer away. Hidden behind dense foliage and lacking proper access, they can only be glimpsed from a distance and are free to visit.

While the scenery impresses, litter remains a concern. “This is my third time here. It’s always captivating. I came with my family after a halal bi halal in Magelang. The scenery is beautiful, though the litter problem still needs attention," Yani, a visitor from Kudus, shared.

Citra, a traveler from Jakarta who discovered Curug Silawe through TikTok, echoed similar sentiments. “I love visiting nature spots, but the trash here is still an issue. I hope the government and community care more about the environment. If we protect places like Curug Silawe, future generations can enjoy them too,” she said.

With its misty spray, cool air, and verdant surroundings, Curug Silawe remains one of Magelang’s natural treasures. Yet its preservation depends on collective responsibility -- visitors, communities, and authorities working together to keep the environment clean so that its beauty endures for generations to come. ***