Pipa Belanda Waterfall Blends Nature and Colonial History in Bengkulu

RRI.CO.ID, Bengkulu - Nestled within the Kabawetan tea plantation area in Air Sempiang Village, Kabawetan Subdistrict, Kepahiang Regency, the Pipa Belanda (Dutch Pipe) Waterfall offers visitors a unique blend of lush natural scenery and 19th-century colonial history.

Managed by the local Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) since its official public opening in 2022, the site derives its distinctive name from an original iron pipe installed by Dutch colonial administrators around the 1800s, which runs alongside the access trail leading to the falls. Located approximately one kilometer from the main entrance, a 20-minute trek for hikers, the site charges a formal entry fee of IDR 2,500 (USD 0.15)per person.

Drawing weekend travelers and families seeking outdoor leisure, local managers continue to enhance site facilities while urging visitors to maintain environmental cleanliness along the historic trail. Tourism operators and visitors emphasized that preserving historical infrastructure alongside natural ecosystems is essential for sustaining local community-based tourism (pokdarwis).

Pokdarwis management representative Widi Biantoro clarified the historical origin of the waterfall's naming convention. "Although it is named the Dutch Pipe Waterfall, it does not mean the waterfall originates from a pipe, the name was given because of an iron pipe left behind by the Dutch located right beside the trail leading to the waterfall," Widi explained on Tuesday, September 2, 2026.

Local visitor Darsono shared his perspective on visiting the historical eco-tourism site with his family. "I came out of curiosity regarding the origin of the name Pipa Belanda Waterfall and to bring the children for a weekend holiday," Darsono noted.

He stressed the critical need for visitor responsibility in preserving the site's natural condition. The area remains very pristine and comfortable for families.

"I urge all visitors to dispose of garbage in designated bins and refrain from scattering glass bottles recklessly to avoid endangering others and to preserve the surrounding environment," Darsono added. (Naura Sofia-EN)