Geographically, Curug Bengkawah is situated in a highland area at a considerable elevation, resulting in relatively cool temperatures throughout the year. The surrounding environment is dominated by community forests, smallholder plantations, and well-maintained natural vegetation. These conditions make Curug Bengkawah an ideal destination for visitors seeking serenity, fresh air, and a natural setting far removed from urban congestion.
The main attraction of Curug Bengkawah lies in its tall and powerful waterfall, where water cascades down a natural rock cliff, creating a majestic and visually striking panorama. The water originates from mountain springs, making it clear and clean, especially during the dry season. The fine mist produced by the falling water adds to the refreshing sensation and enhances the site’s natural and exotic appeal.
The name “Bengkawah” is believed to originate from a local term associated with the strong and winding flow of water among rocks. According to local narratives, Curug Bengkawah has long been known as part of the living space of the surrounding community, serving both as a water source and as an area with significant ecological value. As regional tourism has developed, the waterfall has gradually been managed and promoted more widely as a natural tourist attraction.
Access to Curug Bengkawah is relatively convenient, particularly from the center of Belik District. From Pemalang City, the distance to the site is approximately 35–40 kilometers, with a travel time of around 1.5 to 2 hours by motorized vehicle. Visitors travel through hilly routes offering scenic views of rice fields, plantations, and forests, which enhance the overall journey. Most of the roads leading to Sikasur Village are paved, although some sections near the site remain narrow village roads that are still accessible to both two- and four-wheeled vehicles.
Upon reaching the parking area, visitors must continue on foot along a trekking path of several hundred meters to reach the waterfall. This path is equipped with simple footpaths, steps, and handrails at several steep points. The walk to the waterfall becomes an integral part of the tourism experience, as visitors are immersed in lush green scenery, the sound of flowing water, and fresh mountain air.
In terms of facilities, Curug Bengkawah is supported by adequate basic tourism infrastructure. At the entrance area, visitors will find ticket booths, parking facilities, and small stalls selling food and beverages. Public amenities such as toilets and resting areas are also available, although they remain modest in nature. Facility management is carried out by local communities in collaboration with village authorities as part of a community-based tourism development approach.
The entrance fee to Curug Bengkawah is relatively affordable and accessible to visitors from various backgrounds. Generally, visitors are charged a modest entrance fee of only a few thousand Indonesian rupiah per person, along with a parking fee for vehicles. This pricing policy aims to encourage tourist visits while providing direct economic benefits to the local community through small-scale service and trade activities.
Tourism activities at Curug Bengkawah are varied but remain centered on nature-based experiences. Visitors can enjoy the waterfall scenery, take photographs with an exotic natural backdrop, play in the water around the river area, or simply relax and appreciate the surrounding atmosphere. For nature photography enthusiasts, Curug Bengkawah offers numerous appealing angles with natural compositions of water, rocks, and green vegetation.
In addition, the area surrounding Curug Bengkawah is often used for family recreation and environmental education tourism. Children and students can learn about natural ecosystems, the water cycle, and the importance of preserving forests and natural resources. In this context, Curug Bengkawah functions not only as a recreational site but also as an educational medium with significant environmental value.
The existence of Curug Bengkawah contributes positively to the local economy of Sikasur Village and its surrounding areas. Tourism activities have encouraged the growth of small businesses such as food stalls, parking services, local guides, and the sale of local products. This development demonstrates that nature-based tourism can serve as a viable strategy for improving rural livelihoods when managed sustainably.
From an environmental conservation perspective, the management of Curug Bengkawah is directed toward maintaining a balance between utilization and preservation. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment by avoiding damage to natural features, refraining from littering, and maintaining cleanliness within the tourist area. Collective awareness among managers and visitors is essential to ensuring the sustainability of this destination for future generations.
Within the broader context of tourism development in Pemalang Regency, Curug Bengkawah holds significant potential to be further developed as a leading natural attraction. Its natural beauty, relatively good accessibility, and strong support from the local community constitute key assets for its continued growth. With improved facilities, sustained promotion, and professional management, Curug Bengkawah has the potential to become one of the iconic natural tourism destinations that strengthens Pemalang’s image as a region known for nature-based and ecotourism attractions.
Overall, Curug Bengkawah represents the natural wealth of Pemalang Regency in an authentic and unspoiled form. This destination offers a simple yet meaningful tourism experience, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature and appreciate environmental balance and beauty. As part of the region’s tourism potential, Curug Bengkawah deserves continued promotion and sustainable development as a valuable natural heritage.
Image: https://atourin.com/destination/pemalang/curug-bengkawah