Chasing Two Colors at Air Terjun Telaga Dwi Warna, Sibolangit

A Morning Wrapped in Cold Forest Air

I left Medan before sunrise with sleepy eyes and a backpack that felt heavier than it should have. The city slowly disappeared behind the car window, replaced by winding roads, dense trees, and mountain air that smelled fresh and wet after rain.

The journey toward Sibolangit took around two hours by motorbike. The closer I got to the national park area, the quieter everything became. Small roadside stalls appeared between giant trees, and local villagers greeted passing travelers with calm smiles that somehow made the morning feel slower.

I had seen photos of Air Terjun Telaga Dwi Warna before, but none of them explained what the place actually felt like.

The name itself means “Two Colored Waterfall,” and honestly, I thought it sounded exaggerated. Until I saw it with my own eyes.

The Trek Through Gunung Sibayak Forest

A Trail Full of Mud, Roots, and Silence

Reaching the waterfall was not simple.

From the entrance area, I continued on foot through a forest trail inside the Sibolangit Nature Reserve. The trek took around 2 to 3 hours depending on pace and weather conditions.

The path was slippery, especially after rain. Tree roots crossed the trail like natural staircases, while small streams forced me to carefully jump from rock to rock. Sometimes the forest became completely silent except for insects and the sound of water flowing somewhere far below.

I passed a few local guides bringing groups of hikers down the trail. Some travelers were already exhausted halfway through, but strangely, the deeper I walked into the jungle, the calmer I felt.

There was no phone signal.

No city noise.

Only green.

The First Sound of the Waterfall

Long before the waterfall appeared, I heard it.

A deep crashing sound echoed through the valley, growing louder with every step. The forest suddenly opened, and there it was Air Terjun Telaga Dwi Warna standing between dark cliffs and thick tropical trees.

For a few seconds, nobody spoke.

People simply stared.

Seeing Two Colors Flow Together

Why the Water Looks Blue and White

What makes this waterfall unique is the natural color difference in the water.

One side appears light blue or turquoise, while the other looks pale white-gray. The phenomenon comes from sulfur and mineral content carried from volcanic activity around Mount Sibayak.

The colors constantly shift depending on sunlight and water flow, which makes the waterfall feel almost unreal.

Standing near the river, I watched the turquoise water reflect pieces of the sky while the white stream moved beside it like flowing mist.

It looked less like a waterfall and more like a painting hidden inside the forest.

The Air Smelled Slightly Like Sulfur

There was a faint sulfur smell near the water, subtle but noticeable. Local guides warned visitors not to swim too close to certain parts because the mineral content could be unsafe.

Still, many people sat quietly near the rocks, soaking their feet in safer areas while enjoying the cold mountain air.

I stayed there longer than I planned.

Not because there was something to do.

But because the place made leaving feel difficult.

Small Moments I Still Remember

Coffee from a Local Stall Near the Entrance

After the trek back, I stopped at a small warung near the parking area. An older woman served hot coffee in a simple glass cup while talking casually about how the forest changes during rainy season.

She laughed when I admitted the trek was harder than expected.

“Air terjun yang indah memang tidak dekat,” she said.

Beautiful waterfalls are never close.

Somehow, that sentence stayed with me longer than the waterfall itself.

Travel Tips for Visiting Air Terjun Telaga Dwi Warna

Best Time to Visit

Visit During Dry Season

The best time to visit is between May and September when the trekking trail is less slippery and safer.

Come Early in the Morning

Start the trek before 9 AM to avoid afternoon rain and return before sunset.

Entrance Fee and Costs

Estimated Costs

👉🏻 Entrance ticket: around IDR 10,000–25,000

👉🏻 Local guide: around IDR 100,000–200,000 per group

👉🏻 Parking fee: around IDR 5,000–10,000

Prices may change depending on season and local regulations.

Transportation Tips

From Medan

👉🏻 Travel time: around 2 hours

👉🏻 Best option: rented motorbike or private car

👉🏻 Public transport is available toward Sibolangit, but reaching the trekking entrance becomes more difficult without private transportation.

Use a Local Guide

Hiring a local guide is strongly recommended because some forest paths can become confusing, especially after rain.

What to Bring

Essential Items

👉🏻 Trekking sandals or hiking shoes

👉🏻 Drinking water

👉🏻 Light raincoat

👉🏻 Extra clothes

👉🏻 Insect repellent

Avoid carrying excessive luggage because the trail can become tiring.

Local Culture and Respect

The surrounding area is close to communities that deeply respect nature and the forest ecosystem. Visitors are expected to:

👉🏻 Avoid littering

👉🏻 Respect local guides

👉🏻 Keep noise levels low

👉🏻 Avoid damaging plants or river areas

For many locals, the forest is not just a tourist destination, but part of daily life and cultural identity.

Why Air Terjun Telaga Dwi Warna Felt Different

I have visited waterfalls before.

Some were taller. Some were easier to reach. Some were more famous.

But Air Terjun Telaga Dwi Warna stayed in my memory because it felt hidden in a way modern places rarely do. The long muddy trail, the silence inside the forest, the strange colors in the water, and the feeling of standing far away from everything familiar made the experience deeply personal.

It was not only about seeing a beautiful waterfall.

It was about walking far enough to feel small again.