Nature's own hot shower at Pancuran Pitu, Central Java

The mountainous island of Java has no shortage of waterfalls. Twin, multi-colored, tall and linear, cascading and gentle, overgrown - you name it. And of course, right on the Ring of Fire, you would expect a number of hot springs. But, it's a rare occurrence for the two phenomena to combine. Pancuran Pitu in Baturraden Nature Park (Lokawisata Baturraden) near Purwokerto in Central Java, is exactly that: a hot waterfall. It’s a sequence of stepped cascades, actually, each next one slightly cooler than the previous. The name itself aptly translates from Javanese as “seven waterfalls”. You can choose your **own **section and take a **shower **of your preferred temperature in the middle of the lush equatorial forest. Or just follow the **trail **downstream and enjoy the view.

Animism and modern development

Unusual natural phenomena are often considered sacred in animist belief systems, and so are water sources. Pancuran Pitu is no exception; next to the spring, there's a small kejawen (Javanese Hindu/animist faith) shrine. Since the surrounding area has been declared a nature park, some development followed. **Hot **water from the **spring **is initially channeled into a cement pool, and only after that flows freely down a **mountain **slope in a series of cascades. High mineral content in the water has painted the bedrock in shades of yellow and orange. The **waterfalls **are quite spectacular, even more so because of the steam floating surreally above them and over the forest. A network of **trails **connects **Pancuran Pitu **with other natural attractions in the vicinity.

Finding the natural shower

Purwokerto is a large town in Central Java, well connected to the rest of the island by road and railway. From there, take a minibus to Baturraden and walk a few hundred meters to the nature park gate. There's an entrance fee of around 1$. Technically, there's an additional small fee for Pancuran Pitu, but it's seldom charged. The distance from the gate to **Pancuran Pitu **is about 3 km, a pleasant stroll through the jungle. In the beginning, you will have to cross the developed zone, designed for "instagrammable" selfies and resembling a neglected kindergarten. Then the **trail **enters the **forest **and traverses a **mountain **slope, heading gently uphill for most of the way. 

Practicalities

There are a couple of perennial waterfalls along the way that may be spectacular during the rainy season but otherwise look like a leaking tap. Generally, the nature park is big; plan your own hike according to your fitness level. But the hot cascade of Pancuran Pitu is definitely the highlight. A couple of coffee shacks have been set up near the spring, but their opening hours are erratic. Sometimes local specialists offer a sulfuric mud massage by the public pool. Female travelers should keep in mind that this is a Muslim area, and it would be very bad manners to shower in a bikini. A modest dress is a cultural must.