Lake Poso

Danau Poso or Poso Lake landscape like the sea. The sandy beach and the lake has a water wave, unlike lakes in general.

Poso Lake is located in the city of Tentena, Central Sulawesi. Lake Poso is the third largest lake in Indonesia after Lake Toba in North Sumatra and West Sumatra Lake Batur.

Lake Poso is also one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Indonesia. The lake is located at an altitude of 657 meters above sea level and stretches from north to south, covering an area of ​​32,000 hectares with a depth of 510 meters.

Poso Lake has captivating views of the surrounding hills and woods . Lake Poso is also unique, which is located on the edge of the water green lake while in the middle of the lake blue. The local community in this lake sometimes see the light as the light moves. It was believed to be the eye of a dragon guards Lake Poso.

Sandy shores of Lake Poso as in the sea, the sand is golden brown. If you are planning to travel to Lake Poso, it's good to bring swim gear because it's hard to resist this seduction crystal clear lake water.

The beauty of Lake Poso will make you linger relax. Many activities you can do here, ranging from swimming in clear water, fishing with the use of canoes, paddle boat around the lake, take a walk along the banks of the lake, or go to the local village and share stories with them. Why do not you go hiking into the woods and mountains around Lake Poso.

Near Lake Poso, there is a developing village Bancea anggreak park in Taman Anggrek Bancea. This park has approximately 55 species of orchids including the rare and wild orchid collection. To reach this park you can walk as far as 11 km or rent a car from pendolo to Taipa.

Lake Poso is located in the main line of the Toraja in the south, Gorontalo and Manado in the north. The distance is approximately 283 km south of Palu and 56 km from the city of Poso. From Palu You can use the four-wheeled vehicle with estimai takes about 8 hours and 1.5 hours from the of Poso City.

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Lake Singkarak

Danau Singkarak or Lake Singkarak located in the geographical coordinates of 0, 36 degrees south latitude (LS) and 100.3 east longitude (BT) with a height of 363.5 meters above sea level (masl). Water surface area reaches 11,200 hectares of Lake Singkarak with a maximum length of 20 kilometers and 6.5 kilometers wide and a depth of 268 meters. This lake has a water catchment areas along the 1076 kilometers with rainfall up to 252 melimeter 82 per month.

It can not be denied, scenery surrounding natural attractions are so charming. So fantastic. The eyes are not tired of seeing the expanse of clear blue water with small ripples with it. Also, grains of fine sand which stretches across the lake edge. In the middle of the lake, the fishermen's small boats sailed the lake is quiet, the dwelling place of various fishes. Also fro motor boat or a rented rickshaw lake for tourists.

The trees growing along the banks of the lake are a barrier between land and water. In fact there is some corner of verdant rice fields, make the atmosphere more peaceful. Moreover, the spread of the Bukit Barisan background without limit, and can be seen from Mount Singgalang kejahuan and Marapi who stood proudly as if to keep calm lake.

Beautiful environment, the cool weather, the atmosphere is calm, peaceful, safe and comfortable to be the charm for those who visit it. Enchantment Lake Batur, is never finished when told. Hence the second biggest lake in Sumatra, after Lake Toba Sumatra to be excellent for a leading tourist destination, as well as a complementary destination for tourists who travel to the province.

Lake Singkarak located in two districts in West Sumatra, Kabupaten Solok and Tanah Datar. With an area of 107.8 sq km lake is the 2nd largest lake on the island of Sumatra. This lake is upstream Ombilin Trunk. The water of the lake was partially drained through the tunnel through the Bukit Barisan to Batang Anai Singkarak hydropower generator to drive near Lubuk Alung, Padang Pariaman.

Location Lake area of 129.70 km2, is also very strategically located on the roadside between Tanah Datar and Solok. Because of its location within easy reach, so that tourists can enjoy the view from the side that you want on the edge of lakes that meander. Even tourists who come to use private vehicles could enjoy its beauty from the top of his car.

In this resort you can do boating activities until the middle of the lake by using a canoe rental. The water was clear and cool, add the beauty of this charming lake nan. The sound of water ripples menghempas lake to the sand on the outskirts, also add to the atmosphere becomes serene. Not far from the lake area there is a resting place Biteh Nuts, precisely that is on the edge of Lake Singkarak.
Lake Singkarak also known as a place that is promising as a regional tourist fishing. This is evidenced by the crowded area in seputaran Lake Batur with the anglers who come from cities around the lake or from outside the province of West Sumatra. Among the fish species commonly fished the asang, piyek, balingka, baung, and fish that become legend Sasau, which is said to achieve sizes up to 8 kg weight. Other activities that can be done is to paddle sports. Rowing competitions are often held at Lake Singkarak, and is one of the local government program to promote the tourist attractions of the lake Singkarak.

From Padang Minangkabau Airport is just about 1.5 hours-2 hours by public transport fare is about Rp 25,000 to Rp 30,000. Also, when riding from Padang through the intersection of three weeks of Solok, must pass through this lake. And if along the edge of Bukittinggi telaknya only about 36 km from Bukittinggi, will pass the muffled Banjaran mountain on the left side of the road. At the foot of the mountain, the atmosphere is filled with patches of rice paddy children who terliuk-contortion blown away by the wind.

Besides the exciting tour, Lake Singkarak also be used as a place of sport (sport tourism), such as on land can be used for trekking, jogging, calisthenics. On the lake for swimming sports, fishing, rowing and air sports like paragliding, skydiving, parasailing, paragliding floating in free air with beautiful scenery. Moreover, the lake is situated at an altitude of 36.5 meters with hilly atmosphere is very suitable for paragliding.

Indeed today, more lively activities Singkarak. Moreover, various national and international events were held in this lake region. Even the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (ministry) to cooperate West Sumatra provincial government held the first bicycle race in the region of Lake Batur titled 'Tour of Singkarak 2009', which was held on April 30 to May 3, 2009 ago. This Singkarak Tour consists of five stages are preceded by surrounding the city of Padang, Padang-Stage II is as far as 92.3 km of Bukittinggi, Bukittinggi-Sawahlunto as far as 85.1 km, Sawahlunto Singkarak 90.2-km and the last is the Stage V-Singkarak twin lakes (lakes above and below) and then returned to Lake Batur along 188 km.

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Lake Maninjau

Maninjau Lake is a lake in the district of Tanjung Raya, Agam regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This like is one of the most stunning lake in Indonesia. The lake is located about 140 km north of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra. Maninjau which is a volcanic lake is located at a height of 461.50 meters above sea level.

Lake Maninjau has an area of ​​approximately 99.5 km2 with a depth reaching 495 meters is the eleventh largest lake in Indonesia, and the second largest in West Sumatra after Lake singkarak. According to the story, Lake Maninjau was originally a volcano is at its peak there is a large crater. Because of human activity, the volcano erupted and formed a vast lake.

Lake Maninjau also a source of water to the river named Batang Sri Antokan. In one part of the lake, which is upstream from the Batang Hydroelectric Maninjau Sri Antokan there. The highest peak in the hills around Lake Maninjau known as Puncak Lawang. To be able to achieve Lake Maninjau from Bukittinggi  if it will pass through a winding road known as Curved 44 along approximately 10 km starting from Ambun Pagi to Maninjau

To achieve this Region you can using a car. Public transport also available. On the way to this place, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery.

The lake was listed as the eleventh largest lake in Indonesia. Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, Maninjau is the second largest lake after the Lake Singkarak. Around Lake Maninjau there are tourist facilities like hotels and lodging.

Maninjau lake has a five-star resort is located on the top of the hill. With the fun and calm the heart, stay in the area Maninjau experience that will be impressive. There are also facilities for swimming and water skying. Visitors can rent canoes and motorboat at the lakeshore.

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Lake Toba

Lake Toba, the largest lake in South East Asia, and the deepest in the world, was formed 75,000 years ago after an earth splitting volcano eruption. It is the largest and deepest volcanic crater lake in the world. It's 906 meters above sea level with an average depth of 450m. The lake has an island in the middle called Samosir. You can get to Lake Toba from Medan in around 3 - 4 hours.

Lake Toba is in the centre of the homeland to the Batak people but 'Tano Batak' covers an area the size of Belgium within North Sumatra. With their own language, the Batak are mainly Christian, encountering Christian missionaries in the 1850's and 1860's from Holland and Germany.

The current estimated population of Samosir is 120,000. Including Lake Toba there are six major Batak regions - Toba Batak, Karo Batak, Kakpak/Dairi Batak, Simeulungun Batak, Angkola Batak and Sipirko Batak. Around 1.5 Million Batak live amongst these regions. The Karo Batak and centered around Berastagi.

There is a regular ferry service, every half hour, between Tuk-Tuk on Samosir Island to Parapat. The ferry runs between 7.30am and 7.30pm during peak tourist seasons. During off peak times the last ferry back from Parapat is 6pm. The cost of the ferry is 7000Rp. Buy your ticket on the boat. At the ferry wharf and on the ferry you will be approached by many of the local young men trying to persuade you to go to the hotel they are affiliated with. These guys are mostly harmless and just trying to make a living guiding tourists. They can be a good resource for information. There is no harm in going and checking their hotel out and if you're not happy with that hotel move on to the ones close by. Tuk-tuk is not that large so the hotels are close. See the list of hotels at the bottom of this page.


Three megalithic sites on Samosir bear witness to the glory - and horror - of Batak history. The three consist of 300-year-old stone seats and benches arrayed in a circle. The first set of ruins was used as a conference area for Batak kings. At the second site, the rajas would sit in judgment of a criminal or enemy prisoner. If the accused were found guilty, the assembly would move to the third set, which features the ghastly addition of a central stone execution block.

The Air Panas - hot springs is on the other side of the island to Tuk-Tuk. The hot springs are not on Samosir Island but you do not need to take a ferry off the island to see them. On the opposite side of the island from where Tuk-Tuk is there is a town called Pangururan. There you will find a small isthmus that connects the island to the mainland. So is Samosir actually a true island? On the other side of this isthmus you will find the hot springs. It takes about 1 hour to ride the local bus to Pangururan from Tuk Tuk. If you hire a motorbike to travel around Samoris Island ride carefully as often dogs, chickens and school children dart across the roads as well as water buffalo on the side and often on the road.

Overlooking the hot springs is Mount Pusuk Buhit (1981m). Gunung Pusuk Buhit is sacred to the Batak people as the first ruler, Si Raja Batak, is believed to have descended from heavan onto the mountain.

At Simanindo, 19km from Tuk-Tuk, is the Batak Museum built in the house where Raja Sidauruk lived. Here you can see traditional dancing (Tordon) and puppet performances (Sigalegale). Sigalegale was originally performed at Batak funerals, the puppets being the receptacle for the soul of the deceased.

All over Samosir Island you will see lots of traditional Batak houses as well as the Batak grave sites which are suspended above the ground.

The roofs of the house are designed so the back of the roof in higher than the front. The father of the house always sleeps at the front of the house and the children in the back. The higher roof in the back signifies that the father wants his children to reach higher in life than himself.

The steps leading up to the small entrance are always atleast 4, 5 or 6 to signify how many children the family wants to have.

The small entrance into a Batak house are designed so you have to bow down to enter the house paying respect to the people inside the house.

In July every year the Batak people hold the Lake Toba festival. The festivities include Dragon boat races, traditional dancing, canoe races and a swim from Parapat to Tuk-Tuk. This festival was suspended in 2007 due to the economical climate and lack of tourists.

In the middle of Samosir Island there is a small mountain (780m) which is quite an easy climb to get to the top. On the journey up you will experience fantastic views over the lake and Tuk-Tuk. There are two guesthouses at the top of the mountain, John and Jenny's which makes for an interesting night away.

Getting to Lake Toba

You can catch a bus to Lake Toba from most to the main towns in Sumatra. You can catch a train from Medan to P. Siantar which is only 40 minutes from Lake Toba by bus. The train leaves Medan at 10.05am and arrives in P. Siantar at around 12.45pm.

A public bus to and from Medan to Parapat costs 18,000Rp and takes around 3 - 4 hours.

There are also daily flights on Susi Air that fly from Medan to Silangit (12.40pm) and flights from Silangit to Medan (1.20pm). Silangit is just south of Lake Toba with buses available to transport you to Parapat after your flight. The flight times are 40 minutes.
Accommodation on Samosir Island

- Samosir Cottages (1 review) is one of the best places to stay in Tuk-Tuk. With 35 rooms from 105,000Rp - 385,000Rp for a family room. Prices are negotiable.

- Carolina Hotel  (10 reviews) is another great place to stay in Tuk-Tuk with rooms from 120,000Rp per night. Great rooms, restaurant and excellent swimming in the lake right at the front of the hotel complex.

- Lekjon Cottages (1 review) has quality accommodation, large clean rooms with great views over the lake. The rooms are all overlooking the private beach area with great swimming right in front. Room rates start 50,000Rp per night.

- Bagus Bay Homestay & Restaurant (1 review) has standard rooms and traditional Batak houses for rent from 20,000Rp - 75,000Rp. With a great restaurant and traditional Batak dancing Wed and Saturday evenings at 8pm.

- Liberta Home Stay (5 reviews) has 9 rooms set in beautiful gardens with traditional Batak houses right on the Lake. Prices are from 35,000Rp to 50,000Rp.

- Horas Family Home is a self contained traditional Batak house right on the lake for families or groups. Caters for 1 to 6 people, prices from 300,000Rp.

- Tabo Cottages (3 reviews) has a selection of rooms, Traditional Batak houses and villas starting from 215,000Rp per night.

- Reggae Guest House (3 reviews) has 6 rooms right down on the Lake. You can practically jump from the front door into the lake. The restaurant has the best views of sunset over Lake Toba. Prices 30,000 - 40,000Rp per night.

- Bamboo Restaurant and Hotel. Next door to Reggae Guest house, right on the lake. Rooms from 30,000Rp per night.

- Anju Cottages right next door to Samosir Cottages. Prices from.

- Popy's Restaurant and Lakeside rooms - Tuk Tuk  Rooms from 25,000Rp (0625) 451 291

by: sumatera-indonesia.com

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Lake Singkarak

Danau Singkarak or Singkarak Lake located in the geographical coordinates of 0, 36 degrees south latitude (LS) and 100.3 east longitude (BT) with a height of 363.5 meters above sea level (masl). Water surface area reaches 11,200 hectares of Lake Singkarak with a maximum length of 20 kilometers and 6.5 kilometers wide and a depth of 268 meters. This lake has a water catchment areas along the 1076 kilometers with rainfall up to 252 melimeter 82 per month.

It can not be denied, scenery surrounding natural attractions are so charming. So fantastic. The eyes are not tired of seeing the expanse of clear blue water with small ripples with it. Also, grains of fine sand which stretches across the lake edge. In the middle of the lake, the fishermen's small boats sailed the lake is quiet, the dwelling place of various fishes. Also fro motor boat or a rented rickshaw lake for tourists.

The trees growing along the banks of the lake are a barrier between land and water. In fact there is some corner of verdant rice fields, make the atmosphere more peaceful. Moreover, the spread of the Bukit Barisan background without limit, and can be seen from Mount Singgalang kejahuan and Marapi who stood proudly as if to keep calm lake.

Beautiful environment, the cool weather, the atmosphere is calm, peaceful, safe and comfortable to be the charm for those who visit it. Enchantment Lake Batur, is never finished when told. Hence the second biggest lake in Sumatra, after Lake Toba Sumatra to be excellent for a leading tourist destination, as well as a complementary destination for tourists who travel to the province.

Lake Singkarak located in two districts in West Sumatra, Kabupaten Solok and Tanah Datar. With an area of 107.8 sq km lake is the 2nd largest lake on the island of Sumatra. This lake is upstream Ombilin Trunk. The water of the lake was partially drained through the tunnel through the Bukit Barisan to Batang Anai Singkarak hydropower generator to drive near Lubuk Alung, Padang Pariaman.

Location Lake area of 129.70 km2, is also very strategically located on the roadside between Tanah Datar and Solok. Because of its location within easy reach, so that tourists can enjoy the view from the side that you want on the edge of lakes that meander. Even tourists who come to use private vehicles could enjoy its beauty from the top of his car.

In this resort you can do boating activities until the middle of the lake by using a canoe rental. The water was clear and cool, add the beauty of this charming lake nan. The sound of water ripples menghempas lake to the sand on the outskirts, also add to the atmosphere becomes serene. Not far from the lake area there is a resting place Biteh Nuts, precisely that is on the edge of Lake Singkarak.

Lake Singkarak also known as a place that is promising as a regional tourist fishing. This is evidenced by the crowded area in seputaran Lake Batur with the anglers who come from cities around the lake or from outside the province of West Sumatra. Among the fish species commonly fished the asang, piyek, balingka, baung, and fish that become legend Sasau, which is said to achieve sizes up to 8 kg weight. Other activities that can be done is to paddle sports. Rowing competitions are often held at Lake Singkarak, and is one of the local government program to promote the tourist attractions of the lake Singkarak.

From Padang Minangkabau Airport is just about 1.5 hours-2 hours by public transport fare is about Rp 25,000 to Rp 30,000. Also, when riding from Padang through the intersection of three weeks of Solok, must pass through this lake. And if along the edge of Bukittinggi telaknya only about 36 km from Bukittinggi, will pass the muffled Banjaran mountain on the left side of the road. At the foot of the mountain, the atmosphere is filled with patches of rice paddy children who terliuk-contortion blown away by the wind.

Besides the exciting tour, Lake Singkarak also be used as a place of sport (sport tourism), such as on land can be used for trekking, jogging, calisthenics. On the lake for swimming sports, fishing, rowing and air sports like paragliding, skydiving, parasailing, paragliding floating in free air with beautiful scenery. Moreover, the lake is situated at an altitude of 36.5 meters with hilly atmosphere is very suitable for paragliding.

Indeed today, more lively activities Singkarak. Moreover, various national and international events were held in this lake region. Even the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (ministry) to cooperate West Sumatra provincial government held the first bicycle race in the region of Lake Batur titled 'Tour of Singkarak 2009', which was held on April 30 to May 3, 2009 ago. This Singkarak Tour consists of five stages are preceded by surrounding the city of Padang, Padang-Stage II is as far as 92.3 km of Bukittinggi, Bukittinggi-Sawahlunto as far as 85.1 km, Sawahlunto Singkarak 90.2-km and the last is the Stage V-Singkarak twin lakes (lakes above and below) and then returned to Lake Batur along 188 km.

Hotels in Singkarak

Singkarak Sumpur Hotel
Desa Sumpur Malalo
Tlp +62 752 82533 or fax +62 752 82103
  
Pagaruyung Hotel
Jln. Parak Juar No. 4
Batusangkar
+62 752 71533
  
Yoherma Hotel   
Jln. Parak Juar No.15
Batusangkar
+63 752 71130
  
Jayakarta Hotel   
Jln. Raya Padang Panjang Solok

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