Maninjau is situated in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It lies 461 meters above the sea level. The surrounding is simply stunning. Bluish clear water is bordered by green hills on one side, and paddy flied on the other side. White fog sometimes layers the peaks, lines up the green part and the crystal clear blue sky. It adds a touch of mystical beauty.  

There is a legend about this lake among the locals, describing about “Bujang Sembilan” or “Nine Young Men”. The folktale says, once upon a time, one of these men died by plunging himself to the crater. Finally, a lake formed by expanded of crater.

Taking picture and water recreations are the best options to be done in the area. Rent a boat or speedboat and enjoy the fresh air flowing gently, whilst looking around the lake. But unfortunately, the locals prohibit swimsuit, so it’s better for visitors not to swim here. But no worries, accommodations nearby usually have swimming pools. In addition, those resorts and hotels also provide fitness centers and jogging tracks.    

To maximize the experience, visitors can choose to stay in one of the resorts on the top of the hill. This best spot offers inspiring sceneries.

The first president of Indonesia, Soekarno, once visited the place and fell in love with the lake. He represented his thought about its nature in a poem. It says “Jika makan arai Pinang, makanlah sirih yang hijau. Jangan datang ke Ranah Minang, kalau kau tak mampir ke Maninjau”. In short means “You have never come to Minang land, if you have not come to Maninjau”

Maninjau is also known as the place where some notable public figures were born, such as Buya Hamka, one of the most famous Indonesian novelists and Rangkayo Rasuna, one of Indonesia’s national heroes.
 

How To Get There

Exactly, Maninjau Lake is in the Agam District, Bukittinggi – Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. To get to the lake by land, start from Padang City to Bukittinggi by private car or shared taxi (usually a small bus). From there, depart to Maninjau through kelok 44 with three hours journey. By Air, land on Minangkabau International Airport, then rent a car or take public transportation to the Lake directly.

More information about the destination see here and check flight schedule here

Photo credits: my-indonesia.info