Maninjau Lake West Sumatra, is one of the most splendid lakes in Indonesia. This volcanic lake is situated more or less 461 meters above sea level. This lake, 100 m2 in size with the maximum depth of 500 meters, is associated with a legend. It is said that from the local folklore called “Bujang Sembilan” (roughly translates as “Nine Young Men”), one of these men died by plunging himself to the crater. The crater then expanded, forming a lake.
Maninjau Lake has a five starred resort located on the top of a hill. With pleasant, inspiring sceneries, staying around Maninjau Lake will be a dazzling experience for you.
Maninjau Village is located near the lake. Buya HAMKA, one of the most notable novelists in Indonesia, was born here. HAMKA wrote the phenomenal Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijk. Another famous person born here is Rangkayo Rasuna Said, one of Indonesia’s national hero. Her name is immortalized as one of the protocol roads in Jakarta.
Located only 35 kilometers away from Bukittinggi, you can visit this site by using a car or a public transportation.
You can stay at various inns and hotels in Bukittinggi, or at Maninjau Resort, which is closer.
From where you stay, you can use a private car or public transportation to view the magnificent scenery.
You can eat at several nearby restaurants or hotels. Bear in mind that West Sumatran food tends to be spicy.
You can buy traditional Minangese crafts within the area or in Bukittinggi. Various songket (hand-woven cloth), slippers, shoes, bags, money pouches made of songket, and other unique items are also available. You can also buy traditional West Sumatran snack such as cassava chips coated with chili sauce.
Simple water recreations can be done in the lake. Unfortunately, since the locals consider swimsuits improper, you shouldn’t swim in this lake. You can swim in the resort or in other hotels. If you stay at the resort, you can also use the fitness center and jogging track.
- Respect the locals, dress casually yet not revealingly.
- Stay in Maninjau Resort to spend a memorable night in this fantastic place.