Lake Maninjau

The splendid Lake Maninjau in West Sumatra, is one of the calmest places in Indonesia. Come to this ancient lake, set within a volcanic crater, to escape from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the rest of the country. Perched in the mountain highlands, around 461 meters above sea level, Lake Maninjau is a splendid sight. At 100 m2, this lake is an impressive natural wonder and a place to come when you’re after a peaceful and relaxing place to unwind and absorb a sleepy pace of life.

To get to the lake, visitors must take the steeply descending road from Bukittinggi. This journey will have you on the edge of your seat as the road has sharp hairpin bends and unforgettable twists and turns. The 44 bends in this road give it its name, Kelok 44. The drive down to the lake will amaze you with its remarkable views over the shimmering blue lake and surrounding hills.

The lake is more than just a beautiful landmark though, it’s also a part of the cultural heritage of the local people. The legend of "Bujang Sembilan" (roughly translates as "Nine Young Men") is based around this lake. According to local folklore, one of the men in the story died by plunging himself into the crater. The crater then expanded, forming a lake.