Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Lake Maninjau means ‘to look out across’ and this was derived from the Minangkabau language. Many go to the lake to rest and relax away from the hectic city life. Here, one will get to experience nature at its best as there are close to none industrial activities there. Many locals make their living by either fish farming or by catering to tourism activities there.
Lake Maninjau is a crater lake and its the 11th largest lake in Indonesia and many came to admire its beauty from afar and it is one of the must visit tourist spots when one visits Padang. It’s crystal clear waters are one of its most prized possession and it is also one of the areas that are less polluted as there are not many industrial activities there.
To explore the scenic nature offered here at this popular attraction, travellers can also trek around the caldera rim or spend a few nights along the shore of Lake Maninjau. On your way to the lake, do not forget to enjoy the scenery along the way as you can spot paddy fields, the traditional Minangkabau architectural houses and onion plots and these are the views that you would not often get when you live in the city.
Here, you can also find the Maninjau Village, where you can experience local rural lifestyle as you will get to meet the Minang community. With a nice and cool weather, a visit to witness Lake Maninjau’s incredible nature is definitely a great idea to spend your holiday, be it to enjoy an adventure or for a leisure sightseeing.
Lake Maninjau is a crater lake and its the 11th largest lake in Indonesia and many came to admire its beauty from afar and it is one of the must visit tourist spots when one visits Padang. It’s crystal clear waters are one of its most prized possession and it is also one of the areas that are less polluted as there are not many industrial activities there.
To explore the scenic nature offered here at this popular attraction, travellers can also trek around the caldera rim or spend a few nights along the shore of Lake Maninjau. On your way to the lake, do not forget to enjoy the scenery along the way as you can spot paddy fields, the traditional Minangkabau architectural houses and onion plots and these are the views that you would not often get when you live in the city.
Here, you can also find the Maninjau Village, where you can experience local rural lifestyle as you will get to meet the Minang community. With a nice and cool weather, a visit to witness Lake Maninjau’s incredible nature is definitely a great idea to spend your holiday, be it to enjoy an adventure or for a leisure sightseeing.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
You can also opt to spend a few days at Bukittinggi which is a small town near to Lake Maninjau. You can do some souvenir shopping, feasts on local cuisines and also mingle around with the locals there. Apart from that, also do not miss out on visiting famous cultural attractions such as the Palaces of the Minangkabau People.
Apart from that, tourists can also stay at the hotel or resort situated on top of the hill. Besides that, there are also activities such as paragliding available at top of Puncak Lawang, which is a pine hill park located near the lake. Other than that, many will also visit Kelok 44 for its an incredible view. It is a road with 44 curves which goes around rice fields and the forest reserves.
Apart from that, tourists can also stay at the hotel or resort situated on top of the hill. Besides that, there are also activities such as paragliding available at top of Puncak Lawang, which is a pine hill park located near the lake. Other than that, many will also visit Kelok 44 for its an incredible view. It is a road with 44 curves which goes around rice fields and the forest reserves.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
As this is a tourist spot, do support the locals by purchasing local products that are being sold at the local hawker stalls, most of them are very reasonably priced and won’t cost you a bomb. Stop by Maninjau Village to find traditional handicrafts including slippers, bags, ‘songket’ traditional clothing, and fine art pieces to take home. Most items sold here are authentically handmade by the Minang community.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
You can travel to Lake Maninjau on your own via public transportation such as buses. Most travel agencies do provide a tour around the lake as some claimed it is a must visit when you go to Padang in Indonesia. One can also book for a private van or car with the local agencies to get to the lake as well if you are not keen on sharing a bus with other tourists.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- There are a lot of hotels and resorts situated near to the lake so if you would like to stay a few nights there, do book in advance. However, there are also many accommodations available for those who are on a tight budget, one just needs to scout around.
- If you have the time, do rent a motorcycle or bicycle to go around the lake so that you can enjoy the view even more as walking might be a bit too tiring if you want to go around such a big area.
- Do have a lookout at the small stalls on your way to the lake, you can get a taste of some of the local snacks such as roasted peanuts in the shell at some of the stalls there so do not miss out on experiences like these.
- There are also restaurants that serve good local Indonesian cuisine so if you are keen to try.
- Although the weather at Indonesia is mostly hot and humid, the temperature in Bukittinggi area is generally cooling. Hence, most resorts or hotels do not have air conditioned rooms to fully take advantage of the cooling weather.
- There is a small entrance fee to pay upon entering the village of Maninjau in order to reach the lake.
- The best time to plan your visit to Lake Maninjau is in the morning, where the weather is more pleasant. Or, you could also opt for a sunrise trekking adventure.
- Have your meal at the restaurants near to the lake so that you can enjoy your meal overlooking the stunning lake view.
- The price for a full day tour including a guide differs according to the number of pax per tour. Package usually starts from IDR 350,000 where you can also visit other attractions around Bukittinggi from Padang.
Explore the beauty of Lake Maninjau up close, take in its peace and serenity as you enjoy its crystal clear waters as well as the experience of local cultures.
Opening hours
Always open
Explore the beauty of Lake Maninjau up close, take in its peace and serenity as you enjoy its crystal clear waters as well as the experience of local cultures.
Opening hours
Always open
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Lake Maninjau means ‘to look out across’ and this was derived from the Minangkabau language. Many go to the lake to rest and relax away from the hectic city life. Here, one will get to experience nature at its best as there are close to none industrial activities there. Many locals make their living by either fish farming or by catering to tourism activities there.
Lake Maninjau is a crater lake and its the 11th largest lake in Indonesia and many came to admire its beauty from afar and it is one of the must visit tourist spots when one visits Padang. It’s crystal clear waters are one of its most prized possession and it is also one of the areas that are less polluted as there are not many industrial activities there.
To explore the scenic nature offered here at this popular attraction, travellers can also trek around the caldera rim or spend a few nights along the shore of Lake Maninjau. On your way to the lake, do not forget to enjoy the scenery along the way as you can spot paddy fields, the traditional Minangkabau architectural houses and onion plots and these are the views that you would not often get when you live in the city.
Here, you can also find the Maninjau Village, where you can experience local rural lifestyle as you will get to meet the Minang community. With a nice and cool weather, a visit to witness Lake Maninjau’s incredible nature is definitely a great idea to spend your holiday, be it to enjoy an adventure or for a leisure sightseeing.
Lake Maninjau is a crater lake and its the 11th largest lake in Indonesia and many came to admire its beauty from afar and it is one of the must visit tourist spots when one visits Padang. It’s crystal clear waters are one of its most prized possession and it is also one of the areas that are less polluted as there are not many industrial activities there.
To explore the scenic nature offered here at this popular attraction, travellers can also trek around the caldera rim or spend a few nights along the shore of Lake Maninjau. On your way to the lake, do not forget to enjoy the scenery along the way as you can spot paddy fields, the traditional Minangkabau architectural houses and onion plots and these are the views that you would not often get when you live in the city.
Here, you can also find the Maninjau Village, where you can experience local rural lifestyle as you will get to meet the Minang community. With a nice and cool weather, a visit to witness Lake Maninjau’s incredible nature is definitely a great idea to spend your holiday, be it to enjoy an adventure or for a leisure sightseeing.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
You can also opt to spend a few days at Bukittinggi which is a small town near to Lake Maninjau. You can do some souvenir shopping, feasts on local cuisines and also mingle around with the locals there. Apart from that, also do not miss out on visiting famous cultural attractions such as the Palaces of the Minangkabau People.
Apart from that, tourists can also stay at the hotel or resort situated on top of the hill. Besides that, there are also activities such as paragliding available at top of Puncak Lawang, which is a pine hill park located near the lake. Other than that, many will also visit Kelok 44 for its an incredible view. It is a road with 44 curves which goes around rice fields and the forest reserves.
Apart from that, tourists can also stay at the hotel or resort situated on top of the hill. Besides that, there are also activities such as paragliding available at top of Puncak Lawang, which is a pine hill park located near the lake. Other than that, many will also visit Kelok 44 for its an incredible view. It is a road with 44 curves which goes around rice fields and the forest reserves.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
As this is a tourist spot, do support the locals by purchasing local products that are being sold at the local hawker stalls, most of them are very reasonably priced and won’t cost you a bomb. Stop by Maninjau Village to find traditional handicrafts including slippers, bags, ‘songket’ traditional clothing, and fine art pieces to take home. Most items sold here are authentically handmade by the Minang community.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
You can travel to Lake Maninjau on your own via public transportation such as buses. Most travel agencies do provide a tour around the lake as some claimed it is a must visit when you go to Padang in Indonesia. One can also book for a private van or car with the local agencies to get to the lake as well if you are not keen on sharing a bus with other tourists.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- There are a lot of hotels and resorts situated near to the lake so if you would like to stay a few nights there, do book in advance. However, there are also many accommodations available for those who are on a tight budget, one just needs to scout around.
- If you have the time, do rent a motorcycle or bicycle to go around the lake so that you can enjoy the view even more as walking might be a bit too tiring if you want to go around such a big area.
- Do have a lookout at the small stalls on your way to the lake, you can get a taste of some of the local snacks such as roasted peanuts in the shell at some of the stalls there so do not miss out on experiences like these.
- There are also restaurants that serve good local Indonesian cuisine so if you are keen to try.
- Although the weather at Indonesia is mostly hot and humid, the temperature in Bukittinggi area is generally cooling. Hence, most resorts or hotels do not have air conditioned rooms to fully take advantage of the cooling weather.
- There is a small entrance fee to pay upon entering the village of Maninjau in order to reach the lake.
- The best time to plan your visit to Lake Maninjau is in the morning, where the weather is more pleasant. Or, you could also opt for a sunrise trekking adventure.
- Have your meal at the restaurants near to the lake so that you can enjoy your meal overlooking the stunning lake view.
- The price for a full day tour including a guide differs according to the number of pax per tour. Package usually starts from IDR 350,000 where you can also visit other attractions around Bukittinggi from Padang.
