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| The Beauty of Lake Matano in Sulawesi That is Super Clear |
Indonesia is famous for its stunning natural beauty, and one of its hidden gems is Lake Matano. Located on the island of Sulawesi, this lake not only offers stunning natural panoramas, but also holds many unique and rich biodiversity that are rarely found elsewhere. With crystal clear water, a pristine environment, and a wealth of endemic flora and fauna, Lake Matano is the perfect tourist destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Location of Lake Matano and Surrounding Villages
Lake Matano is located on the island of Sulawesi, not far from Matano Village, a village covering an area of 242 square kilometers located in the Nuha District, East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Lake Matano is located in eastern South Sulawesi, near the border with Central Sulawesi Province, about 35 km from the capital of Luwu Regency, Malili. In addition to Matano Village, around Lake Matano there are several other villages, such as Sorowako Village, Nuha Village, Nikkel Village, and Magani Village. This ancient lake, located at an altitude of 382 m above sea level, is one of the tourist destinations that attracts the attention of many tourists both from within and outside the country because of its beauty and clear water.
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| Mosque and houses on the shores of Lake Matano |
Size and Depth of Lake Matano
Lake Matano has an impressive size. This lake is about 28 km long, about 8 km wide, and an area of about 164.1 square km. The average depth is about 240 m, with a maximum depth reaching about 590 meters, making it the deepest lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, and the 11th deepest lake in the world. With such a depth, Lake Matano holds many mysteries and amazing underwater beauty.
Clarity of Lake Matano Water
One of the main attractions of Lake Matano is the extraordinary clarity of its water. The water in this lake is so clear that it allows visibility to a depth of tens of meters. The clarity of Lake Matano water is due to the minimal particles and sediment in the water, as well as the surrounding environment which is still natural and well-maintained. When the weather is clear, we can see all life in the lake to a depth of between 20 - 30 m. Seen from a distance, this lake which is rich in iron content will look bluish.
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| The water of Lake Matano is very clear |
The environment around Lake Matano is also very enchanting. Surrounded by dense tropical forests and green hills, this lake offers a calming and refreshing view. In addition, Lake Matano is also home to various types of flora and fauna, including endemic species that can only be found in this area.
Various High-Value Endemic Species
Lake Matano is also known as a habitat for various high-value endemic species. Some endemic fish species that can be found here include:
1. Butini fish (Glossogobius matanensis). A fish species that is only found in Lake Matano.
2. Adrianichthys kruyti, a small fish which is also an endemic and very rare species.
3. Paratherina Striata fish, a small fish that has a striped pattern on its body.
4. Telmatherina antoniae
5. Telmatherina prognatha
6. Telmatherina celebensis (opudi fish)
7. Oryzias matanensis
8. Mugilogobius adeia
9. Nomorhamphus weberi
There are also several endemic shrimp species from the Caridina family, such as:
• Caridina dennerli
• Caridina parvula
• Caridina lanceolata
• Caridina holthuisi
In addition to fish and shrimp, there are also several other endemic species such as snails from the Tylomelania family:
• Tylomelania zeamais
• Tylomelania gemmifera
• Tylomelania patriarchalis
Endemic crab species in Lake Matano:
• Parathelphusa pantherina
• Syntripsa matannensis
• Nautilothelphusa zimmeri
Lake Matano Beach
As is common with large lakes, Lake Matano also has beaches. The beaches in Lake Matano offer their own beauty. The clear and fresh water makes visitors feel at home swimming or relaxing on the edge of the lake. One of the quite famous beaches here is Ide Beach, a place where visitors can enjoy the scenery while playing in the water or simply enjoying the beauty of the sunset. In addition to Ide Beach, Lake Matano also has several other beaches, such as Kupu-kupu Beach, Taipa Beach, Molino Tapuondau Beach and Salonsa Beach.
Small Islands in Lake Matano
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| Lake Matano's island |
In addition to the beach, Lake Matano also has several small islands that are interesting to visit. These small islands are spread across the eastern and southeastern parts of Lake Matano, such as Langkai Island, Timadonge Island, Mewuku Island, Menggonuai Island, Ondalo Island, Meuko Island, and Alabona Island. Langkai Island is the largest island in Lake Matano. This island is located in the southeastern part of the lake, and administratively it is part of Nuha District, East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi.
Tourist Activities in Lake Matano
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| Lake Matano, Sulawesi, Indonesia |
Tourists who visit Lake Matano can enjoy various interesting activities, including:
1. Swimming and Snorkeling
The clarity of Lake Matano's water makes swimming and snorkeling an extraordinary experience.
2. Diving
With a depth of 590 meters, this lake is an ideal place for divers who want to explore the beauty of the underwater world.
3. Fishing
This lake is also suitable for fishing activities, especially for those interested in catching endemic fish.
4. Boating
Going along the lake by boat is a fun way to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
5. Trekking and Hiking
The hilly environment around the lake offers challenging and enchanting trekking and hiking routes.
History of the Formation and Age of Lake Matano
Lake Matano was formed millions of years ago due to tectonic processes, namely the movement of the Earth's plates that caused fractures, forming a deep basin, which was later filled with water naturally. This lake is believed to have existed since the Pliocene era, which means its age could be between 1 - 4 million years. This long formation process has produced a lake with unique characteristics and extraordinary natural beauty.
Source and Outflow of Lake Matano Water
Lake Matano is one of the lakes included in the Malili Lake system, which consists of 3 large lakes and 2 small lakes, namely Lake Towuti, Lake Matano, Lake Wawantoa, Lake Mahalona, and Lake Masapi. Lake Matano originates from a spring located in Matano Village. The water source is very clear, and is used by residents to meet their daily water needs. Around the spring, a kind of wall is made, so that it becomes a 12x8 meter pool. Lake Matano water flows into Lake Towuti and Lake Mahalona via the Penten (Petea) River.
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| Lake Matano's water is turquoise |
Lake Matano on Sulawesi Island is one of Indonesia's natural wonders that is worth visiting. With its vast size, impressive depth, incredible water clarity, and beautiful surroundings, Lake Matano offers an unforgettable nature tourism experience. Coupled with its long history of formation, this lake is not only a tourist destination, but also a silent witness to the long journey of this earth. Various tourist activities that can be done here make a visit to Lake Matano even more enjoyable and memorable.
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