Did you know that the deepest lake in Indonesia is not Lake Toba, but Lake Matano in South Sulawesi?
Indonesia is blessed with extraordinary natural beauty ranging from beaches, mountains, hills, waterfalls, to lakes. The natural beauty spread from Sabang to Merauke has its own charm that always attracts local and foreign tourists.
Of the many popular Indonesian tourist destinations in the eyes of the world, Lake Toba is considered by most people to be the deepest lake in Indonesia. In fact, the deepest lake in Indonesia is not Lake Toba, but Lake Matano in South Sulawesi.
Lake Matano also has several other facts that many people may not know. Here are facts about Lake Matano in South Sulawesi that can amaze you!
Lake Matano is located in Matano Village, East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi. This lake is one of five lakes in the “Malili Lake Complex”, namely: Matano, Mahalona, Towuti, Masapi and Wawantoa. Below is a list of interesting facts about Lake Matano:
1. The Deepest Lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia
Of the 10 deepest lakes in Southeast Asia, Lake Matano is in first place with a depth of 590 meters. Meanwhile, the second deepest lake is Toba in Medan, North Sumatra with a depth of 505 meters. Then, the third is Lake Poso with a depth of 450 meters. Meanwhile, in the list of the deepest lakes in the world, Lake Matano is ranked 9th.
2. The Bottom of the Lake is Clearly Visible
Although its depth reaches 590 meters, we can see the bottom of Lake Matano to a depth of 20 meters. This is because the water is very clean, clear, and calm.
3. Matano Lake is Very Wide
Lake Matano is a tectonic lake with a length of 28 kilometers and a width of 8 kilometers in South Sulawesi, precisely located at the eastern tip of South Sulawesi province, bordering Central Sulawesi. The total area of Lake Matano is up to 16,000 hectares.
4. Lake Matano Has a Deep Meaning
The name of this lake is taken from the term ‘matano’ which in the local language means ‘spring’. The location of the source spring has been built into a pool measuring 8 x 12 meters. At the bottom of the pool of the spring, water bubbles appear incessantly so that it looks like life is born from the bowels of the earth.
5. The Formation of Lake Matano
Lake Matano is a type of ancient tectonic lake formed from the activity of the movement of the earth’s crustal plates in the past, namely the end of the Pliocene period. Pliocene is a period in the geological time scale that lasted from 5.332 to 1.806 million years ago. It is estimated that Lake Matano is millions of years old with an estimated emergence of around 1-4 million years ago.
6. Contains Historical Relics
In various studies conducted, various archaeological traces were found in the Lake Matano area. In 2016, the National Archaeological Research Center conducted underwater research in Lake Matano by diving. The research team found archaeological traces in the form of hundreds of pottery, flakes, metal artifacts such as spears, machetes, daggers, and also funnel axes.
7. Home to Unique and Exotic Fauna
Lake Matano is also home to a number of exotic fauna. Some of the fauna are rare animals that only exist in Lake Matano, namely the Butini fish (Glossogobius matanensis). This fish is nicknamed as an ancient fish because its shape resembles an ancient animal with a brownish color. In addition to the Butini fish, other fauna that we can find are the Bungka crab (Paratelphusa), and freshwater snails (Brotia).
8. There is a Goa Tengkorak Near the Lake
Goa Tengkorak ( Skull Cave) can be said to be unique because it is located on the edge of Lake Matano, some of which are cliffs of stone boards. In addition, there are also historical relics found in this skull cave. Hundreds of years ago before religion entered the area, someone who died, his body would be placed in a cave. Historical relics such as spears, jewelry, and household equipment were also found in these caves.
Tourist Activities at Lake Matano
Lake Matano has been equipped with various tourist facilities and activities that can be enjoyed:
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Enjoy the Beauty of the Lake’s Natural Panorama
Looking from a height, tourists will see Lake Matano like a natural aquarium. The edge of the lake is always swept by waves, making the sand sway gently. The sand is clearly visible at a depth of 20 meters because sunlight refracts into the water. Its well-maintained condition makes the vast lake water look bluish. Tourists can feel the coolness and freshness because around the lake stretches a row of mountains.
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Go Around Matano with a Small Motorboat
Ide Beach is one of the entrances to go around Matano. At this pier, you can rent a small motorboat or ‘ketinting’ with a capacity of 10 people or more to go around Matano for two hours. The cost includes the driver and fuel. While walking around the lake, you will see the view of the green Verbeek mountains, various trees with roots hanging down to the bottom of the lake, and endemic Matano birds flying low above the lake.
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Visit the Goa Tengkorak
To get to the Goa Tengkorak (Skull Cave), visitors must rent a boat (yacht). In addition, visitors must also have swimming skills, because when the water is rising, the cave entrance is covered by the water surface. Travelers who have the guts usually swim and dive to get through the entrance.
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Swimming or Snorkeling
One of the safest locations for swimming or snorkeling is on Pulau Kucing (Cat Island) and Pulau Mangga (Mangga Island). In that place the water depth is shallower, which is around six meters. This island has rocky edges covered in slippery moss. You must wear a life jacket or adequate diving equipment and be accompanied by a local guide. At a depth of over 100 meters, the temperature of Lake Matano is different, and the oxygen content of the water is low.
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Foot Stepping on the Island in the Middle of the Lake
In the middle of the lake, there are a number of islands that can be visited. On the southeast side or in the Otuno and Soluro areas, there are Nuha Langkai and Nuha Le Islands. While in the northwest of the lake, tourists can find Cat Island. To access these islands, tourists can rent a motorboat from the Matano Yacht Club. The travel time to reach the location is around 40 minutes. On these islands, tourists can enjoy fruit and see various types of fish species.
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See the Ancient Buttini Fish
Butini fish are endemic fauna in Lake Matano which are believed by the local community to be like ancient animals. Brown in color and can reach the thigh of an adult, the habitat of this fish is at the bottom of the lake. Buttini fish are the most popular fish among the coastal residents of Lake Matano because their meat is delicious to eat. Most of the local people depend on their lives as fishermen fishing for buttini fish.
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Enjoy Lake Matano Festival
Lake Matano Festival is an event that introduces the richness of tourism and culture in East Luwu. The event was filled with a number of cultural performances, such as a colossal dance of 14 tribal children, bamboo music performances, traditional culinary offerings, traditional game competitions, katingting competitions, dragon boat rowing competitions, lohan fishing competitions, and predator fish catching competitions. This annual festival also held the election of the Prince and Princess of Lake Matano.
Matano Lake Entrance Ticket Price
Tourists are not charged a fee to enter the Matano Lake tourist area. For boat rentals, tourists are charged a relatively cheap rate. The owner usually only asks for compensation for the purchase of diesel fuel.
*Opening Hours
Every Day 24 Hours
Location of Matano Lake
Located in East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, precisely at the eastern tip of the province and bordering Central Sulawesi, Matano Lake is located about 50 km from the city of Malili, the capital of the district.
How to Get to Matano Lake
- From Makassar City Center
From Makassar city center, you can travel for 12 hours using the Makassar-Sorowako bus. The cost required is around IDR 150,000 – 250,000 per person.
- From the Airport
From Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar, take a bus or travel to Palopo City (about 6-7 hours). From Palopo, continue the journey by bus or travel to Malili City (about 2-3 hours). After arriving in Malili, take a motorcycle taxi or rental car to continue the journey to this lake (about 1 hour drive).
That’s a glimpse of Lake Matano which is the deepest lake in Southeast Asia, as well as all the unique ecosystem there. Lake Matano can be one of the main destinations for those of you who want to vacation in Sulawesi and its surroundings.
