Lake Maninjau in West Sumatra combines captivating natural charm with rich history and legend, making it an unmissable tourist destination.
West Sumatra is known for its various tourist destinations that not only offer extraordinary natural views, but also deep stories and legends. One of these tourist attractions is Lake Maninjau, which is located in Agam Regency.
Behind its beauty, this lake holds a legendary story about love, betrayal, and sacrifice. The extraordinary natural beauty combined with the fascinating history makes Lake Maninjau one of the main tourist destinations in West Sumatra.
The Charm of the Beauty of Lake Maninjau
Lake Maninjau offers an extraordinarily beautiful view. The clear blue water of the lake with a backdrop of green mountains and hills creates a calming atmosphere.
Around the lake, shady trees grow abundantly, creating cool shadows that add serenity to visitors. Located in the highlands, the atmosphere at Lake Maninjau feels cool and refreshing, making anyone who visits feel relaxed.
Many tourists come just to sit by the lake and enjoy the beauty of the calm water, while the gentle breeze caresses their faces. The view of the sunset over the lake is also one of the most beautiful moments that should not be missed.
Legend of Bujang Sembilan: The Story Behind Lake Maninjau
Apart from its natural beauty, Lake Maninjau is also famous for the Legend of Bujang Sembilan. This story begins with ten siblings, consisting of nine boys and one girl.
The younger sister fell in love with a village youth named Sigiran. However, her nine brothers opposed the relationship and spread slander which angered the villagers.
To prove their love, Sigiran and the girl decided to throw themselves into the crater of Mount Sitinjau, believing that if they were innocent, no disaster would occur.
However, after they threw themselves, Mount Sitinjau erupted, creating Lake Maninjau. Legend has it that the nine evil brothers turned into fish and now inhabit the lake.
This story has become part of the cultural heritage of the local community and adds its own appeal to tourists who want to know more about the history of Lake Maninjau.
Muko-Muko Park: Instagrammable Spot on the Edge of the Lake
One of the most popular areas among tourists is Muko-Muko Park, a beautiful park located near the Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) around Lake Maninjau. The park is filled with green grass and colorful ornamental plants.
On the edge of the lake, there are short steps with the words “Taman Muko-Muko” which are a favorite photo spot for tourists.
The beauty of this park is very suitable to be used as a photo background, especially in the morning or evening when the sunlight adds to the charm of the surrounding nature.
Nine Nagari: Traditional Villages Around the Lake
Around Lake Maninjau, there are nine traditional villages known as Sembilan Nagari. Each village offers its own uniqueness and charm. One of the most interesting is the Malintang City Tourism Village, which is famous as the largest durian producer in the area.
Here, visitors can witness the Balanggae tradition, where residents who do not have durian trees are only allowed to pick durian at 4-6 am.
Durian from Malintang City is one of the best in West Sumatra, and tasting the fruit is a must-do experience when visiting Lake Maninjau.
Buya Hamka Museum: Remembering the Great Figure of Minangkabau
Not far from Lake Maninjau, there is the Buya Hamka Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the great Minangkabau figure, Buya Hamka. Buya Hamka was a cleric, writer, and philosopher whose works are still remembered today.
This museum displays various personal collections of Buya Hamka, including books and historical items that he once owned. Visiting this museum provides an opportunity to trace the life journey of an inspiring figure who was very influential in the Malay world.
Access to Lake Maninjau
Lake Maninjau is located in Tanjung Raya District, Agam Regency, about 140 km from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra. The lake is located at an altitude of 461.5 meters above sea level, with an area of 99.5 km².
If departing from Bukittinggi, the journey to Lake Maninjau will pass through the Kelok 44 route, a route famous for its sharp bends.
The journey from Bukittinggi takes about two hours, while from Padang, tourists can take the Pariaman coastal route with a travel time of about 3.5 hours.
Interesting Activities at Lake Maninjau
Lake Maninjau not only offers beautiful views, but also various interesting activities that can be done:
- Fishing : Lake Maninjau is famous as a place for fish farming with Floating Net Cages (KJA). Visitors can fish for Tilapia and Carp which are abundantly found in this lake.
- Enjoying Tapian Panyinggahan : This spot is on the edge of the lake, perfect for relaxing in the gazebo while enjoying the calm ripples of the lake water.
- Visiting the Buya Hamka Museum : Explore the life and work of Buya Hamka at the museum located around the lake.
- Playing at Linggai Park : A family park that offers children’s play facilities, flower gardens, and interesting photo areas.
Culinary Tourism Around the Lake
Around Lake Maninjau, there are many food stalls offering local culinary specialties. One of the famous ones is the Rinuak fish, a small fish caught directly from the lake and served with typical Minang spices. Don’t miss the chance to taste this delicious dish during your visit to Lake Maninjau.
Lake Maninjau and Harau Valley are the perfect tourist destinations for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature while feeling peace and tranquility.
The combination of beautiful scenery, interesting legends, and exciting activities make Lake Maninjau one of the best tourist attractions in West Sumatra.
Together with the stunning cliffs and lush greenery of Harau Valley, these destinations offer a memorable experience in West Sumatra.
