Lake Tondano is a famous tourist destination in North Sulawesi province. It is located 600 meters above sea level and covers an area of 4,278 hectares (or about 10,571 acres). This lake is situated in Remboken village, or some 3 kilometers from Tomohon city or some 30 km from Manado city.

This lake looks like a bird nest as it is surrounded by mountains of 700 meters high, namely Lembena, Kaweng, Tampusu and Masarang. This lake covers three sub-districts, namely Eris, Kakas and Remboken. By the lake side, you can see clearly Mount Kaweng.

Lake Tondano has a famous tourist object called "Sumaru Endo" Remboken, and Tourist Resort of Bukit Pinus (from Tondano toward Toliang Oki). From this lake side (Toliang Oki), you can see pass Lembean hill to see the beauty of Maluku Sea (on its east), particularly Tondano Pante area in Kombi sub-district, in Minahasa district. Entry fee to this tourist object is Rp 4.000 plus insurance and toilet service.

Getting There

It will take about one hour from Tomohon city to this tourist object through winding roads. To reach this destination, you may take your own car or a public transportation from Manado or Tomohon.

Getting Around

Visitors can travel around the lake by boat for only Rp 50.000 (about 5 US Dollar) but the boat usually waits till it has 10 passengers.

When you are in the middle of the lake, you can see a small island called Pulai Likri. Unfortunately, you cannot reach the island because the boat has its own route to follow. In addition, you can also see the local community fish for Nike fish using nets that look like a spoon with two bamboo sticks on both sides.

Several bamboo buildings stretching out into the lake are suitable for relaxing while enjoying the lake water.

To Do

Local government of North Sulawesi province delegated the authority to manage this tourist destination to private sectors in 2003. At present, this object is called Sumaru Endo and has various facilities such as bungalows, swimming pools and restaurants. In addition, you can also find car rental services, rental swimming equipment and boats to take you around the lake. Hiking near the lake is also fun as it has cool weather.

To Eat

Local inhabitants usually sell their small Nike fish to make fish balls, waku-waku bolanga, or grilled fish. You can enjoy Nike dishes in restaurants or food stalls around the lake.