Danau Paniai or originally known with the name Wissel Lake is located in East Paniai District, Papua. This is one of the famous lakes in Papua which has stunning and exotic panoramas. Even in India’s World Lake Conference (WLC) on November 30, 2007, the beauty of Paniai lake was recognized by 157 countries in the conference.
Paniai is located close to the other two lakes, Tigi and Tage. At first, these three lakes were called Wisselmeren. They are named after Frits Julius Wissel, a pilot from the Netherlands who first spotted the lakes in 1938. He flew across the mountains on the Island of Irian and found three lakes that had such amazing views.
Later, these three lakes got each names and one of the largest is Paniai. The lakes which reaches 14.500 hectares provides enough spaces for the tourists enjoying the recreation. The lake is surrounded by high cliffs, rocks and sand on the shore give more attraction to this destination.
Another thing that makes it more attractive is that Paniai lake is located in highland, 1.700 above the sea level. For travelers who interested in exploring unspoiled locations, this lake can be a great choice to be able to enjoy the beauty of nature more closely.
Paniai Lake Attraction
Can you imagine how the lake looks like to as many 157 countries which then recognize it as the most beautiful lake? Perhaps, you will keep asking before you finally come to prove yourself the beauty of the lake. This lake is one of the lakes in Papua Province which is worth visiting.
At the first sight, you will spot the blue water sparkling in collaboration with sunlight, a view that is rarely found in a city. Its underwater life also becomes an attraction which may lead the tourists to visit. Here are some activities and things you can do in the most beautiful lake in eastern part of Indonesia.
Paniai Biodiversity
Besides its exotic panorama, paniai lake is a home for various living creatures especially freshwater fishes. Through the clear water, you will be able to see the fishes and other creatures living in the lake. If you are lucky, you will find an endemic fauna of the lake, Selingkuh shrimp or cherax albertisii.
The thing that makes selingkuh shrimp special is its big claws that look like crab’s claws. This shrimp is always on the most wanted menu for most tourists who visit Wamena, especially Paniai. Well, this lake becomes the largest freshwater fish-producing lake in Papua.
There are various kinds of freshwater fish living in the lake and mostly consumable fishes. They are Paniai gudgeon, nile tilapia, tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, crabs, parastacidae crayfish and many others. In addition, there are also rainbow fishes living in the lake which become the most wanted fish. They have high economic values that can be sold as decorative fish. This lake is truly a source of life and prosperity for the surrounding population.
Sunset Watching
Danau Paniai can be a great spot to end the day by watching stunning sunset views. The tourists will be able to feel the fresh air and enjoy the calming nuance of the lake in the morning and afternoon. Lake’s blue water surrounded by green mountains gives exotic view to spend the day. This exotic view will be closed with such an attractive sunset which will be unforgettable. For tourists who are interested in photography, the view of sunset will be a great picture to keep.
Enjoy Fishing
Do you like fishing? Paniai lake has some facilities that can be tried. There are guard posts and tour guides provided by the manager of the lake. The visitors are allowed to rent boats and explore the lake further using the boats. Besides, the visitors are also allowed to do fishing in the lake since it has various kinds of consumable fishes such as golden fishes.
Bobaigo Hills
Bobaigo Hills is still in the Paniai lake area. Paniai natural tourism spot is a popular location to enjoy the landscape of the lake. Most tourists who visit the lake prefer to climb the rock hills surrounding. On the east side of this tectonic lake is Bibago hills. This hill is positioned somewhat jutting into the lake. Well, in the middle of the lake, there is an island named Mayageiya.
So, it can be said that Paniai lake is surrounded by a number of mountains and hills. So, where does the water of the lake come from? The water source of this lake comes from a number of rivers such as The Weya river, Agagide, Ekadide, Koto river and many other small rivers near to the lake.
Mee and Moni Tribes
Like most other locations in Papua, there are indigenous Papuan tribes that live around the lake. They are Mee (also known as Ekagi) and Moni tribes. Their existence with all their distinctive traditions is certainly a complement as well as a decoration of natural life around the lake. Of course, their existence will give more attraction to the lake and give more chances for tourists to be closer to their life.
How to get to Paniai Lake
For tourists who want to visit this exotic lake, the trip can start from Enarotali City. It is the capital of Paniai Regency. Well, there are actually two available routes to reach the lake. The first choice is a road trip by renting a vehicle. The route for this road trip is a little bit challenging with steep and winding road terrain. The second choice is to take the air route by boarding AMA and AMAF aircraft.
They are Cessna aircraft that usually land in highland areas which are suitable to fly to the lake. Most routes to get to tourism spots in Papua are still steep. However, this is no longer a problem considering that currently there are some facilities that are good enough to be able to reach these locations. Such a trip will be more fun and become an unforgettable moment in life. Are you interested in visiting Danau Paniai and exploring its exotic landscape?
