Danau Segara Anak Lake of Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the countries that has the most volcanoes, Danau Segara Anak is a volcanic lake formed in the caldera of Mount Rinjani on over 2,000 meters above sea level. The lake spans across an area of 11 square kilometers, and reaches depths up to 230 meters.
Danau Segara Anak is located on the west side of Mount Rinjani in the village of Lawang Sembalun in Lombok, East Indonesia.
The mystifyingly blue color of the lake gives Segara Anak means “child of the sea” and refers to the blue lake’s resemblance to the sea
Despite its high altitudes, taking a dip in the lake is not as cold as one might imagine. 2,010 meters above sea level, the surface water of the lake is unusually warm for such heights, at about 20-22 degrees Celsius, well above the mountain’s “room temperature,” which is about 14-15 degrees Celsius.
Volcanic Lake
Segara Anak is also classified as a volcanic lake. The volcanic activity from Gunung Baru Jari such as hydrothermal activity and larval during the eruption affects the waters of Segara Anak. Six eruptions have been recorded on Mount Baru Jari in 1994,1995,1996, 2009 and 2015. The eruption’s effects physical and chemical factors of water such as an increase in the water temperature, decreasing in pH to become more acidic, and some changes in chemical compounds such as iron, calcium and silicon.
In 1969, volcanologists from the Directorate of Geology, London examined the lake and recommended the cultivation of fish. At that time, there were no fish in Segara Anak. In 1985, the Nusa Tenggara Barat provincial government finally began breeding fish in the lake. The fish bred rapidly and the lake is now home to millions of tilapia and carp, making Segara Anak not only a popular spot for fishing, but some locals of the area even make a living from this.
Lake also maintains excellent circulation, and is therefore not harmful to life
In the 1980’s, the areas surrounding Segara Anak pulsated with wildlife. Grouse, hornbill, and barking deer thrived around the lake. Several species of monkey could be found in the forests, including the rare black ebony leaf monkey, and the black crested macaque, indigenous to Indonesia.
Geochemical and Thermodynamic Study
In, researchers of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation as well as Universite Libre de Bruxells conducted a geochemical and thermodynamic study on Segara Anak. The tests showed several leaks in the volcanic system of Gunung Baru; the cone in the center of the lake. These leaks from the magma chamber seep a large supply of hot water into Segara Anak, indicating a direct relationship between volcanic activity and the lake’s high temperature. The geochemical composition of the hot water showed a number of elements such as chloride, sodium, potassium, and sulphate. Although rich in elements, rainwater that enters the lake assists in thinning its chemical content.
Lovely Tourism Spot
Aside from its beauty, Segara Anak Lake is famous for other facts including its history. For the locals (Sasak Tribe), the lake has become the part of their culture due to its spiritual essence. No wonder, some of them are often seen on the location to perform a traditional ritual. The next important fact is that the lake owns a myth regarding visitors’ point of view. It is said those who think it is a vast lake would get blessed by a long life and vice versa.
For tourists the first interesting activity to try is definitely fishing. Everyone can enjoy it as long as they do not spoil the environment. Moreover, the fishes are abundant and tourists are allowed to bring the fishes they have caught!
The next charm of Segara Anak Lake is the formation of caves residing near to the site. These include Manik, Payung, and Susu Cave. However, it takes some time to get around the lake as it has the size of approximately 1,100 hectares. As for the depth, it is about 230 meters! For tourists it is suggested to make sure to come to the lake before noon. Otherwise, the temperature becomes too hot and uncomfortable.
Nearby Attractions are:
- Manik Cave
- Payung Cave
- Susu Cave
- Rinjani Garden
- Pusuk Sembalun Park
- Mangku Sakti Waterfall
- Tiu Kelep Waterfall
- Telaga Mountain
