Paisu Pok Lake, located in Banggai, Indonesia, is a stunning blue lake that has recently gained popularity on social media. This travel guide will provide information on how to reach the lake and what to expect during your visit.
To reach Paisu Pok Lake, you will first need to travel to Luwuk. Direct flights to Luwuk airport (LUW) are available from Makassar and Manado. If you are coming from Bali, Jakarta, or elsewhere in Indonesia, you may need to transit in Makassar or Manado before reaching Luwuk. You can search for flights on Skyscanner. Once you arrive in Luwuk, you can take a public ferry from Luwuk People’s Port to Peleng Island. The ferry departs daily at 2 PM and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. However, it is common for the ferry to depart an hour late. Tickets can be purchased on the spot for 54k Rupiah (~$3 USD) per person. The ferry can accommodate around 50 to 100 passengers and offers bunks and benches for seating. If you prefer more privacy, you can rent a small room for two people with bunk beds and a fan for an additional 50k Rupiah per room. Alternatively, you can arrange a speedboat to take you directly to Peleng Island, which offers a quicker journey of 1 hour from Luwuk. This option may be more expensive, but it can be cost-effective if you are traveling with a group of friends.
Once you reach Peleng Island, you can travel to Paisu Pok Lake. The ferry will bring you to Leme-Leme port, which is approximately 23 kilometers away from the lake. From there, you can rent a scooter from Novpitri Homestay near the harbor or hire a private driver with a car. Google Maps estimates the drive to be 40 minutes, but it may take closer to 1 hour on a scooter due to road conditions. The road is relatively empty, making it easy to navigate to the lake. It is recommended to download an offline map for navigation. After visiting Paisu Pok Lake, you can return to Luwuk by ferry from Leme Leme, which departs at 8 AM daily. Alternatively, you can continue exploring the Banggai islands by heading east to Salakan.
Paisu Pok Lake offers beautiful scenery and various activities. The lake can be explored by renting a small boat, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. Swimming and snorkeling are also popular activities in the lake. The water temperature can be cold in the morning but becomes more pleasant by midday, providing a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity of Sulawesi. The lake’s interior features fallen logs and rocks, adding to its charm. The water color changes with the lighting, displaying a greenish turquoise tint under full sunlight. The lake is incredibly clear, allowing visibility to the lake’s bottom, which is around 10 to 20 meters deep in some areas. The locals refer to the lake as ‘Paisu Pok,’ meaning ‘black water’ or ‘dark water.’ Similar lakes in Indonesia include Labuan Cermin blue lake in Kalimantan and Danau Kaco lake in Sumatra.
Conservation of Paisu Pok Lake is essential to preserve its natural beauty. As the lake gains popularity, there is a risk of overdevelopment. It is important to encourage locals to protect the lake and maintain its natural surroundings. Showing gratitude and politely expressing the importance of conservation can help raise awareness. The lake’s jungle surroundings contribute to its beauty, and it would be unfortunate if it were converted into a tourist attraction with excessive constructions. The lake’s entrance fee is 5k IDR, and additional fees apply for canoe rental and overnight camping.
Facilities at the lake include a small shop where you can purchase food and drinks, as well as a toilet and changing room. Accommodation options near the lake include basic homestays in Luk Panenteng village, where you can walk to the lake and swim daily. Novpitri Homestay in Leme Leme is another option, albeit farther away. For more developed and comfortable accommodations, you can stay in Salakan, although it is a 3-hour drive from the lake. English proficiency among locals in this area is limited, but they are friendly and helpful. It may be useful to have a translator app to facilitate communication. While mosquitoes are not prevalent at the lake, wearing repellent is still advised. There are no crocodiles in the lake, and it is not connected to the ocean. Cell service from Telkomsel is available at the lake and Leme Leme, allowing for internet connectivity and text messaging. Nearby attractions include Pantai Poganda, a white sand beach, and Paisu Batango, a turquoise lagoon, both of which can be easily visited in conjunction with the lake.
Paisu Pok Lake is undoubtedly worth a visit, as it lives up to its hype on social media. However, it is recommended to allocate a few days to explore Banggai as there are many other attractions in the area. The lake’s mesmerizing beauty is a testament to the natural wonders of Indonesia.
