Laut Tawar Lake

Laut Tawar Lake is a large freshwater tectonic lake in the Gayo Highlands of Aceh Tengah Regency, Aceh, Indonesia, bordering Takengon town in Lut Tawar District. Situated at approximately 1,200 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Bukit Barisan mountain range, it covers about 5,472 hectares. The lake is notable for its cool highland climate, scenic mountain backdrop, endemic depik fish (Rasbora tawarensis), and central role in the livelihood and culture of the Gayo people.

Visitors can expect a large highland lake with calm freshwater, surrounded by hills and mountains with views of Takengon town along its shoreline. The area offers lakeside roads, viewpoints, fishing boats and small motorboats on the water, food stalls serving local fish dishes, and open areas for sightseeing and photography. The environment is cool and often misty in the morning, with agricultural land, villages, and hills visible around the lake perimeter.

The lake area is associated with long-standing settlement of the Gayo people in the highlands. Archaeological findings at the Mendale site on the lake's shore indicate prehistoric habitation dating back thousands of years, showing the lake has supported human communities for a long period.

The lake is central to the culture and livelihood of the Gayo people. It supports traditional fisheries, especially for the endemic depik fish, irrigates surrounding farmland, and is a focal point for local culinary traditions, folklore, and community activities in Aceh Tengah.