Danau Tondano, Lake in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Danau Tondano is a lake in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, set at an elevation of 683 meters (2,241 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by green hills and mountains, and its water level has dropped over the years, from 40 meters (131 feet) deep in 1934 to 12 meters (39 feet) in 2010.

The lake formed long ago in a volcanic area and has been a source of water and food for local communities for generations. In recent decades, the falling water level has raised concerns and led to efforts to protect the lake and its surroundings.

Local people often come to the lake for fishing and to enjoy the cool air, and you might see small boats and families gathered by the shore. The area is also known for its traditional houses and the friendly pace of village life nearby.

The lake is easy to reach from Manado by car or motorbike, and the roads around it offer several spots to stop and take in the view. Mornings are usually clearer, so plan your visit early if you want to see the water and the hills without haze.

The lake is home to two species found nowhere else: a small fish called Tondanichthys kottelati and a tiny crustacean, Phyllodiaptomus sulawesensis. These creatures are part of what makes the lake special, and you might hear about them from local guides.