Lake Laut Tawar, Tectonic lake in Central Aceh, Indonesia.

Lake Laut Tawar is a freshwater lake set in the highlands of Central Aceh, Indonesia, at around 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. It sits in a basin ringed by forested hills, close to the town of Takengon, and reaches depths of around 80 meters (260 feet) in its deepest parts.

Lake Laut Tawar lies in the Peusangan basin of the Gayo highlands, and the Peusangan River drains it as its outflow channel. The basin's isolation let a distinct fauna develop, including the endemic fish Rasbora tawarensis, known locally as depik. Surveys have recorded 37 fish species, 49 insect species and 20 mammal species around the lake, among them binturong, slow loris, pangolin, siamang and tiger.

The Gayo people, who have lived around these shores for generations, consider the lake central to their daily life and identity. Local markets near Takengon often sell Depik, the small endemic fish, dried or freshly caught, giving visitors a direct sense of how the water shapes everyday habits here.

The lake is easiest to reach via Takengon, the nearest town, which has accommodation and basic supplies. The road that runs along the shoreline allows for a straightforward tour by motorbike or car, and mornings tend to offer clearer conditions than afternoons.

The name Laut Tawar literally means "freshwater sea", not salt lake. The lake holds 37 recorded fish species, among them the endemic depik (Rasbora tawarensis), which is threatened with extinction. Locals say depik hide at the foot of Bur ni Telege before rain comes and emerge when the rainy season arrives; the fish feeds on Hydrilla algae, so its flesh has no muddy smell.