Papua is one province in Indonesia with many exciting attractions, such as Raja Ampat. The other exciting tourist attraction in Papua is Imfote Lake or Love Lake. The Imfote Lake or Love Lake is located in Ebungfau district, Jayapura regency, Papua.
Why is it called love lake?
People called this lake a love lake because of its unique form. The shape of this lake is like a heart sign or love sign. However, the local residents called it Imfote lake.
Actually, the shape of love from this lake is not visible when viewed below. So the tourist has to go up the hill to see the form of love from the lake clearly. Because of its shape, people often come to take pictures for pre-wedding.
In 2019, Lake Love received an award from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) as the 2nd most popular new destination in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the 1st place is Pule Payung, Yogyakarta, and the 3rd place in Riau.
How is the scenery?
On the way to Imfote Lake or Love Lake, you will pass winding roads. This long journey provides beautiful natural scenery. There is a blue view of Sentani Lake on the right side with sago trees on the banks. Meanwhile, on the left side, there is a dense forest of Abepura which looks beautiful.
After arriving at the stop to buy a car pass, the road began to change. The road that is passed is not paved, only a dirt road. However, from here, the beauty of Love Lake can be seen. Love Lake is surrounded by a vast and beautiful savanna.
How to go to Love Lake?
Love lake can be accessed by land and water transportation. If you want to go there by land route, you can use a motorcycle or a car from Genyem district ini Jayapura regency. You also can start from the Arso district in Keerom regency.
Moreover, if you want to use water transportation, you can use a boat or speedboat from Yahim port behind Sentani Airport to Kawai port in Putaly village. After that, you have to climb a hill or go by motorcycle or car along the roadway.
What are the facilities near Love Lake?
Love lake has some facilities for tourists, such as shelter and well-maintained toilets.
About 5 kilometers from Imfote Lake or Love Lake, another tourist attraction is called the Jaipuri River. This river is the only current that channels Lake Sentani water into the Tami River before being discharged into the sea.
In Jaipuri, there are also lodgings for tourists. It takes about an hour and a half from the river to reach the Love Lake on the weekends. At that time, most of the visitors were motorbike riders who filled the lakeside to take pictures.
The beauty of Love Lake beats the heat of the day. There are no huts or buildings around them apart from the tall wooden frame of the cross. The cross can be found along the road of the Hansambe, the last settlement, before reaching the barren hill near Imfote.
When is the most ideal time to go to Love lake?
Most tourists visit this lake on the weekend. If you want to explore the Love Lake, it is better when the day is bright or in the afternoon. Try not to come at night because the location around Imfote Lake or Love Lake is still quiet. The tourists will be charged an entrance ticket of Rp. 20,000.00 for those who ride motorbikes and Rp. 50,000.00 for those who drive cars.
That is all about Imfote Lake or Love Lake from West Papua Story. This famous lake in Papua can be a reference if you visit this province.
