The Mountains of Arfak have natural potential that the local government keeps developing. One of them is the tourism potential which is widely known to the public, both domestic and abroad. The landscape of the green hills lined up, and two lakes are beautiful scenery to enjoy.
The two lakes in the Arfak mountains, Anggi Giji lake and Anggi Gida lake. You can see these lakes from the hills around them, such as Kombrey hills and Tombrok Hills.
This lake is also known as the twin lakes. They are being called twins because it is said that they have gender, like twins in pairs, although they are at different elevations. What is the history of these two lakes???
A Brief History of Lake Anggi Giji and Lake Anggi Gida
Based on the local folklore, these lakes are where two hunters died and then filled with water. The two hunters encountered the sacred snake and tried to kill it before the lightning struck them.
Being touted as a lake with gender, local people say that Anggi Giji is a male lake and Anggi Gida is a female lake. This is why the two lakes are said to be twin lakes.
The naming may be because Anggi Giji is like male genitalia. And Anggi Gida`s shape is like the shape of female genitalia. They have their characteristics but still harmonize as lakes in pairs.
Tour to Lake Anggi Giji
Anggi Giji is at about 1,800 meters above sea level. The water in this lake is jet black, the bottom is muddy, and the coast is brown sand.
The air is still naturally cool and fresh, with an air temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius. The atmosphere is calm because there are still few who visit this lake. It is suitable for those looking for peace and comfort after having hectic days in the city.
If you travel to this lake, you cannot swim in it. But you can rent canoes available on the side of the lake to the residents. Then go around the lake while enjoying the scenery by rowing a canoe.
Tour to Lake Anggi Gida
Lake Anggi Gida has a different height from Anggi Giji. The location is 1,750 meters above sea level. It has a different physical form from its twin. The water is clear, bluish in color, and has the shape of a sloping lip lake like a beach with a stretch of white sand on top. So beautiful like a woman.
If you travel to Anggi Gida, you can swim in it because the water is clear and not muddy. But if you just want to see the landscape, you can sit on the lakeshore while enjoying the cool air around it. This place is also beautiful as a photo spot. If you need self-healing, it’s good for you to travel to Anggi Gida.
Just like its twin, Anggi Gida also has a few visitors. Maybe because the position of the two lakes is remote and challenging to reach, they are 100 kilometers from Manokwari. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to arrive if you drive by car. You should use a vehicle with four-wheel drive (4WD).
Not many people travel to these twin lakes. The majority of visitors are locals. Therefore, the local government continues to promote this lake as one of the preferred tourist destinations in Indonesia, especially in West Papua.
