Two lakes in one view
From the Twin Lakes Panorama.
MichaelJLowe — CC BY-SA 2.5 · Naila Fathinah — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Naila Fathinah — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Firman Rusda — CC BY-SA 4.0
Two neighbouring volcanic lakes in the Alahan Panjang highlands at about 1,600 metres: the upper lake, Diatas, and the lower lake, Dibawah, a short distance apart and ringed by green mountains, tea estates and vegetable fields terraced up the slopes. The area's best-known spot is the Twin Lakes Panorama on the hill between them, where both lakes appear in a single, rare view, especially early in the morning when mist lies on the water. The air here is cool and fresh, unusual for tropical Sumatra, so bring a light jacket. Viewpoints charge small fees of about ten thousand rupiah, and on the upper lake's shore are boats and small cafés. Farming villages around the lakes sell fresh potatoes, cabbages and strawberries. The drive from Padang takes about two hours on mountain bends, so allow half a day or a day; it combines with Lake Singkarak on the way towards Bukittinggi.
From the Twin Lakes Panorama.
Fresh highlands in Sumatra.
And terraced vegetable fields.
Alahan Panjang, Solok regency, about 60 km east of Padang
The Twin Lakes Panorama on the hill between the lakes, where both appear together. Come early in the morning before cloud rolls in.