Compared to Manado, the city of Tondano in North Sulawesi is not that well known. However, this small town cannot be underestimated because it also has natural beauty that can amaze everyone’s eyes. One of the recommended destinations to visit while in this city is Sumaru Endo Minahasa which is on the shores of Lake Tondano.
So, Sumaru Endo is a natural tourist attraction combined with resort type accommodation, and is most suitable as a recreation destination for families or newlywed couples.
Lake Tondano itself is one of the popular tourist attractions in Minahasa Regency with stunning natural panoramas. This natural beauty ultimately invites many tourists to come, not only from within the country but also foreign tourists.
The Attraction of Sumaru Endo Minahasa
Sumaru Endo stands on 2 hectares of land and is managed directly by the North Sulawesi Provincial Government. Here are a number of attractions that make it visited by many tourists from various cities and countries:
✦ Cold weather
This place is located at an altitude of around 1,000 meters above sea level, which makes the air around the location cool and fresh. The atmosphere is also calm and suitable as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
✦ Spacious Parking
After passing through the main entrance, tourists will immediately see a large parking area on the left. Cars and large buses are guaranteed to fit here, so you don’t need to be confused about where to park your vehicle.
✦ Beautiful Natural Panorama
One of the views you will see while at the Sumaru Endo Resort is Lake Tondano, which stretches for 48 km and offers beautiful natural views.
When viewed from a distance, this natural lake appears to be flanked by several mountains, namely Mount Lembana, Mount Kaweng, and Mount Masaran. There is also a view of Tampusu Hill which looks lush.
Address and Route to Tourist Locations
Sumaru Endo Minahasa is located in a village called Leleko, which is in Remboken District, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. If you come from Manado City, the distance is around 45 km. Meanwhile, from Roong Tondano, the distance is around 12 meters.
The exact location is on the shore of Lake Tondano, so you can immediately type the name of this lake to find the route on Google Maps. For tourists who come from outside the island and get off at Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Lake Tondano is around 65 km away.
It won’t be difficult to find this family tourist attraction because road access to the location is easy, and there are road signs. Small vehicles such as motorbikes or four-wheeled vehicles such as tourist buses can pass along this smooth road.
Tourist Attraction Entrance Ticket Prices
You don’t have to stay overnight, tourists are also allowed to come and see the view on the lake. The entry ticket price is calculated per vehicle, namely IDR 5,000 for a car, IDR 10,000 for a tourist bus, and only IDR 3,000 for a motorbike.
Interesting Activities to Do
Here are some interesting things that tourists can do when they arrive at the Sumaru Endo Minahasa Resort:
1. Enjoy the views and photos
When you come to a natural tourist attraction like Sumaru Endo, of course enjoying the natural scenery will be the first activity you must do. Its beauty will relax your mind, and the cool air around you will make your body fresh again.
Tourists can immortalize this beauty in the form of photos or videos. There are many interesting spots, such as on the edge of the lake with a mountainous background.
2. Souvenir hunting in Sumaru Endo
Apart from digital form and photos, the beauty of Lake Tondano can also be taken home in the form of souvenirs, which can be given to those closest to you such as friends or other family members in Sumaru Endo. Tourists can find a row of stalls in the parking area after the entrance, selling various typical North Sulawesi knick-knacks.
3. Lunch in the Wilderness
If you are satisfied with walking around, tourists can relax while filling their stomachs with lunch or evening meal. Tourists who stay overnight are guaranteed not to go hungry because there are rows of food stalls in the Sumaru Endo area.
These stalls are close to the souvenir stalls, namely around the parking area. There are various types of packaged drinks, heavy meals and snacks. Tourists can eat on the spot and can also ask for wraps to eat by the lake or other beautiful spots.
4. Swimming
Sumaru Endo Minahasa has a fairly large swimming pool of around 14×12 meters, which can be used by resort guests staying overnight or not. But especially for visitors who do not stay overnight, they will be charged if they want to swim.
This swimming pool is outdoor so tourists can play in the water or swim while enjoying natural views, such as mountain ranges. The edge of the swimming pool is also decorated with fresh green plants which makes the atmosphere even more beautiful.
Unfortunately, there are not many facilities available in the pool area, such as sun loungers or chairs. The swimming pool is located in the center of the resort and directly opposite a row of rooms. However, there are water slides that can be used by visitors of all ages, from children to adults.
5. Soak in warm water
Not far from the first swimming pool with cold water, there is another swimming pool with warm water which is suitable as a place to soak. According to information from the management of Sumaru Endo Minahasa, this warm water comes from nature and does not smell of sulfur. On the contrary, there is an earthy aroma from this warm water.
Tourists can soak to relax tense muscles while enjoying the view. If you want to be more private, for example soaking alone or just with your family, the resort also provides 7 warm water soaking rooms.
6. Enjoy the sunrise
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise, tourists can choose a room facing east. The name of this resort itself is Sumaru Endo Remboken Minahasa. The word “Rembokan” apparently comes from the Minang language which means “Facing the Rising Sun”. It’s not surprising that this resort’s logo has a picture of the sun.
7. Seeing Fish
For tourists who love fish, don’t miss seeing the fish farming area on the west side of the resort building. If you are interested in taking it home, tourists can buy it from the guard.
These large fish appear to be placed in cages. There are a large number of cages, because Lake Tondano is known as one of the largest suppliers of freshwater fish in Minahasa and Manado Regencies.
8. Sit Relaxing in the Park
Another interesting activity that can be done here is taking shelter under the gazebo in the garden area. There are many tall and shady trees in this park, and with green grass as a base, so the feel is very beautiful.
Apart from the gazebo, there are also wooden benches placed far apart. The location of the park is on the left side of the resort building and on the edge of the lake. So from the park you can also see a beautiful view of the lake.
Available Tourist Facilities
The facilities are very complete for tourists staying at the resort, namely comfortable rooms complete with private bathrooms and free access to the swimming pool area. Meanwhile, tourists who do not stay overnight can enjoy facilities in the form of parking lots, souvenir stalls, food stalls, gardens, fish ponds and public toilets.
Sumaru Endo Minahasa is a suitable tourist choice for families with or without children. The facilities are quite adequate and the view of the lake is very beautiful. If walking around all day isn’t enough, you can immediately book a room at the resort.
