Visiting Lake Sentani and Lakeside Deck In Jayapura, Papua

Amidst the end of my trip, I got to know a new person in the city. I wished I knew her earlier because she has been to many places in Jayapura and around Papua. As someone who has been in this place for more than 2 years, she was excited showing me around and asking me if I have been checking out places in the city. Unfortunately, most of the time, I am busy and don’t really have the time to check out places around in Jayapura. This time, she was taking me to visit Lake Sentani and the Lakeside deck.

I used to think that Lake Sentani is very far from where I live but apparently, it was only 15 minutes to reach a part of the lake. The lake stretches for more than 10km and is home to many lakeside tribes in Papua. From the airport, it is even closer and less than 20 minutes drive. The best part off flying in and out of the region is the view of this lake and surrounding hills and mountain side from the lake.

The lake charm lies during sunset where it’s always the best hangout spot to catch beautiful sunset and glistening water around the lake. In this lake, it is definitely not advisable to swim but there are numerous activities that a visitor can do in this lake from fishing to boating around the lake.

If you see those wooden pillars, those are home to Tilapia fish. This fish has such distinct sweet taste to it compared to other region in the country. People around here boasts their fresh lake grown Tilapia. So, if you visit this lake, having Tilapia fish is a must, whether grilled or fried.

At the time, we hoped to catch sunset but unfortunately, the clouds were thick covering the place. So, despite waiting for quite some time, we didn’t get to catch sunset. But it was nice hanging around the lakeside deck which was also a part of the café called “Saanjh”.

While there is numerous viewing deck around the area, I would suggest trying out “Saanjh” as the taste of the food is quite decent compared to the others I have tried in the area. It also the best place to have lunch/dinner or brunch too.

I wished to have more time in this region. This place has grown on me and I feel "home". I guess when I could meet more people who look like me, that sense of home is a lot easier to actually find than if I were in another place. Since, I would be deployed in another place, I hope I could go back here again soon.