Merdada Lake

Exploring the Charm of Telaga Merdada: The Widest Lake on the Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau always holds endless wonders, and among its rows of craters and historical temples, lies a hidden gem named Telaga Merdada. Located in Karangtengah Village, Batur District, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, Telaga Merdada holds the title of the widest lake in the entire Dieng Plateau region. Spanning approximately 25 hectares, this place offers a harmony between the tranquility of the water, the grandeur of the hills, and the local wisdom of agriculture.

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Geological Characteristics and Natural Landscape

Unlike Telaga Warna, which has a high sulfur content causing its water to change color, Telaga Merdada is characterized by clear and calm waters. Geologically, this lake is a caldera from an ancient volcanic eruption that was later filled with rainwater. The main uniqueness of Telaga Merdada is its status as a "rain-fed lake." This lake has no natural springs or rivers flowing into it. The entire volume of water filling this giant basin comes purely from rainfall.

The landscape surrounding the lake is dominated by two large hills flanking it, namely Bukit Pangonan and Bukit Semurup. The terraced contours of the hillsides are utilized by local residents for potato and vegetable farming, creating aesthetic green striped patterns when viewed from above. The combination of the vast water surface with a backdrop of green hills creates a cool and magical atmosphere, especially when a thin mist begins to descend, enveloping the water's surface.

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Preserved Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Telaga Merdada is not just a tourist destination, but a vital ecosystem for the life around it. The lake's water is the lifeline for farmers in Karangtengah Village to irrigate their fields, especially during the dry season. In terms of biodiversity, this lake is a habitat for various freshwater fish species and wild birds that migrate or forage along the water's edge.

The vegetation surrounding the lake is a mix of endemic highland plants and agricultural commodities. In some corners, visitors can still find native Dieng shrubs that are home to insects and other small fauna. The existence of a relatively calm ecosystem without much industrial activity makes the air quality here very clean, providing pure oxygen infiltration for anyone who visits.

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Tourist Experience and Outdoor Activities

Tourists visiting Telaga Merdada will be treated to various activities that bring them closer to nature. One of the most iconic experiences is kayaking or boating. The management provides kayak rental facilities that allow visitors to paddle to the middle of the lake. Being in the middle of the calm water expanse with the reflection of the sky and hills on its surface provides an extraordinary sense of peace.

For photography enthusiasts, Telaga Merdada is a paradise. The viewpoint from the lake's edge offers symmetrical compositions between water and sky. Additionally, there is an area for camping around the lake's perimeter. Spending a night under the starry sky (milky way) and waking up to the reflection of the sunrise on the lake's surface is an unforgettable experience. Fishing is also often done by locals and tourists, adding to the relaxed and communal feel of the area.

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Best Time to Visit and Seasonal Variations

Knowing the best time to visit is crucial because Telaga Merdada's characteristics depend on rainfall.

• Rainy Season (October - April): This is when the lake is at its most magnificent. The water level will be full, covering the entire basin up to the green edges. The scenery will appear very lush and beautiful.
• Dry Season (May - September): At the peak of the dry season, the lake's water volume will significantly decrease. However, this phenomenon reveals another unique side; the dried lakebed on the edges is often planted with vegetables by farmers, offering a unique view of human adaptation to nature.

To get the best atmosphere, it is recommended to visit in the morning before 09:00 WIB. At this time, the water is usually as still as a mirror, and a thin mist often still hangs between Bukit Pangonan, creating a very poetic atmosphere.

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Conservation Efforts and Environmental Protection

As the main water source for local agriculture, the preservation of Telaga Merdada is a priority. The Banjarnegara Regency government, along with the local community, continuously strives to prevent rapid sedimentation due to erosion from agricultural land on the hills. Tourists are strictly prohibited from throwing trash into the lake or leaving plastic waste behind when camping. The use of motor engines on boats is also limited to prevent oil and noise pollution, in order to maintain the tranquility of the wild bird habitat around the lake.

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Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Telaga Merdada is located about a 15-20 minute drive from the bustling center of Dieng (Arjuna Temple area). The road access to the location is quite good and can be passed by two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. Although the road is winding, typical of the mountains, the view of potato fields along the way will make the journey feel short.

The facilities in this tourist area are continuously being improved, including:

• A spacious parking area.
• Small jetties for kayak and boat access.
• Pedestrian paths (boardwalks) at several points to facilitate tourists walking along the lake's edge without stepping on muddy ground.
• Well-maintained public toilets and prayer rooms.
• Small local stalls selling warm food such as mi ongklok and mendoan, perfect for enjoying in the cold Dieng air.

Telaga Merdada is a perfect representation of tranquil natural tourism, far from excessive commercialism. It offers a space for the soul to rest, while witnessing how nature and humans in the Banjarnegara highlands live harmoniously through the water that falls from the sky.