Paca Lake

Exploring the Serenity of Paca Lake: A Green Gem in the Heart of North Halmahera

North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, may have been more known for its beautiful tropical beaches and small island clusters. However, far beyond the dense rainforests at the foot of Mount Dukono, lies an oasis of tranquility named Paca Lake. This natural tourist destination offers a blend of rich biodiversity, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and well-preserved local wisdom.

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Charm of Morphology and Freshwater Ecosystem

Paca Lake is administratively located in Paca Village, South Tobelo District. This lake is not just an ordinary body of water; it is a volcanic lake formed from past geological activity. Surrounded by green hills that are part of the Halmahera mountain range, the water of Paca Lake has a clear emerald green color, reflecting the dense vegetation that surrounds it.

The uniqueness of Paca Lake's ecosystem lies in its pristine location. The forests surrounding the lake are lowland tropical rainforests, home to various endemic flora of Maluku. Here, visitors can find giant Kenari trees (Canarium indicum) and various types of wild forest orchids growing on the trunks of old trees. The water surface is often calm without ripples, creating a perfect mirror effect that reflects the blue sky and surrounding trees.

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Biodiversity: A Haven for Birdwatchers

One of Paca Lake's main selling points is its biodiversity, especially its avifauna or endemic birds. This area is an important habitat for the Halmahera Bird-of-Paradise (Semioptera wallacii), the pride of North Maluku's birds-of-paradise, discovered by Alfred Russel Wallace. In the quiet morning, the chirping of these birds becomes natural music accompanying visitors.

Besides the Halmahera Bird-of-Paradise, the lake area is also a feeding ground for various water birds and raptors like the White-bellied Sea Eagle. Within its waters, Paca Lake is home to local freshwater fish such as tilapia and mujair, which are sustainably managed by the local village community. The existence of this balanced ecosystem indicates that the food chain in Paca Lake is still functioning very well.

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Tourist Experience and Outdoor Activities

Paca Lake offers various activities designed to bring humans closer to nature without harming it. Here are some unique experiences that can be enjoyed:

1. Cruising the Lake by Bamboo Raft: Unlike tourist destinations using noisy motorboats, at Paca Lake, visitors are invited to cruise the lake using traditional bamboo rafts or wooden paddle boats. This is done to maintain the tranquility of the animal habitat and prevent fuel pollution in the lake's waters.

2. Fishing with Locals: Visitors can try the traditional fishing experience. The catch can usually be processed immediately on the lake's edge by grilling it with North Maluku's rich and spicy local seasonings.

3. Nature Photography: With Mount Dukono occasionally emitting thin smoke in the distance as a backdrop, Paca Lake is a paradise for landscape photographers. The combination of morning mist, calm water surface, and tree silhouettes creates a magical visual composition.

4. Forest Trekking: There are walking trails around the lake that allow tourists to do soft trekking while learning about forest plant species and searching for endemic fauna.

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Best Time to Visit

To get the maximum experience, the best time to visit Paca Lake is during the dry season, between May and September. During this period, rainfall tends to be low, so the lake water reaches its highest clarity and the trekking paths are not slippery.

The most magical time at Paca Lake is at dawn (05:30 - 07:00 WIT). During this hour, thin mist usually still covers the water surface, and the activity of forest birds is at its peak. If you are lucky, you can see the reflection of Mount Dukono clearly on the calm lake surface.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection Efforts

The community of Paca Village plays a central role in preserving Paca Lake. There are customary rules and community agreements that prohibit the use of trawling nets or chemicals in fishing. The forests around the lake are also strictly protected from illegal logging activities as they serve as the main water catchment area for their village.

The North Halmahera regional government, along with local tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis), continues to promote the concept of Ecotourism. The main focus is to limit mass visits that risk damaging the ecosystem and to emphasize the quality of environmentally educational tourism experiences.

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Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Reaching Paca Lake is relatively easy for tourists who are already in Tobelo, the capital of North Halmahera. It is only about 15-20 kilometers or about a 30-45 minute drive from Tobelo city center. The road access to Paca Village is well-paved and can be traversed by two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

The facilities in the tourist area have been developed with a concept that blends with nature. There is a wooden pier extending into the middle of the lake, which is often a favorite selfie spot. Additionally, there are bamboo gazebos for resting, clean toilet facilities, and small stalls owned by local residents serving local dishes like "pisang goreng mulut bebek" (duck-mouth fried bananas) and spiced coffee. For tourists who wish to stay overnight, there are several homestays in village houses offering an authentic local living experience with genuine hospitality.

Paca Lake is not just a holiday destination; it is a reminder of how beautiful the harmony between humans and nature can be if managed with respect and wisdom. A visit here promises soul healing through the silence of the forest and the clarity of the water, which are hard to find elsewhere.