Lake Matano

Lake Matano, Indonesia’s deepest lake (590 meters) and the world’s tenth-deepest, lies in South Sulawesi’s ancient tectonic basin. Formed over a million years ago, its ultra-clear, oxygen-poor waters host unique endemic species like the Matano medaka fish. A key nickel mining region, the lake balances industrial activity with ecological fragility. Scientists study its extreme conditions as analogs for early Earth and extraterrestrial environments. This secluded gem offers both biodiversity insights and breathtaking tropical scenery.