Lake LinowAbout Lake Linow
Lake Linow is a small volcanic lake in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, located close to the town of Tomohon. It is notable for its hydrothermal activity that can change the lake’s color and produce a pronounced sulfur odor.
The site is popular as a short roadside stop and viewpoint; visitors typically view the lake from established platforms or nearby lookouts rather than swimming because of hot vents and acidic water. Photographers and tourists come to see the shifting colors and fumarolic activity.
The lake occupies a volcanic setting and is fed by hydrothermal inputs rather than by large inflows; its appearance can change with activity levels. Local guides often point out safe viewing areas and explain the geology.
Geographically the lake sits near Tomohon in North Sulawesi, within a volcanic highland area inland from the north Sulawesi coast and within driving distance of the city of Manado.
- Volcanic activity: Famous for visibly changing water colors and a strong sulfur smell caused by volcanic gases and hydrothermal activity, so expect fumes and warm patches at the shore.
Nearby Attractions to Lake Linow
Best Time to Visit Lake Linow
Visit when visibility is highest (dry season mornings) to watch the lake's famously shifting colors and to avoid the strongest volcanic fumes.
Weather & Climate near Lake Linow
Lake Linow's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (2320 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 260 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| February | Good | 17° - 26° | 22° | 210 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| March | Good | 18° - 27° | 22° | 214 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 18° - 27° | 22° | 226 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| May | Good | 18° - 27° | 23° | 250 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.3 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| June | Very Good | 18° - 27° | 22° | 175 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| July | Very Good | 18° - 27° | 22° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| August | Excellent | 18° - 27° | 22° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| September | Very Good | 18° - 27° | 22° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 18° - 27° | 23° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Good | 18° - 27° | 23° | 238 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| December | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 243 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
How to Get to Lake Linow
From Manado (Sam Ratulangi International Airport), drive about 45-60 minutes southwest along the RN13 and local roads toward Tomohon; Lake Linow is a short drive from Tomohon town center (roughly 10-20 minutes depending on traffic). Local minibuses (angkot) and organized tours from Manado/Tomonhon include the lake on highland day-trip routes.
Tips for Visiting Lake Linow
- Go early in the morning for the least sulfur haze and the clearest color shifts - sunrise often brings the most dramatic green-to-turquoise tones.
- Stand behind the low fences and respect signage: escaping gases (hydrogen sulfide) can collect in hollows; don't linger where fumes smell strong.
- Bring a lens with a polarizer to cut glare - reflections and the lake's shifting hues make for cinematic photos.
- Combine a visit with nearby Mahawu or Lokon volcano viewpoints (Tomohon) to see how volcanic geology stitches the landscape together.