Travel

Serene Sunset and Floating Houses at Tempe Lake

My trip to floating houses at Tempe Lake, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, brought back my love for my home country.

Some of us would agree that although they’ve traveled far and visited many countries, they feel most comfortable in their home country. So do I.

I love staying in Malaysia, but my love for my home country will never change.

Actually, I’ve been to more European countries than destinations in Indonesia. Up until now, I’ve only been to Bandung, Jogja, Solo, Bali, Raja Ampat and Makassar.

The reason is very cliche. As a native, I think I can visit other parts of Indonesia anytime.

floating houses at tempe lake sulawesi indonesia
a boat floating at tempe lake south sulawesi indonesia
boat ride at tempe lake sulawesi indonesia
local culture at tempe lake indonesia fisherman
fisherman trap for prawns at tempe lake indonesia

Strangely, the day that I fall in love again with my home country isn’t when I was at the top of Wayag Island, Raja Ampat but when I was floating at Tempe Lake.

Tempe Lake is located in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It’s very near to Sengkang and a beautiful beach, Tanjung Bira. Honestly, I’ve seen more beautiful lakes overseas.

However, as the boat went further, I was surrounded by the serenity…

Tea Time at the Floating House

tourists enjoying sunset at floating houses tempe lake sulawesi indonesia

The main attraction of Tempe Lake is the floating houses. They’re not beautiful houseboats like the ones in India or Copenhagen, nor built with solid bricks like the ones in Venice.

The floating houses are built with woods and other humble materials – which make them unique in the eyes of travelers.

floating house danau tempe tempe lake indonesia
humble floating house at tempe lake indonesia
colourful floating houses at danau tempe tempe lake indonesia

The best time to go there is before sunset so you can enjoy the view while sitting on the floating house.

Be punctual with the time, as you need to rent a boat and the boatman will refuse to send you there if the sky has turned dark.

There aren’t many floating houses in Lake Tempe, I think less than 10. The boatman will drop you off on one of the floating houses.

your time and worry not, the boatman won’t leave you behind, hehe!

sunset at the floating houses tempe lake indonesia
solo female traveller at floating house tempe lake

The houses may be made from humble materials, but remember to take off your shoes as soon as you arrive. There are only 2 rooms: a kitchen and a big space for the bedroom cum living room.

humble traditional local indonesian at floating houses kitchen tempe lake
floating house tempe lake indonesia accommodation
view from floating house tempe lake sulawesi indonesia

The hosts will serve you pisang goreng (fried bananas) and sweet, hot tea to accompany you while watching the sunset.

tea time at floating houses tempe lake indonesia with banana fritters and hot tea
Pisang goreng and a cup of sweet, hot tea for tea time.
Fyi, the host uses clean, boiled water from the city to make your tea 🙂
locals at floating house tempe lake indonesia during sunset

As a polite gesture to the hosts, visitors are expected to pay a small amount of money (around RM10-12/USD3).

Some travelers even take the extra mile, staying overnight to experience sleeping in a floating house.

the fisherman's catch at floating house tempe lake sulawesi indonesia
friends posing during sunset at floating house tempe lake indonesia
Met a tour guide from Papua. He’s taking a traveler for 30 days trip to explore Indonesia!

What I enjoy the most about this visit is the return journey. Since it was a solo trip, there’re only me, the tour guide and the boatman on the boat, floating at Tempe Lake.

The sun was almost completely gone, and the wind caressed my face… All I heard was the soft sound of the boat moving.

sunset at floating house danau tempe indonesia
serene sunset at tempe lake sulawesi indonesia
The serene sunset at Tempe Lake

I stretched my hands and closed my eyes… It’s so serene. For the first time, this Capricorn lady could think about nothing when doing nothing.

a happy girl on a boat ride at tempe lake sulawesi indonesia

I love Indonesia!

P.S.: Read about my trip to Raja Ampat to experience a digital detox trip

2 Comments

  • piet

    Hi Clara.

    Read your blok about tempe lake in Sulawesi.
    Is it possible to actually sleep in one of the floating houses?
    Or should one just get a room in town and visit the lake on a boattrip?

    Thank you so much.

    Piet, (a random man from rainy Belgium).

    • theresiaclara

      Hi Piet, sorry I just read your comment! Yes, it’s possible to stay overnight in the floating house. You can also stay in a hotel and do a day trip there.

      For more information/booking, I can recommend my Toraja tour guide, Hendrik Pangalinan. Perhaps he could help you. You may WhatsApp him: +6285394302139

      I hope this helps, if not please let me know 🙂

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