Lake Kutubu
Freshwater Lake Kutubu is one of the natural attractions of Papua and New Guinea. The lake is located about 800 meters above sea level in the Southern Highlands. It is the second largest lake in Papua and New Guinea with an area of 49 km², second only to Lake Murray. Lake Kutubu itself and the surrounding marshy forests and wetlands are a protected area. This is not surprising, Lake Kutubu is home to 12 rare species of fish.
General Information
There are several small islands in the lake, the largest of which is Wasemi Island in the northern part of Kutubu. The water of the lake is clear and the maximum depth reaches 70 meters. It is fed mainly by underground springs, although several small rivulets also flow into Kutubu.
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However, it should be noted that access to Lake Kutubu is very difficult. Previously, it could only be reached on foot or by light airplane. But now the situation has improved, new roads are being built in the area, and regular connections to various towns and villages in Papua New Guinea are being developed. This has become possible due to the development of oil and gas fields. In addition, if we consider Lake Kutubu in terms of tourism development, education, agriculture and research, the potential of this area is very large.
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There are 33 villages near Lake Kutubu (to the west and southwest), with about 11,000 inhabitants. The villages are inhabited by the two major cultural and linguistic groups of Papua and New Guinea. The locals are mainly engaged in agriculture, in particular in sago cultivation. Attempts have been made to grow cocoa and coffee here, but they were unsuccessful due to poor transportation.
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Tourists are offered to take a water excursion on Lake Kutubu. You can not only admire the surrounding scenery, but also visit one of the villages, get acquainted with the life of the local population, fishing. The water in Lake Kutubu will pleasantly surprise you, because it is very clean and transparent, as the lake is fed mainly by underground springs. In addition, you will be offered to visit one or more islands located in Kutubu. The largest of these islands is Vasermi. The islands provide a great opportunity to see the variety of tropical flora and enjoy its beauty.
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Excursion on Lake Kutubu will give you the opportunity to relax, fully enjoy the diversity of flora of Papua and New Guinea, admire the incredibly beautiful landscapes, as well as see with their own eyes how the locals live, get acquainted with their life.
.Lake Kutubu gave its name to the oil project of the same name, which is the first commercial oil field in Papua New Guinea, the development of which began in 1992 by Oil Search Limited. The arrival of oil rigs in the region has had a positive impact on the local economy, which in turn has led to an influx of population. Environmental problems caused by population growth have resulted in pollution, forest destruction and overfishing. The proposed construction of a gas pipeline and road, if mismanaged, is expected to exacerbate the situation.
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