However, behind its beauty, there are several interesting facts about Telaga Ngebel that are not widely known.
Telaga Ngebel is Not a Natural Lake
In reality, Telaga Ngebel is a man-made reservoir constructed by the Dutch colonial government between 1920 and 1924. This reservoir dams the Jeram River and Talun River in Ngebel District, Ponorogo. With a water surface area of approximately 150 hectares, this reservoir eventually formed the lake we see today.
The Dutch Tunnel
Located east of the Religious Affairs Office of Ngebel District, this tunnel is a water channel built through a hill to direct water from the Jeram River to Telaga Ngebel. It is called the "Dutch Tunnel" because its construction began during the Dutch East Indies administration.
Power Source for Ngebel Hydroelectric Plant
In addition to irrigating around 10,000 hectares of rice fields, water from Telaga Ngebel also serves as the driving force for turbines at the Ngebel Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA Ngebel). Built in 1959, this hydroelectric plant has a power capacity of 1,600 MWh per year.
The Durian Hub of Ponorogo
Ngebel is well known as the main producer of durian fruit in Ponorogo. During the harvest season, which usually lasts from December to February, durians are easily found being sold along the roads around the lake. For durian lovers, visiting Telaga Ngebel during harvest time is a perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh durians to their heart's content.
Dancing Fountain
The Ponorogo Regency government has built a dancing fountain show at Telaga Ngebel as a new tourist attraction. With laser light effects and musical accompaniment, this show is held on weekends at specific times. The mesmerizing display captivates visitors and attracts even more tourists to Telaga Ngebel.
With all its beauty and uniqueness, Telaga Ngebel is not just an attractive tourist destination but also holds historical significance and great benefits for the surrounding community.