Nestled in the highlands of Malang, East Java, Lake Madiredo is more than just a tranquil natural escape. For locals, this shimmering lake in Madiredo Village, Pujon District, holds layers of myth and mystique. Its beauty is undeniable—but it is the story behind its creation that has been told and retold across generations.
According to local lore, the lake’s origins trace back to a tale in wayang (Javanese shadow puppetry). The story begins with three siblings—Guwarso, Guwarsi, and Anjani—who quarreled endlessly over a powerful heirloom known as Cupu Manik Astogino. This mystical object was believed to grant any desire, a treasure no one wished to surrender.
Their father, weary of their conflict, cast the heirloom into a spring called Sumber Sumolo. But the Cupu’s extraordinary power caused the spring to swell, flooding the area and forming what we now know as Lake Madiredo.
Determined to retrieve it, Guwarso and Guwarsi plunged into the waters, only to fail. Instead, they were cursed, their bodies transforming into ape-like forms. Anjani, who objected to their actions, was struck by their anger—splashed with water that caused her arms to grow hair. Seeing this, their father gave them new identities: Sugriwa, Subali, and Dewi Anjani, and ordered each to undergo different forms of meditation to atone for their deeds.
A Lake of Mystical Presence
Even today, the lake is believed to carry their lingering presence. Locals say the spirits of Guwarso, Guwarsi, and Dewi Anjani still dwell in the waters. A large stone at the bottom of the lake is often described as Dewi Anjani’s seat of meditation.
This aura of mystery has made Lake Madiredo a place of spiritual pilgrimage. Visitors come not only to enjoy its natural beauty but also to seek blessings, healing, or protection. Rituals such as ruqyah (spiritual cleansing), midnight baths, and purification ceremonies are commonly held—especially on sacred days like Friday Kliwon or during major religious events.
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Soldiers and the Promise of Invulnerability
Another layer of the legend tells of soldiers who once came to Lake Madiredo before heading into battle. They would bathe in its waters, believing it could make them invincible. Locals whisper about soldiers struck by swords and bullets, yet emerging unharmed after their ritual at the lake.
An elder known as “Pak Manu,” thought to have come from the Kepanjen area, was said to lead such rituals. Stories even claim that before being deployed abroad—such as to Timor Leste—troops would first undergo a spiritual ceremony at the lak
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Today, Lake Madiredo is a blend of myth and leisure. The cool air and clear waters are perfect for quiet reflection, while facilities like photo spots, wooden boat rides, a lakeside café, prayer rooms, rest areas, and camping grounds welcome modern visitors.
For some, it is a place to relax. For others, it remains a sacred site where legends live on. But whether you come for the scenery or the stories, Lake Madiredo will always hold the aura of something more than just a lake—it is a mirror of culture, faith, and the enduring power of myth. (Wage Erlangga)
