Bay Lake Gelam, Luxury the Lonely

The wind blows breezy, creating small waves on the surface of the clear lake water. In the middle of the lake there are thousands of tree-covered land Gelam (Melaleuka leucadendron) with tiny leaves are light green. Bay Lake in District Tanjung Gelam Lubuk, Ogan Ilir Komering, South Sumatra (Sumatra), one morning in early January 2005, it still offers a charming natural charm. The sun which was then closed overcast, making the cool air feels cooler. Besides landscapes Gelam Bay Lake also offers challenging water sports facilities. At the edge of the lake there is a dock for canoeing and water skiing, complete with start and finish tower, cottage guide (align's hut), and the making of the stands for the spectators. Not far away stands 34 wooden house type 45 and 70, which can be used to stay or rest a while. 

For those who want to be able to stay overnight at the Gulf Hotel Gelam that stands majestically on the edge of the lake. Two-story hotel with a modern architecture that consists of two buildings, each of which has 24 rooms. Lodges behind the hotel can be a place to eat while chatting leisurely or fish in the lake. If you get bored sitting around, visitors can take a walk around the circular path around the lake half. The parking lot at this place is quite spacious, with smooth asphalt driveway. GelamBegitulah Bay Lake, Bay Lake Gelam located in an area of 250 acres it is a tourist attraction as well as sports facilities are inadequate. The lake is situated on the banks of Sumatra highway, about 92 kilometers southeast of Palembang, this is one place that polished all-out to support the implementation of National Sports Week (PON) in South Sumatra XVI late August-September 2004. At that time, the lake was the scene of race rowing and water skiing with the national standard facilities. Actually, the idea of the development of Bay Lake Gelam been initiated since the 1990's. Construction of facilities was gaining momentum when it was selected as one of the branch holding the paddle and water skiing on the PON XVI.

 At least the lake construction cost Rp 31.9 billion from the budget Komering Ogan Ilir and South Sumatra provincial budget, which disbursed from 2001 to mid-2004. With the potential and facilities like it, actually Gelam Bay Lake could become an attractive alternative to the tourist attractions in the lack of tourism in South Sumatra. The visitors could have water sports, bathing, swimming, fishing, or just driving around. However, after the implementation of PON XVI, beauty and facilities such as Bay Lake Gelam left alone. Minimal domestic tourists, especially foreigners who visit. On a national holiday or a Sunday, dozens of people visited, and the rest, it's lonely tourist attraction. Bay Lake GelamKetika overnight at Hotel Kompas Gelam Bay, a quiet atmosphere so pronounced. On that night there was no other guests staying at the swanky hotel. Drizzle continued to fall since late afternoon cause the night is getting tense. In only a few security guards and servants. 

Outside, there is only one shop that opened in the complex's attractions. While from a distance, voice booming house music, clearly audible. When approached, the sound of frenetic music that comes from a dimly lit stalls on the edge of the eastern JaIan Sumatra. In the stalls too many visitors, while in the parking lot there is only one police patrol car and a truck. Nasrudin, Coordinator Gelam Gulf business, said, visitors who stay at his hotel on weekdays about five people per day or even less than five. The number of visitors increased to about 14 people during holidays. 

The hotel had a jet-ski is rented to visitors for Rp 300,000 per hour, and the speed boat with the rental price of Rp 150,000 per hour. "Every day an average week there are 10 people who rent jet-skis. Currently Lebaran or major holidays, revenue rose to $ 5 million a day. However, weekdays rarely hired," he said. According to the hotel management staff Gelam Bay, Reza Pahlavi, not all visitors take advantage of sporting facilities or hotels. Many are also those who come just to relax with a bite to eat at the lodge or fishing on the lake. "Many visitors who come to fish. Some time ago, there was a big belida get fish, weighing five pounds," he said. Bay Lake Visitor GelamJumlah actually be encouraged by organizing large events, such as competitions, musical performances, or other events. However, after the implementation of PON XVI, such events are rarely held. 

According to Mujahid, the technical equipment, various sports facilities pascapelaksanaan PON XVI directed the treated water pelatihanski builder Komering Ogan Ilir regency. Compared to other lakes in South Sumatra, Bay Lake Gelam have some perks. One of them, the strategic location of the lake is quite so easy to reach the community, which is located in the east (jalintim) Sumatra, precisely in the segment between the Palembang-Lampung. Vast natural lake which has never dried up, even in the dry season. The water is also crystal clear lakes and inhabited by various types ikanlokal rare, such as fish belida. In addition, many people believe, some crocodiles also live there and was feared to threaten the safety of the water skier and pedayung, when implemented PON XVI in 2004. "Although quiet and away from the settlements, until now the lake is safe. Yet there are events that disrupt the visitors," said Gusman, Bay Lake Gelam Security Coordinator