Danau Diatas is located at an elevation of 1,531 m. It is classified as a tectonic lake because of the tectonic process of the large Sumatra fault. The main outlet is Gumanti River which then integrates with Batanghari River and empties into the Malacca Strait.
Danau Diatas and Danau Dibawah are located side by side und separated by about 2 km. They are often called the Twin Lakes and have become a tourist spot of Sumatra Barat.