Hydrodynamic simulations using three-dimensional numerical model were carried out in three different shallow tropical lakes to understand the characteristics of water movement in the respective water bodies. The models were based on meteorological data from the nearest stations and calibrated with current measurement, temperature, or water-level data. The results show good agreement between measured and simulated velocities and/ or temperature at certain depth. This study found that the major driving forces of the hydrodynamic pattern were different in the three lakes. Hydrodynamic simulations showed that Bukit Merah and Durian Tunggal reservoirs were more sensitive to winddriven motion. Floodplain lakes, such as Bera Lake, are more sensitive to flood inflow by the main river during the monsoon season. Convective motion driven by water temperature gradient was important for Bukit Merah and Bera Lake.