- Kelimutu lakes
- Kelimutu for tourists
- How to get to Kelimutu volcano
The Kelimutu volcano, more than 1600 m high, belongs to the Indonesian island of Flores. Kelimutu occupies the territory of the national park of the same name and is famous for its three crater lakes: Tiwu Ata Mbupu; Tiwu Ata Polo; Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai.
The lakes, due to the various minerals dissolved in them (their deposits are located at the bottom of each of the lakes), change their color from time to time - their waters turn black, then turquoise, then green, then red, then brown, and one of the lakes painted in a color different from another.
Color changes are the result of a chemical reaction that occurs during the dissolution of minerals in water + the effect of volcanic gases on them. So, local waters owe their reddish tint to the interaction of hydrogen sulfide with iron. And the saturated green color of water acquires when hydrochloric and sulfuric acids are concentrated in them.
If we talk about the eruptions of Kelimutu, then the last time it happened in 1968.
Kelimutu lakes
Residents of the Moni village, which is located at the foot of Kelimutu, believe that the dead, or rather their souls, rush to the famous lakes (they find shelter and peace there), and the change in the color of the lakes is explained by the anger of the souls of their ancestors against their living descendants.
Local residents are sure that the souls of innocent people and people who died at a young age go to Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai (they say that in 26 years the lake has changed the color of its waters 12 times); the souls of those who did much harm to other people during their lifetime - in Tiwu Ata Polo; and the souls of those who lived with dignity and died because of old age - in Tiwu Ata Mbupu.
The “Lake of Elders” (Tiwu Ata Mbupu) is located 1.5 km away (the inhabitants explain its remoteness by the fact that knowledge and wisdom come only with age) from the other two. Those, in turn, are located nearby - they are separated by a thin wall of a crater, which according to local beliefs is the personification of a thin line between good and evil.
Indonesians have a great love for these multi-colored bodies of water - before they could also be seen on the 5000 rupee banknote.
Kelimutu for tourists
Climbing Kelimutu can be done on foot or by means of bemo along a winding serpentine road (the best time is July-September; the cost of a visit is 45,000 Indonesian rupiahs).
It is best to admire the chameleon ponds from the observation deck located at the top of Kelimutu (it is called the “point of inspiration”). A road leads to it, fenced with railings to avoid accidents.
You should not view the lakes from places that are not equipped for this activity - this can be dangerous, since a walk in a mountainous area consisting of volcanic rock can end in tragedy, and in addition, the vapors exuding from the lakes can cause fainting.
Is your goal to witness the sunrise? Leave Moni, the nearest settlement to the volcano, no later than 4 a.m. Tourists are advised to take advantage of this advice not only because at this time picturesque landscapes will await them, but also the most favorable natural conditions (the second half of the day rarely pleases travelers with its favor - at this time the lakes are usually hidden from human eyes in thick fog).
When going for an early walk, it is worth putting on clothes that can protect you from the wind, and also take a flashlight with you. You don't have to worry about food and drink, as locals show up early in the morning on the trail to the top of the volcano and offer ginger tea, coffee and light snacks for a small fee.
As for the Kelimutu National Park itself, here you will be able to find resting places equipped with benches, and trade shops, where you will be offered to acquire souvenirs and things - handmade by local residents in the form of sarongs and scarves. And in the park you will be able to see porcupines, deer, Malay palm martens … In addition, here you can walk through the arboretum (guests will see 78 woody plants) and mini-jungle with an area of 4.5 hectares.
How to get to Kelimutu volcano
Kelimutu is 83 km away from Maumere, and 66 km from Ende. These cities have small airports that take flights from Kupang, Tambolaki, Denpasar and other major cities in Indonesia.
From Ende and Maumere to the village of Moni, which is 15 km from Kelimutu, you can take a regular bus (runs twice a day). You can also get to the destination (crater) by bus.
Moni is a good option for an overnight stay or a short rest after a trip on the regular buses. It is advisable to book accommodation in Moni in advance, especially if your arrival coincides with peak dates (July-August). Those staying in guest houses can also count on organizing a transfer to the lakes for an additional fee.
