Kelimutu Crater Lakes Indonesia are both an impressive and a mystical natural phenomenon. Good destination for lovers of mountains, water and adventure. Enjoy this divine palette of colors, even virtually. Due to its different color and fabulously beautiful panorama. The three volcanic lakes – Tivu Nuva Murray Ku Fai, Tiju Ata Polo and Tibu Ata Mbuvu are one of the most popular Indonesia attractions.
Kelimutu Crater Lakes are located at about 1700 meters above sea level in the core of the extinct volcano Kelimutu on the island of Flores. Not far from the small town of Moni and about 50 km from the capital of the province of Ende. Although they share a common crater, the three lakes have individual uniqueness, especially in terms of color.
Moreover, they change it periodically (independently of each other) and to this day have probably gone through all the colors of the palette. Before 2006 they were red, turquoise blue and white, in 2009 they were changed to copper, light green and black. Today, the first lake is light green, the second is turquoise, and the third is olive green (almost black). The westernmost (about 1.5 km from the rest) and at least the area is Thuja Ata Mbubo.
How to get to Kelimutu Indonesia
The other two Tiju Ata Polo and Tivu Nuva Murray Coo Fay are separated by a narrow volcanic barrier (35 m high). In addition to being the largest, Nuva Murray is the lake with the most frequently changing color (12 times in 25 years). From a geological point of view, the reason for this phenomenon is the high mineral concentration of water caused by the released underground gases. Combined with the refraction of sunlight, the microflora and the color of the volcanic basin itself. They become multicolored in the lakes of Kelimutu volcano.
Mixing gases containing a mixture of chemicals makes the lakes look like they are boiling. However, if you ask the locals about the phenomena that occur in the crater lakes, you will hear a very different and far scarier story. It is surrounded by traditional beliefs of Eastern culture. According to the population of the island of Kelimutu, the souls of the dead come to live their eternal life here.
However, before entering one of the three lakes, they meet the gatekeeper at Pereconde, who determines which lake to enter by age and character. Therefore, Lake Tivu Ata Mubu is also called the “Old Man’s Lake” because it includes the souls of the elderly. Lake Tiju Ata Polo is known as the “Enchanted Lake” because it is designed for people with some superpowers.
Tiwu Nuva Murray Coo Pai like the Lake of Young Men and Girls. Because it is for the souls of the young. As part of the Kelimutu National Park, as magnificent as they are with their diversity of the eponymous lakes. These are not the only reasons that attract tourists and adventurers to this part of the world.
Why Crater Lakes Are So Beautiful
This color palette is surrounded by a 4.5-hectare botanical garden, representing Kelimutu’s rich biodiversity. 78 endangered plant species and several species of animals and birds. Thus, from May to August, when it is the flowering season, the whole area resembles a Garden of Eden. Inhabited by lyrically tender bird voices. A narrow but well-marked path will take you through the rugged terrain. To the top of the volcano, where all three magical lakes await you.
And if you’re wondering where to stay, the possibilities are many. Most tourists choose bungalows and hotels in Moni, but the places fill up quickly and are far from luxury. A more convenient alternative is to stay in the other big city Mumare. In the comfortable hotel in Ende – about 3-4 hours from your final destination.
Among the newest additions to the local accommodation is the holiday eco-village. It named after the crater lakes, with all the necessary tourist facilities. Due to its idyllic atmosphere and great location, it is already very popular. And the entrance to the National Park is only a 20-minute drive and a 20-minute walk up the stone steps to the lakes.
However, the truth is that no matter what village you stay in, you will be able to reach the Kelimutu crater lakes without difficulty. In most places there is organized transport, and if you use your own carriage, you will follow the signs. The most important thing is to be well equipped. Because the top is windy and to follow the rules of conduct in this sacred place for Flores island.