Kelimutu
Kelimutu is a volcano in Indonesia with three colorful lakes, located on the island of Flores. The people of Indonesia consider the area a national treasure, with each of the three lakes having its own characteristics and color. Kelimutu is a popular tourist attraction. The last known eruption took place in 1968.
Video: Kelimutu
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Many travel guides in Indonesia write that the bright colors of Kelimutu Lakes are due to the deposition of certain minerals. While this is true in one way, the color of the water in the lakes is not in the least dependent on the oxygen content. When the lake water lacks oxygen, it appears green; conversely, when there is an excess of oxygen, the lakes take on a shade of dark red, almost black. Kelimutu Lakes is a stunning natural phenomenon that you simply cannot miss!
.Locals from the village of Moni, located at the foot of the volcano, believe that the souls of the dead go into these lakes and the change in their color means they are angry. From the village you can climb the volcano in three hours or take a bemo to the top on a very winding serpentine road.
.Kelimutu Lakes
- Tivu Ata Polo, or “Enchanted Lake”, is located on the southeastern edge of the volcano. A thermal spring at the northwestern end of the lake creates white steam on its surface, indicating that gas or hot water from the volcano is flowing into the lake.
- Tiwu Nua Muri Koohi Fah, “Lake of Young Men and Maidens,” is the deepest, and is located next to Tiwu Ata Polo. A large gap is visible at the western end of the cliff – a cloud of yellowish sulphurous vapors billows over the large thermal spring in the center of the lake, visible at the base of the northern part of the cliff.”
- Tivu Ata Mbupu, “Lake of the Old Men,” is the westernmost lake. Structurally, it differs from the other two in that its crater is in the center of another, larger and older crater. Small landslides gradually descend from the steep banks into the lake, periodically large boulders are fed there. The shores of Ti-vu Ata Mbupu are covered with various red, orange and yellow colored sediments.
Interesting fact
The lakes, considered a national treasure, are depicted on local banknotes.
.Surroundings
.Kelimutu is conveniently neighboring Ende, from which it is a 2-hour (52 km) bus ride to the village of Moni, where the road to the lakes begins. It is usually traveled in pickup trucks and minibuses, starting at 4.00 am in order to catch the uniquely beautiful sunrise over the volcano overlooking the chameleon lakes. Tickets for transportation are sold at all Moni guesthouses. Buses at Kelimutu are not delayed and return at 7.00, so the return journey is most often accomplished on foot in 3 hours. It is possible to leave from Moni not only in Ende, but also in Maumere where there is an airport (4 hours, 40,000 Rp).
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