Mt. Kelimutu-The Place of Three Lakes, with different colors

Mt. Kelimutu

Mt. Kelimutu is a volcano located on the island of Flores in Indonesia. It is famous for its three crater lakes that change colors over time, which makes it a popular tourist destination. Mountain Kelimutu, the volcanic wonder is home to three separate lakes, all of the different colors-black, blue, and turquoise. The three crater lakes in three different colors, and those colors change all the time what a mazic. The three lakes are named Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People), Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens), and Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched or Enchanted Lake). The lakes unusual colors, range from bright green or turquoise to deep red or black and are thought to be caused by chemical reactions within the volcanic crater.

Mt. Kelimutu Indonesia is a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers, who can climb to the summit and witness the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trek is challenging, but the reward is worth it, as visitors can witness the beauty of the crater lakes up close. In addition to the natural beauty of the mountain, visitors can also experience the local culture of the island of Flores, including the traditional houses and textiles of the indigenous people. The area is also home to a number of hot springs and waterfalls, making it a great destination for those who love nature and outdoor activities.

Mountain Kelimutu Geology

Mountain Kelimutu is a stratovolcano and part of the Banda Arc, a chain of active and dormant volcanoes that stretches from Timor to Sulawesi. Mt. Kelimutu has had several eruptions in the past, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1968. The volcano is still considered to be active, and there are ongoing monitoring and research efforts to study its activity and potential hazards. The geology of Mt. Kelimutu is complex, and it is classified as a composite volcano, which means that it is made up of layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and other volcanic material. The mountain is also surrounded by several smaller cones and craters, which are evidence of its volcanic activity.

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Lakes of Mt. Kelimutu

There are three crater lakes on Mount Kelimutu, each with its own unique color and local legend.

Tiwu Ata Mbupu

Tiwu Ata Mbupu is one of the three crater lakes located on Mount Kelimutu. The lake is the smallest and westernmost of the three crater lakes, with a surface area of about 11,000 square meters and a maximum depth of about 66 meters. The color of the lake varies from bright blue to green, depending on the mineral content and other environmental factors. The lake is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can trek to the summit of Mount Kelimutu to witness the stunning views of the three crater lakes, including Tiwu Ata Mbupu.

Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai 

Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai is also known as the Lake of Young Men and Maidens. The lake is the middle of the three crater lakes, with a surface area of about 21,000 square meters and a maximum depth of about 127 meters. The color of the lake varies from bright green to red, depending on the mineral content and other environmental factors. The lake is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can trek to the summit of Mount Kelimutu to witness the stunning views of the  lakes.

Tiwu Ata Polo 

Tiwu Ata Polo is one of the three crater lakes is also known as the Bewitched or Enchanted Lake due to the belief that it is a sacred and mysterious place. The lake is the largest of the three crater lakes, with a surface area of about 23,000 square meters and a maximum depth of about 150 meters. The color of the lake varies from bright red to brown, depending on the mineral content and other environmental factors. All the lake including Tiwu Ata Polo have strong spritual connection.

Mt. Kelimutu National Park

Mt. Kelimutu National Park is a protected area located in the eastern part of the island of Flores in Indonesia. It covers an area of 5,400 hectares and was established in 1992 to protect the unique natural and cultural features of the area. Aside from the famous three crater lakes, the park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several endemic species such as the Floresian rat, Floresian civet, and the endangered Floresian ground-thrush. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 95 species of birds recorded in the area.

The park is also home to several traditional villages inhabited by the Lio ethnic group, who have lived in the area for centuries. The Lio people are known for their traditional houses with high thatched roofs and unique weaving techniques, which produce distinctive textiles and traditional clothing.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of activities, including trekking to the summit of Mt. Kelimutu to witness the stunning views of the crater lakes, birdwatching, hiking to the nearby waterfalls and hot springs, and experiencing the local culture and traditions of the Lio people. As a protected area, the park has strict regulations to ensure the conservation of its natural and cultural resources. Visitors are advised to follow the rules and regulations, such as staying on designated trails and not disturbing the wildlife or cultural sites.

How to Reach Mt. Kelimutu

Mountain Kelimutu is located on the island of Flores in Indonesia, and there are several ways to reach the area. The nearest airport to Mt. Kelimutu is Maumere Airport, which is located about 70 kilometers from the park. There are regular flights from Bali and Jakarta to Maumere, and visitors can then take a taxi or rent a car to reach the park. Visitors can also reach Mt. Kelimutu by land from other parts of Flores. There are public buses and mini busses that operate from Maumere, Ende, and other cities to the town of Moni, which is located near the park. Many tour companies offer organized tours to Mt. Kelimutu, which include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours of the park.