Imagine a lake that changes its colors from turquoise to green to red, depending on the mood of the spirits that dwell in it. Imagine a lake that is surrounded by lush forests, misty mountains, and exotic wildlife. Imagine a lake that is steeped in history, culture, and legend. This is Danau Kelimutu, the lake of three colors in Flores, Indonesia.
Danau Kelimutu is one of the most unique and fascinating natural wonders in the world. It consists of three crater lakes that are located on top of the Kelimutu volcano, about 50 km from the town of Ende. The lakes have different colors that vary over time, due to the chemical reactions of the minerals in the water and the volcanic gases. The colors can range from blue, green, and red, to brown, black, and white.
But Danau Kelimutu is more than just a geological phenomenon. It is also a sacred and spiritual place for the local people, who believe that the lakes are the resting place of the souls of the dead. According to the legend, each lake has a different name and meaning, and represents a different group of people who have passed away. The locals also perform rituals and ceremonies to honor and appease the spirits of the lake.
Danau Kelimutu is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Flores, Indonesia. It offers a stunning and surreal experience that will leave you in awe and wonder. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Danau Kelimutu, including its history, legend, colors, and how to visit it.
History and Legend
The name Kelimutu comes from the local language, which means “the boiling lake”. The locals believe that the lake is alive and has a powerful spirit that can influence the fate of the people and the nature around it. The legend says that the lake was created by a god named Konde Ratu, who wanted to make a beautiful place for his beloved daughter, Mutiara.
Mutiara was a kind and gentle princess, who loved to help the poor and the sick. She fell in love with a young man named Aji Saka, who was a brave and noble warrior. They planned to get married, but their happiness was short-lived. Aji Saka was killed in a battle, and Mutiara died of a broken heart. Konde Ratu was devastated by the loss of his daughter, and decided to make three lakes on top of the mountain, where the souls of Mutiara, Aji Saka, and their families could rest in peace.
The three lakes are named Tiwu Ata Mbupu, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, and Tiwu Ata Polo. Tiwu Ata Mbupu means “the lake of old people”, and it is where the souls of the elders go after they die. Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai means “the lake of young people”, and it is where the souls of the children and the young go after they die. Tiwu Ata Polo means “the lake of evil people”, and it is where the souls of the wicked and the sinners go after they die.
The locals believe that the colors of the lakes reflect the mood and the character of the spirits that inhabit them. When the lakes are calm and clear, it means that the spirits are happy and peaceful. When the lakes are dark and murky, it means that the spirits are angry and restless. The locals also believe that the colors of the lakes can predict the future events, such as natural disasters, wars, or famines.
The Three Lakes
The three lakes of Danau Kelimutu are located at an altitude of about 1,600 meters above sea level, and have a total area of about 1.4 square kilometers. The lakes are separated by thin walls of volcanic rock, and are connected by underground pipes that allow the water to flow from one lake to another. The lakes have different shapes, sizes, and depths, as well as different colors that change over time.
The most popular and accessible lake is Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, the lake of young people. It is the largest and the shallowest lake, with a depth of about 67 meters. It is also the most colorful lake, with shades of turquoise, green, and blue. It is located on the eastern side of the mountain, and offers a spectacular view of the sunrise. The lake is often visited by tourists, who come to admire its beauty and take photos.
The second lake is Tiwu Ata Mbupu, the lake of old people. It is the smallest and the deepest lake, with a depth of about 129 meters. It is also the most stable lake, with a constant color of dark green or black. It is located on the western side of the mountain, and offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The lake is often visited by pilgrims, who come to pay respect and offer prayers to the spirits of the lake.
The third lake is Tiwu Ata Polo, the lake of evil people. It is the most unpredictable and mysterious lake, with a depth of about 103 meters. It is also the most varied lake, with colors ranging from red, brown, and white, to purple, pink, and orange. It is located on the southeastern side of the mountain, and offers a dramatic and eerie contrast to the other lakes. The lake is often avoided by locals, who fear the wrath and the curse of the spirits of the lake.
The colors of the lakes are influenced by several factors, such as the weather, the season, the sunlight, the volcanic activity, and the mineral composition of the water. The colors can change gradually or suddenly, depending on the conditions. The colors can also vary from one spot to another, creating a stunning and surreal mosaic of hues. The colors of the lakes are a source of fascination and curiosity for scientists, who have been studying and monitoring them for decades.
How to Visit Danau Kelimutu
Visiting Danau Kelimutu is an unforgettable and rewarding experience that requires some planning and preparation. Here are some practical information and tips for visiting the lake:
The best time to visit Danau Kelimutu is between May and September, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the colors of the lakes are more vivid and clear. The rainy season is between October and April, when the weather is cloudy and wet, and the colors of the lakes are more dull and murky. However, the colors of the lakes can change at any time, so there is no guarantee that you will see the same colors as the previous visitors.
The best way to reach Danau Kelimutu is by flying to Ende, the nearest town with an airport, and then taking a bus or a taxi to Moni, the nearest village to the lake. The flight from Bali to Ende takes about two hours, and the bus or taxi ride from Ende to Moni takes about two hours as well. Moni is a small and charming village, where you can find accommodation, food, and transportation to the lake.
The entry fee to Danau Kelimutu is 150,000 rupiah (about 10 USD) for foreigners, and 5,000 rupiah (about 0.3 USD) for locals. You also need to pay an extra 50,000 rupiah (about 3 USD) for a camera fee, and 100,000 rupiah (about 7 USD) for a guide fee, if you want to hire a local guide to accompany you to the lake. The entry fee includes access to the park, the parking lot, and the toilets.
The accommodation in Moni is basic but comfortable, with options ranging from guesthouses, homestays, hostels, to hotels. The prices vary from 100,000 rupiah (about 7 USD) to 500,000 rupiah (about 35 USD) per night, depending on the quality and the facilities. The accommodation usually provides breakfast, hot water, and wifi. Some of the recommended places to stay in Moni are Kelimutu Crater Lakes Eco Lodge, Bintang Lodge, and Flores Sare Hotel.
The food in Moni is simple but delicious, with options ranging from local, Indonesian, to western cuisine. The prices vary from 10,000 rupiah (about 0.7 USD) to 50,000 rupiah (about 3.5 USD) per meal, depending on the type and the portion. The food usually consists of rice, noodles, vegetables, eggs, chicken, fish, or tofu. Some of the recommended places to eat in Moni are Mopi’s Place, Mahoni Restaurant, and Rainbow Cafe.
The water in Moni is not safe to drink, so you need to buy bottled water or bring your own water filter or purifier. The bottled water costs about 5,000 rupiah (about 0.3 USD) per liter, and you can find it in the shops or the stalls along the road. You also need to bring enough water to the lake, as there is no water source or vendor there. You need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid altitude sickness.
The clothing in Moni is casual and comfortable, but you need to dress appropriately and respectfully, as the lake is a sacred and spiritual place for the locals. You need to wear long pants or skirts, and cover your shoulders and chest. You also need to bring warm clothes, such as jackets, sweaters, or scarves, as the temperature at the lake can drop to 10°C or lower, especially in the early morning or at night. You also need to wear sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers, as the path to the lake can be steep and slippery.
The souvenirs in Moni are handmade and unique, and you can find them in the shops or the stalls along the road. You can buy items such as woven fabrics, baskets, hats, bags, or jewelry, made by the local women using traditional techniques and materials. You can also buy items such as wood carvings, paintings, or masks, made by the local men using natural resources and skills. The prices are negotiable, and you can bargain with the sellers to get a fair deal. You can also support the local community by buying their products and services.
Things to Do at Danau Kelimutu
There are many things to do at Danau Kelimutu, besides admiring the beauty and the mystery of the lake. Here are some suggestions for some fun and interesting activities for visitors:
Hiking:
Hiking is the main and the best way to explore Danau Kelimutu and its surroundings. You can hike from Moni to the lake, which takes about three to four hours, or you can take a car or a motorbike to the parking lot, which is about 14 km from Moni, and then hike for about 30 minutes to the lake. The hike is moderate to challenging, depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions. You can enjoy the scenic views of the forest, the mountain, and the valley along the way. You can also hike around the lake, which takes about one to two hours, and visit the different viewpoints and the observation deck. You can also hike to the summit of the volcano, which takes about two to three hours, and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and the island.
Photography:
Photography is another popular and rewarding activity at Danau Kelimutu, as the lake offers a stunning and surreal backdrop for your photos. You can capture the different colors and shapes of the lake, the sunrise and the sunset, the clouds and the mist, the flora and the fauna, and the people and the culture. You can also experiment with different angles, perspectives, and filters to create your own artistic and creative photos. You can also share your photos with your friends and family, or on social media, to inspire and impress them with your amazing experience.
Exploring:
Exploring is another fun and interesting activity at Danau Kelimutu, as the lake has many hidden and unknown secrets and surprises to discover. You can learn more about the history, the legend, and the science of the lake, by reading the information boards, the signs, and the brochures, or by talking to the guides, the rangers, or the locals. You can also explore the other attractions and features of the lake, such as the hot springs, the waterfalls, the caves, and the rock formations. You can also explore the other parts of the park, such as the forest, the meadow, and the savanna, and see the different plants and animals that live there.
Camping:
Camping is another exciting and adventurous activity at Danau Kelimutu, as the lake offers a unique and memorable experience of staying overnight on the mountain. You can camp at the designated camping site, which is near the parking lot, or at the other spots around the lake, with the permission of the park authority. You can bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and camping gear, or you can rent them from the locals or the shops in Moni. You can enjoy the starry night, the cool breeze, and the silence of the nature. You can also wake up early and catch the first glimpse of the sunrise over the lake.
Witnessing the sunrise:
Witnessing the sunrise is the highlight and the most recommended activity at Danau Kelimutu, as the lake offers a spectacular and magical sight of the sun rising over the horizon and illuminating the lake with its rays. You can witness the sunrise from any of the viewpoints or the observation deck, but the best spot is the one near Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, the lake of young people. You need to wake up early and start your hike before dawn, as the sunrise usually happens between 5:30 am and 6:30 am, depending on the season. You need to bring a flashlight, a warm jacket, and a camera, as the path can be dark and cold, and the view can be breathtaking and unforgettable. You can also witness the sunset from the same spot, which is equally beautiful and mesmerizing.
Learning about the culture:
Learning about the culture is another enriching and enjoyable activity at Danau Kelimutu, as the lake offers a chance to experience and appreciate the local culture and traditions. You can learn about the culture by visiting the villages, the temples, and the markets, and seeing the daily life and the customs of the people. You can also learn about the culture by participating in the festivals, the ceremonies, and the rituals, and witnessing the music, the dance, and the art of the people. You can also learn about the culture by interacting with the locals, and listening to their stories, their beliefs, and their wisdom.
Danau Kelimutu is a remarkable and enchanting place that will captivate and inspire you with its beauty and mystery. It is a place where you can see the wonders of nature, the richness of culture, and the diversity of life. It is a place where you can have fun and adventure, as well as peace and tranquility. It is a place where you can create memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable destination for your next trip, look no further than Danau Kelimutu, the lake of three colors in Flores, Indonesia. You will not regret it.
