Located on Flores Island Indonesian Kelimutu volcano reaches a height of 1639 meters and is one of the active ones. The popularity of this natural object is explained by its unique beauty and mystery.
Kelimutu Volcano, Indonesia
Colored in the crater Lakes of Kelimutu Volcano, which appeared after the eruption in 1968, differ in their picturesque tone, which they periodically change.
Red, black, brown, turquoise, green - in what colors the waters of the Kelimutu lakes are not painted due to the minerals dissolved in them. Each lake has its own name: “Lake of the Old Men” (Tivu-Ata-Mbupu), “Lake of Boys and Girls” (Tivu-Nua-Murikooh-Tai), “Enchanted Lake” (Tivu-Ata-Polo). Local residents associate their own legend with each of the multi-colored reservoirs.
In Tivu-Ata-Mbupu, according to the Indonesians, the souls of elderly people who have lived their lives worthily end up. The main color of the Old Men's Lake is turquoise.
The innocent souls of young people go to Tivu-Nua-Murikooh-Tai. The main color of this lake is green.
Red like blood, Tivu-Ata-Polo draws in the souls of sinners and murderers. Locals believe that the change in the color of the waters of one of the lakes indicates that the souls of the ancestors were angry with their living descendants for something. In some cases, the change in the tone of lake waters is associated with predictions of natural and man-made disasters in Indonesia.
Kelimutu volcano: nature
In the first half of the day, the slopes of the volcano are covered with thick fog.
It is best to admire the colored lakes in the afternoon. The way to the top takes about two hours. The area near the lakes is characterized by increased danger. Tourists need to be extremely careful if they do not want to replenish the waters that fill volcano Kelimutu (Indonesia).
Volcano Kelimutu Indonesia
Kelimutu volcano - this mystical place is located on the island of Flores, lost in the ocean, which is rarely visited by tourists due to its remoteness and poorly developed tourist infrastructure. Even in the sky, flying over Flores, you can see a bright turquoise spot that stands out sharply against the dark green that covers the island. This is one of the three Kelimutu crater lakes, with which the legends and beliefs of local residents are closely intertwined.
The Kelimutu lakes are located in a volcano on the island of Flores (altitude 1639 m.), which belongs to the Indonesian Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. The volcano last erupted in 1968, after which it shows no signs of activity. After the eruption, depressions-calders were formed in the magma, in which water from atmospheric precipitation forms three lakes.
Why are Kelimutu lakes famous? Not even because they are multi-colored, but because the lakes are constantly changing color. For example, a black lake becomes turquoise after a few years, then red, and then green. This variability is explained by the presence of dissolved minerals of various nature in the water. Chemical reactions between them lead to the dynamic multicolored Kelimut. Green is sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, red is the result of the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with iron, although in recent years the water of the red lake has darkened, and now it has become almost black. As can be seen from the photographs, the two lakes are literally a few meters apart, and yet their depths contain different minerals, respectively, and they themselves are painted in different colors.
Representatives of the local Lio tribe tell the legend of Kelimutu. According to this legend, the souls of the dead go to the lakes. The souls of old people live in the red lake, the souls of those who died young live in the green lake, and the souls of children live in the white one. According to another version, sinners and murderers fall into the red lake, young people into the green one, old people and the righteous into the turquoise one. It is difficult for Europeans to understand the philosophy of the Lio tribe, although they themselves distribute souls without any problems and even claim that the color change indicates that the spirits living in the lakes are angry.
The official names of the lakes are as follows: in the west of the volcano (at a distance from others) - Tivu-Ata-Mbupu (lake of the elderly), the other two - Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai (lake of boys and girls) and Tivu-Ata-Polo ( enchanted lake).
The inhabitants of Flores believe that the souls of dead people end up in the lakes. The souls of the old people who have lived their lives with dignity go into the lake, which has a calm and deep dark green color, it is called the Lake of the Old People. The souls of innocent young people go into a lake of exciting bright turquoise color, which is called the Lake of Boys and Girls. And the souls of the villains go into the lake of dark brown color, which is called the Lake of Evil Souls. The Lake of Boys and Girls and the Lake of Evil Souls share a crater wall that symbolizes the fine line between innocence and evil. The Lake of the Old Men is somewhat aloof and symbolizes the wisdom that comes with age. Locals claim that if the living anger the souls of the dead, the lakes will change their color. Especially often the lake of Boys and Girls changes color, it is said that in the last twenty-five years the lake has changed its color twelve times.
Of course, scientists have their own explanation for the Kelimutu phenomenon, they argue that the lake is rich in special minerals that change their color depending on natural conditions and underground activity. But, the inhabitants of Flores still tend to stick to their point of view and most travelers who come here share the beliefs of the inhabitants. Here, indeed, there is a special mystical atmosphere and a feeling of absolute peace and silence, which makes you lower your voice, slow down and think about the eternal...
The best way to admire the magnificent views of the Kelimutu lakes is from the top of the Kelimutu volcano (1690 meters above sea level). The way to the top is not difficult and takes about 2 hours. The easiest way to get to the foot of Kelimutu is from the village of Moni, which is located just a few kilometers from the volcano. You can also go to Kelimut from Labuanbajo or Maumere. Such a trip will take all day and will cost at least $100, including transport, driver, guide and entrance fee to Kelimutu National Park.
Indonesia is the land of a thousand islands. And how many fire-breathing volcanoes are there?! Some of them sleep, while others constantly disturb the inhabitants of the country.
The famous volcano Kelimutu is located on the island of Flores. Since 1968, this sleeping giant has shown no signs of volcanic activity. Kelimutu is an ancient one that has an amazing feature.
Bright spots at the top of the volcano
Kelimutu reaches a height of 1639 meters. At its top, after the last eruption, three craters of various shapes appeared, which after a while were filled with precipitation water.
Reservoirs that are nearby change their color. Turquoise, red, brown, black, green - this is how lakes become in different periods of time!
Scientists suggest that the lakes change color from the contents due to a chemical reaction that occurs when various gases and minerals interact.
For example, the reaction between iron and hydrogen sulfide gas produces a brownish-red hue. With an increase in the level of both hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, a rich green color appears.
The legend of the most unusual lakes in the world
Residents of the village of Moni, which lies very close to the foot of the volcano, believe that these reservoirs are the abode of the souls of dead ancestors. If , then the souls are angry.
Lake Tiwu-Ata-Mbulu, located in the west of the volcano, is called the lake of old people. According to legend, it sheltered the noble souls of people who lived their lives with dignity, those who died at a ripe old age. "Lake of the Old" is a symbol of faith, knowledge and wisdom that comes with age.
Two other strange chameleon lakes are located in the neighborhood. They are separated only by a thin partition - the wall of the crater. The inhabitants of the island of Flores believe that this is a fine line separating good and evil.
The names of the lakes explain this idea. After all, one of these volcanic formations Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai, which is called the lake of boys and girls, keeps the innocent, young souls of those who passed away very early.
Incredibly, 12 times over the past quarter of a century! the water in the lake changed its color. Behind the partition is the "lake of black, evil souls" Tivu-Ata-Polo, where the souls of sinners languish.
Miraculous transformations in the volcanic lakes of Kelimutu
It is impossible to know for sure what color the water will be tomorrow in each of the lakes. Now the “lake of old people” is black, the lake of “young souls” is green. The enchanted "lake of sinners" is currently brown.
Previously, these reservoirs were, respectively, white, turquoise and red. In 2010, Tivu Ata Mbulu was painted dark green, Tivu Nua Muri Kooh Tai a beautiful bright turquoise, and Tivu Ata Polo Lake was tinted with moss green.
How to get to colored lakes in Indonesia
Thousands of travelers during their holidays in Indonesia visit the Kelimutu National Park to see the chameleon lakes. The village of Moni can be reached from the towns of Ende (51 km) and Maumere (62 km). Next up is the road trip. 40 minutes - and you are at the parking lot near the foot of the volcano. Another half an hour - and colored lakes will appear before you.
At the top there is a convenient observation deck from which guests of Indonesia can enjoy a fantastic landscape. Sunsets and sunrises give the lakes bright, rich colors. In the late morning, thick fog thickens the atmosphere of secrets and mysteries in the area around the lakes.
Important: beware of walking on the volcanic stone outside the designated paths. An experienced guide will help you plan the route. Remember that the surface of the rocks on the slopes of the volcano is very slippery. Do not approach the lakes, because the vapors cause fainting.
The volcanoes of Indonesia, including the mysterious giant Kelimutu with colored lakes, are on the list of attractions of this island country. The natural sites of the Kelimutu National Park in Indonesia are protected by UNESCO.
Kelimutu and its colored lakes photo
It's done. I made it to the Kelimutu volcano! Itself, across the country, having made an unforgettable journey through Indonesia by public transport. After the village, I left for Ende and the next day for Moni, from there it is convenient to go to the volcano. I tell about my visit to this masterpiece of nature and one of the best places on Earth, I will show a photo, and then useful information on how to get there and my stories. See the volcano on the map at the end of the article.
Kelimutu Volcano
Kelimutu Volcano is one of the best attractions in Indonesia, attracting tourists with colorful lakes in its crater. Mount Kelimutu is located on the island of Flores, 51 km from the city of Ende - the administrative center. About an hour drive. How to get there I will write at the end of the article.
The volcano is considered extinct, although the last eruption was not so long ago in 1968. The height of the Kelimutu volcano is 1639 m. The height of the walls of the craters is from 50 to 150 meters. The name means "Keli" - mountain "Mutu" - boiling.
Colorful lakes of Kelimutu volcano
Three different colored lakes in the craters of a volcano- black, blue and red - this is the most interesting and extraordinary miracle of nature. Lakes change their color from time to time, and sometimes they do not correspond to their names at all.
Over the past 25 years, the red lake has changed its color 12 times. My photo was taken on March 8, 2013. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this red (brown) lake in the photos taken in the same year at the end of August - it was light blue !!! As usual, any mountain has its own legends, and even more so, such an amazing one as Kelimutu.
The best time to go look at the lakes is to meet the dawn. The amazing views and colors of the lake changed before my eyes when the sun appeared from blue-gray to emerald green.
I wasn't sure I would wake up, so there wasn't a 100% deal with the rider, even though it was cheap. However, she woke up at night herself and, just like a couple of weeks ago, persuaded herself to get up and go, so as not to regret later. And she did the right thing. I came to the house of an already familiar elderly uncle, with whom I was traveling on a bus and with whom I had dinner in his home cafe. It is good that he is a Muslim and did not sleep so early, but prayed. She knocked on the door of the tiny room where the light came from. He opened it and went to wake his son. Within a few minutes we were riding a motorbike to Mount Kelimutu. to meet the dawn, it was still a little dark and very cool. I walked along the path immediately to the observation deck, where local residents rescued frozen tourists, like me, frozen tourists, with hot tea and coffee from brought thermoses. Here are the good guys! Tea with lemon and fresh ginger, for mere pennies - sitting in front of the lake waiting for the already rising sun - it's super! And I was thinking where the locals go with bales when I walked from the entrance to the observation deck. 
Surprise
But an even bigger super expected me later. God, how happy I am and how lucky I am again! I met on the third!!! times the same couple of foreigners who lived in the next room in the same family hotel in Bajav. This is what I love most about traveling! The day before, by accident! I stumbled upon their house when I was looking for housing, and in a place where there was not a soul at all. And now again, to Kelimuta. There will be someone to ask to take a picture 😀 By the way, these guys came from Ruteng on a rented motorcycle (I envied them a little, although I saw the same beauty, but from the bus window)
Legends of the Kelimutu Lakes
Three lakes of the volcano and each has its own name and mystical purpose.
A lake that is located separately - black (white) of the usual type is called in the local language “Tiwu Ata Polo” Tiwu Ata Polo is a lake inhabited by evil spirits or evil souls of people who have committed evil deeds or crimes. It is called the "Lake of evil spirits"
Almost nearby, opposite this black, is blue (green) lake “Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Tiwu” Nua Muri Koo Fai Tiwu- in this beautiful lake, the souls of dead children and people who died at a young age found their shelter - this is a lake of girls and boys, boys and girls.
And next to him through a small wall is the red lake is called "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" Tiwu Mutu Ata- according to legend, the souls of deceased ancestors, parents live in it, some call it "the lake of the elderly."
According to local beliefs, if the souls of the dead are disturbed, then the lake will change color. Well, how else could illiterate people explain such a phenomenon.
In the meantime, the sun was already dispelling the darkness and haze, and with every minute the amazing views amazed the imagination more and more. Such a mysterious natural mystery seemed to open its doors with the rays of the sun.
The views are amazing! I just wanted to walk around and look into every corner, climb a mountain and embrace the immensity. For scale, try to see me in the white jacket in the photo below. Cat point.
It became warmer and warmer, everything sparkled with bright colors - I was so happy that even these two foreigners gradually began to fool around with me and also take funny pictures. And I jumped like a ball, here and there - everything was so beautiful, unusual, awesome, cool!
Having seen enough, we went for a walk around and closer. Therefore, saying goodbye to the black lake and taking another photo, already in clear weather, we headed to the red lake and the isthmus between the lakes.
The little white house on top of the mountain is just the observation deck from where I started to meet the dawn, where I drank tea and met a couple of these guys with whom we had a wonderful time, because of my emotions whipping over the edge mainly.
Here it is this stone watershed. 
Wall between lakes. It just seems that she is low - she is not even small.
On the way we met a bunch of monkeys, well, how could it be without them if they are ubiquitous. One agreed to the photo.
The sun had already risen and was pleasantly hot, and the colors of the lake were simply amazing, brighter and brighter. The blue sky and the stone walls of the volcano reflected in the lake and gave additional shades. One became a real emerald color, and the other dark brown with a reddish tint.
Why are Kelimutu lakes colorful?
In fact, real chemical reactions take place in the lakes, almost like in a giant natural test tube. This can even be observed - traces sometimes appear on the surface - foam or .... The water in the lake contains many minerals, which, reacting with vapors and liquids from the bowels of the volcano, color the water in the lakes in different colors. Hydrogen sulfide seeps into the cracks at the bottom, hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, respectively, do their job. It is clear that temperature, pressure and other factors also affect these processes.
Kelimutu National Park
The area around Mount Kelimutu is a nature protection zone and has been declared a national park since 1992 - this smallest national park in Indonesia occupies only 50 square meters. km., but it attracts with its beauty and amazing colorful lakes. The highest peak of the park is Mount Kelibara, 1731 m above sea level.
Entrance to the park paid in 2014 cost 20 thousand rupees a ticket plus 3 thousand rupees something else, maybe for entry on a motorbike. For photography with a camera, you need to pay another 50 thousand rupees. I paid 23 thousand rupees and that's it. There is a well-organized path to the craters, which will take about half an hour to walk from the parking lot.
There are amazing views all around! So I wanted to go around, climb some mountain. Explore the entire national park. But the motorcyclist waited for me for several hours at the main entrance. So 6 hours was not enough for me.
On the way back, we observed beautiful views, and in the distance you can see the blue sea. 🙂 We stopped to take pictures, I said goodbye to my already familiar foreigners and the driver took me to one of the hot springs, which turned out to be very small.
Then we stopped at a small waterfall and I again returned to the village of Moni, where I spent two more days.
Kelimutu Volcano on the map
How to get to Kelimutu volcano
From the city of Ende, it is only an hour by bus or car on a very scenic road. The bus costs - 15-25 thousand rupees, as you can manage. I went for 15 thousand.
From the city Ende, where there is an airport from which planes fly to and other different cities too. From the airport, you can even walk to small hotels or guesthouses. And of course, get where you need by taxi or bemo.
From the city Maumere, to go about three hours on a bus that runs to Ende through the village of Moni. You can buy tickets in the form below or use this link to find a hotel
Moni- the most convenient point where tourists usually stop. There are guesthouses, home stays, various cafes.
At the top of the Kelimutu volcano, in its very crater, there are three lakes, it would seem that this is so unusual, but it is unusual that they are all different in color. And they can even change their color from time to time, which is why these lakes are also considered mystical.
Volcano Kelimutu, located approximately in the middle of the Indonesian island of Flores (Flores), is considered perhaps the main attraction of the island. The volcano rises to 1639 meters above sea level, which belongs to the Indonesian East Lesser Sunda Islands. Its last eruption was more than forty years ago. After the eruption, depressions-colders formed in the magma, in which water from atmospheric precipitation forms lakes, in this case as many as three.
Each of the three lakes has its own name, the local inhabitants of the Lio tribe endow them with the ability to absorb the souls of dead people, and when the souls in the lakes get angry, they change their color. "Lake of the Elderly" (Tiwu Ata Mbupu), located at the western point of the volcano and which is located separately from the others, it is turquoise in color. And here come the souls of the elderly who led a pious lifestyle. Two other lakes are located side by side and separated from each other by a crater wall, one of them is called the "lake of boys and girls" (Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai), it is green and the souls of young people fall into it. And the third is the "Enchanted Lake" (Tiwu Ata Polo) of blood-red color, and according to beliefs, the souls of sinners and murderers get here. The colors of the lakes change from black to turquoise, red or green.
But scientists have their own explanation for the color of the lakes, the variability is explained by the presence of dissolved minerals of various nature in the water. It all depends on the chemical reactions and elements found in each of the lakes, and it is strange that each of the lakes, even those that are in close proximity to each other, contains different chemical elements and is therefore painted in different colors. Sulfuric and hydrochloric acids give the green color to the lake, red is the result of the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with iron, although in recent years the water of the red lake has darkened, and now it has already become almost black. There is also a second explanation for the change in the color of lakes, that incoming volcanic gases react with the minerals contained in the lakes and change their color.
Volcano Kelimutu on the island of Flores is a miracle of nature, which, due to its remoteness, remains wild, but, nevertheless, thanks to its unusual, colored lakes, it has become famous throughout the world and has become a favorite place for tourists and travelers who every year become in this place everything more.
In the morning, the lakes are covered with fog and they are poorly visible, and therefore it is best to visit the lake in the afternoon, by this time the fog usually dissipates or at dawn, before the fog appears. Tourists who decide to see the lakes need to be prepared for a long route, and it is best to stay overnight in the nearby small farming village of Moli, which often serves as a stopping point for tourists.
