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The natural beauty of Lake Kelimutu on the Indonesian island of Flores

Mount Kelimutu is a volcano located on Flores Island, NTT Province, Indonesia. The exact location of this mountain is in Pemo Village, Kelimutu District, Ende Regency. This mountain has three crater lakes at its peak. This lake is known as the Three Color Lake because it has three different colors, namely red, blue and white. Even so, these colors always change over time.


Kelimutu is a combination of the words "keli" which means mountain and the word "quality" which means to boil. According to local residents' beliefs, the colors of Lake Kelimutu have their respective meanings and have very powerful natural forces.

The history of Kelimutu Lake is are Lake or Tiwu Kelimutu is divided into three parts that correspond to the colors in the lake. The blue lake or "Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai" is a gathering place for the souls of young people who have died. The red lake or "Tiwu Ata Polo" is a gathering place for the souls of people who have died and as long as they live they always commit crimes. While the white lake or "Tiwu Ata Mbupu" is a gathering place for the souls of parents who have died.

Residents around Lake Kelimutu believe that when the lake changes color, they must give offerings to the spirits of people who have died.
The area of ​​the three lakes is around 1,051,000 square meters with a water volume of 1,292 million cubic meters. The boundary between lakes is a narrow stone wall that is prone to landslides. This wall is very steep with a slope angle of 70 degrees. The height of the lake wall ranges from 50 to 150 meters.

Lake Kelimutu is a natural wonder that has extraordinary appeal. As quoted from the book Attitudes Enchanting Lake Arwah published by the Kelimutu National Park.
This lake is very special because there are three craters close together and the color of the lake water is different for each crater. Lake Kelimutu itself is an active volcano area.

The attraction of Lake Kelimutu is inseparable from the myths that develop. The surrounding community believes that Lake Kelimutu is a place where ancestral spirits live.

The first crater is the Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko Fai crater which is the place where souls lived when they were young to do evil. Furthermore, the lake Tiwu Ata Mbupu which is a place where parents live or wise souls.

Some people also believe that the change in the color of lake water is a sign that something is happening in a country or in Indonesia in particular. Every year an ancestral spirit feeding ceremony is held every August 14 at Lake Kelimutu.

Head of Administration of Kelimutu National Park, Joko Waluyo, said that his office is also carrying out various activities to support the existence of Lake Kelimutu such as holding trekking activities to Kelimutu and developing cooperation with residents around Lake Kelimutu.

In addition, they also promote a variety of animals and natural charm that are in the Kelimutu National Park. Thus, tourists who come to Kelimutu enjoy the beauty of Lake Kelimutu

1. Route to the Kelimutu Lake area


Geographically, Lake Kelimutu is within the Kelimutu National Park area, Ende Regency. To get to Lake Kelimutu, you can start the journey from the center of Ende City.
From Ende City, you can head to the village at the foot of Mount Kelimutu, which is Moni Village. The distance from the village of Moni to the gate of the Kelimutu National Park can be reached by walking about 30 minutes.
Moni Village can also be accessed via Labuan Bajo. From Labuan Bajo, you can choose a bus or mini bus heading to Maumere, then get off at Moni Village. Coordinate here

2. Ticket prices

Kelimutu National Park is actually a cheap tourist destination. You only have to prepare around Rp. 20,000 for the entrance ticket.
While for foreign tourists, the ticket price is around Rp150 thousand. Fun again, the manager has accepted non-cash payment instruments, such as credit and debit cards.

3. Facilities and Accommodation

Actually there are no lodging accommodations around Lake Kelimutu. However, you don't need to worry, you can still rent lodging in the village of Moni, which is the initial entrance to the Kelimutu National Park.
In the village of Moni, many offer lodging with varying rates. You can still find lodging at a rate of around Rp150 thousand per night.
In addition, you can also rent a motorbike for local residents, if you want to go around enjoying the scenery in Moni Village.

4. Tips when visiting Flores

The right time to visit Lake Kelimutu is before sunrise or sunrise. Lake Kelimutu is known to have the best sunrise panorama in the world.
Before heading to Lake Kelimutu, it is advisable to spend the night in the village of Moni. You can start the journey to Lake Kelimutu at around 3:30 in the morning.
After coming down from Lake Kelimutu, don't rush home. You can enjoy the panoramic view of nature in the village of Moni which is no less charming. This village has a view of hills and rice fields with a terracing system.
Furthermore, the beauty of Moni Waterfall that may be missed. The location is only about two kilometers from Lake Kelimutu.

The information above can be your provision for a vacation to Lake Kelimutu. Happy holiday!