Lake Kelimutu lies in Mount Kelimutu. It has three different colors, and they all have
different names. When you visit the lake, you will find mystical belief binds
local people who live around the lake. They believe that three lakes are the
resting place of their ancestors’ spirit. It is said that the color of the lake
changes depending on the mood of the spirit. If this is true, then the spirits
of the ancestors are actually constantly restless.
The names of the
three lakes are Tiwu Ata Mbupu (The
Lake of Old People), which lies at the
western part of the mountain with blue color; Tiwu
Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (The
Lake of Young Men and Maidens) with green
color; and Tiwu Ata Polo (The Enchanted Lake) with red blood color. The two latter mentioned share
the same crater wall. The three lakes create the most fantastic view of the
landscape.
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Location
Lake
Kelimutu is located right on the peak of Mount Kelimutu.
While, Kelimutu Mount is situated in Flores Island. The nearest city to the
mount is about 60 km away. Such distance surely makes the mount along with the
lakes look remote. However, when you are about to visit the lake, you don’t
need to worry. Visitors usually start their journey from a small farming village,
Moni Village. The village has become some kind of base camp for those who want
to have a trip to the lake.
This is the best
place to start trekking to explore Mount Kelimutu and enjoy the wonderful
panorama of the different color lakes. It takes hard work to reach the
mountain. You have to travel from Maumere (62 km) or Ende (51 km) to Moni for
about an hour. There are daily public transportations serving visitors.
However, you will have to travel longer with the public transportation. You
will need about 4 hours to reach Moni.
Activities
The
activities you can do in Lake Kelimutu include village trip, trekking and
exploration. There are many things you can explore in the lake and the
mountain. You can learn the geological condition around the lake and find out
how the lakes were formed. Trekking will give you challenging experience as the
track around the beach is quite difficult, steep and slippery. You need a guide
to lead you the way to the lake and the mountain. You can take pictures of you and
your friends once you got there. The lake and the mountain will be amazing
background.
Accommodations
If
you start your journey from Moni, you can spend the night in this village. You
can find various budget rates to mid-range cottages or hotels in this village.
However, if you start your journey from Detusoko Village – another base camp
towards the lake – you can spend the night on the lodge provided for guests,
i.e. Wisma Santu Fransiskus. The lodge provides complete facilities for
visitors, and you will feel convenient staying in this lodge.
Visiting
Lake Kelimutu will give you unforgettable experience as the lake is so amazing
that it will always be kept in your mind.
