Kelimutu Lake

Travelling to Indonesia’s eastern part like East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and Papua are not as easy when you’re travelling to the western part of Indonesia. Infrastructures for both transportation and accommodation are not as good as other parts, especially Bali. But these parts of Indonesia is suitable for travelers who wish to seek a more adventuring kind of travelling and offers a lot of wonders to be explored.

Let’s head out to Flores, located at East Nusa Tenggara province it’s directly at the right side of Lombok Island. What can be found in this island is the magnificent three color lake on top of a mountain. Kelimutu Lake is actually a three lake located at the summit of a passive volcano, and also known as one of the wonders of the world.

The beauty of these lakes lie on their unnatural color – unlike normal lakes, it’s believe that the minerals from the mountain which affected the lakes varying colors. But until now, it is unknown of which specific mineral affects each color in the lake. The lake is a perfect spot for photographers looking for some natural photos and the trip to get there could be very challenging because the lack of infrastructures. According to the native beliefs (The Lio People), the spirits of the dead travel in these lakes.

The spirits of good old people go to the western lake Tiwi Ata Mbupu which is commonly red. Old people spirits who have done a lot of bad things go to Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched, or Enchanted Lake) which is commonly black. The young-dead spirits go to Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens spirits) which have the color of blue and lite-green.

Traveling to this site could be reached from Denpasar, Bali or other cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Jogjakarta. A flight from Denpasar to Maumere is avalaible with jet planes, one of the airlines which provide air travel to Maumere, Flores is Merpati airlines. If you’re trying to travel from Jakarta the airline ticket is about 3 million rupiahs (US$ 300) for a back-and-forth travel.

Flores Coffee

There are about five hotels in the city like Ben Guan and Permata Sari hotel in Maumere and the dish served here are mostly seafood. But if you’re seeking more adventure you could stay at Moni, a transit place before climbing Kelimutu. Rooms run by the Moni locals are available for rent at a price of 150 to 200 thousands rupiahs (US$ 15 – 20) per night; these rooms are clean and have a good sanitation.

The climate at Kelimutu mountain are cold and best bring some thick clothing and jackets (about 5 Celcius). You could try some of the black Flores coffee to help you warm-up. Kelimutu Lake was also featured in one of Indonesia’s Rupiah. It’s no longer a valid money as it was pulled from circulation in 2006.

Kelimutu Lake featured in Rupiah

Map of Kelimutu

See a bigger map