Nestled in the eastern part of Indonesia, Flores Island is a hidden gem in the vast Indonesian archipelago. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Flores offers travelers a unique experience far from the usual tourist trails. Among its many attractions, one stands out as both a geological marvel and a spiritual symbol — Mount Kelimutu and its three colored crater lakes.
Flores Island: Indonesia's Untouched Paradise
Flores, part of the East Nusa Tenggara province, stretches across more than 13,500 square kilometers. Its name, which means "flowers" in Portuguese, reflects the island's lush vegetation and colonial history. Flores is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and ancestral beliefs. Visitors to the island can enjoy everything from traditional weaving villages and scenic rice terraces to pristine beaches and world-renowned diving spots in Komodo National Park.
But for many, the journey to Flores wouldn’t be complete without a pilgrimage to Kelimutu National Park.
Kelimutu Volcano: The Mountain of Spirits
Mount Kelimutu, located near the small town of Moni, stands at about 1,639 meters (5,377 feet) above sea level. It's not the tallest volcano in Indonesia, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in mystery and beauty.
At its summit lie three crater lakes, each with a different color — an extraordinary phenomenon that has puzzled scientists and fascinated travelers for decades. The lakes are:
-
Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People) – usually a deep blue or turquoise.
-
Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) – often green.
-
Tiwu Ata Polo (Lake of Enchanted or Evil Spirits) – typically red or dark brown.
The colors of the lakes can change unpredictably, shifting from blue to green to black, due to the volcanic gases and mineral reactions in the water. These changes can happen over days or weeks, making each visit to Kelimutu a different experience.
A Place of Legend and Spiritual Power
For the local Lio people, the three lakes hold sacred meaning. They believe the souls of the dead migrate to these lakes based on their deeds in life. Tiwu Ata Mbupu is for the wise elders, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai for the young who died before their time, and Tiwu Ata Polo for those who committed evil or misdeeds.
As such, Kelimutu is more than just a scenic spot — it's a place of ancestral reverence and spiritual significance.
Sunrise Above the Clouds
Many visitors choose to trek up Kelimutu before dawn to catch the sunrise from the crater rim. The early morning light, combined with the eerie mist and shifting colors of the lakes, creates a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The hike is relatively short and accessible, taking about 30 minutes from the parking area to the main viewpoint.
For photographers, adventurers, and spiritual seekers alike, this is a moment of pure magic.
How to Get There
To reach Kelimutu, travelers usually fly into Ende Airport on Flores, then take a 2-3 hour drive to Moni, the nearest village to the volcano. Basic accommodation and local homestays are available in Moni, offering an authentic and peaceful stay in the mountains.
Flores Island and Mount Kelimutu represent the raw, mystical beauty of Indonesia. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of places like Bali or Jakarta, Flores invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and witness phenomena that exist nowhere else on Earth.
Whether you're drawn by the geological intrigue of the colored lakes or the spiritual depth of Lio traditions, a journey to Kelimutu is a journey into the heart of Indonesia’s lesser-known but deeply enchanting wonders.
Would you like this article adapted for a blog, travel guide, or school project format? I can also include practical travel tips or add a photo-friendly layout.