all around indonesia: MYSTICAL KELIMUTU LAKE, ENDE, EAST NUSA TENGGARA

Kelimutu Lake is located in Kelimutu Mt, a part of Flores National Park. The lake is situated at an altitude of 1.631 meters (5.400 feet) above sea level. This lake is actually the crater of the mountain filled by rain water. Some herbs that can be found around the lake that is “Kesambi” (Schleichera oleosa), Pine, and Edelweiss. Animals around the lake are deer, boar, forest chicken (Gallus Gallus) and eagle.

Kelimutu is compiled by the words "Keli" (mountain) and "Mutu" (boiling). According to the locals, the colors of Lake Flores has a special meaning and have a very powerful force of nature. This lake (local term: tiwu) is formed by three smaller lakes corresponding to the colors that exist in it. Each lake has a water color that is always changing every year. 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 the evils or witches. While the white lake or Tiwu Ata Mbupu is a gathering place for the souls of parents who have died.

In the morning, sunrise time at 4.30 to 11.00, is the best time to witness the beauty of the lake. While the daytime, even afternoon, this beautiful view is usually impeded by thick fog. The best season to visit Kelimutu Lake is dry season between July and September.

On weekdays, visitors are charged entrance fee of IDR 3.000, but on the weekend, visitors are charged IDR 5.000.

TRANSPORTATION

The journey begin from the provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara, Kupang, to Ende on Flores Island, by plane (ticket about IDR 600.000 and airport tax IDR 20.000) with a travel time of up to 40 minutes.

It continues by public transport mini-buses, private travel cars or a motorcycle taxi to the Moni village, within 52 km (32 miles), takes about 3 hours. Rates varied between IDR 50.000 - IDR 150.000.

Moni village toward the parking lot as far as 12 km (7,5 miles). From the parking lot to the crater walking along the climbing route about 1 km (a half miles), for 30 minutes.