Kelimutu Lake: A Hidden Treasure of Flores Island
Indonesia has many breathtaking places that need to be explored day by day. Among many tourist attractions that we can find, there is a place that needs to be listed in our plan. This place is called Kelimutu Lake which is located in Ende Regency, Flores Island. The lake is actually on a mountain which has the same name, Kelimutu. This mountain is one of the mountains that is more than one thousand meters high in Indonesia. Thus, the lake is like a hidden treasure because one should take a trip through a long and rocky road to reach the place. The prominent thing about this place is the three different colors of the lake that surely will leave you breathless with excitement. According to mythology, the lake is a resting place for the departed souls.
The Wonderful Three-Colored Lakes in Kelimutu
Kelimutu Lake was first discovered by Van Such Telen, a Dutch military high commander in 1915. The place then became more popular after Bouman noted about this lake in 1929. The lake consists of three different lakes. Each lake has a different color. The one on the western side has a blue color. And the other two lakes have green and red color. The two lakes are separated by the same crater wall. The colors of the lake may change periodically. However, the color changes are said to be unpredictable. No one can predict when and what colors the lake will change into. The colors can vary from blue, green, red, white, or even black. This natural phenomenon can be an exciting attraction for all travelers after taking a long journey to the mountain.
The tourists coming from the outside of the island usually go there by plane. The two nearest airports are Frans Seda Airport in Maumere and H.Hasan Aroboesmanairport in Ende. After arriving at the airport, tourists then can take a drive to Moni which is the closest village to Kelimutu Mountain. The drive takes about 3 hours. However, the journey is still not ended yet at Moni. To reach Kelimutu Lake, tourists should take another trip through Kelimutu Mountain. It can be done by trekking or driving a car. Hotels will not be found in Moni village because it is a traditional village. For those who want to stay at hotels may go to Ende or Maumere instead.
Surrounded by forest, the Kelimutu Lake has a number of both flora and fauna. Most of the species are endemic which means they cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. The best time to visit the lake is in the early morning. At that time, the fog surrounding the mountain cleared so visitors were able to see the breathtaking view of the lake along with beautiful sunrise. You should go there with your friends or family to enjoy the lake together. Also, it’s good to take pictures there because of its beautiful view. So if you are visiting Indonesia, then Kelimutu Lake is one of the interesting places that is really recommended.