Unique tricolor lakes in the crater of the Kelimutu volcano

Kelimutu Volcano - this mystical place is located on the island of Flores, lost in the ocean, which is rarely visited by tourists due to its remoteness and poorly developed tourist infrastructure. Even in the sky, flying over Flores, you can see a bright turquoise spot that stands out sharply against the dark green that covers the island. This is one of the three Kelimutu crater lakes, with which the legends and beliefs of local residents are closely intertwined.

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1. Kelimutu lakes are located in a volcano on the island of Flores (altitude 1639 m.), which belongs to the Indonesian Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. The volcano last erupted in 1968, after which it shows no signs of activity. After the eruption, depressions-calders were formed in the magma, in which water from atmospheric precipitation forms three lakes.

2. Why are Kelimutu lakes famous? Not even because they are multi-colored, but because the lakes are constantly changing color. For example, a black lake becomes turquoise after a few years, then red, and then green. This variability is explained by the presence of dissolved minerals of various nature in the water. Chemical reactions between them lead to the dynamic multicolored Kelimut. The green color is sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, the red is the result of the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with iron, although in recent years the water of the red lake has darkened, and now it has become almost black. As can be seen from the photographs, the two lakes are literally a few meters apart, and yet their depths contain different minerals, respectively, and they themselves are painted in different colors.

3. Representatives of the local Lio tribe tell the legend of Kelimutu. According to this legend, the souls of the dead go to the lakes. The souls of old people live in the red lake, the souls of those who died young live in the green lake, and the souls of children live in the white one. According to another version, sinners and murderers fall into the red lake, young people into the green one, old people and the righteous into the turquoise one. It is difficult for Europeans to understand the philosophy of the Lio tribe, although they themselves distribute souls without any problems and even claim that the color change indicates that the spirits living in the lakes are angry.

4. The official names of the lakes are as follows: in the west of the volcano (at a distance from others) - Tivu-Ata-Mbupu (lake of the elderly), the other two - Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai (lake of boys and girls) and Tivu-Ata- Polo (enchanted lake).

5. Residents of Flores believe that the souls of dead people fall into the lakes. The souls of the old people who have lived their lives with dignity go into the lake, which has a calm and deep dark green color, it is called the Lake of the Old People. The souls of innocent young people go into a lake of exciting bright turquoise color, which is called the Lake of Boys and Girls. And the souls of the villains go into the lake of dark brown color, which is called the Lake of Evil Souls. The Lake of Boys and Girls and the Lake of Evil Souls share a crater wall that symbolizes the fine line between innocence and evil. The Lake of the Old Men is somewhat aloof and symbolizes the wisdom that comes with age. Locals claim that if the living anger the souls of the dead, the lakes will change their color. Especially often the lake of Boys and Girls changes color, it is said that in the last twenty-five years the lake has changed its color twelve times.

6. Of course, scientists have their own explanation for the Kelimutu phenomenon, they argue that the lake is rich in special minerals that change their color depending on natural conditions and underground activity. But, the inhabitants of Flores still tend to stick to their point of view and most travelers who come here share the beliefs of the inhabitants. Here, indeed, there is a special mystical atmosphere and a feeling of absolute peace and silence, which makes you lower your voice, slow down and think about the eternal...

7. Admire the magnificent views of the Kelimutu lakes from the top of the Kelimutu volcano (1690 meters above sea level). The way to the top is not difficult and takes about 2 hours. The easiest way to get to the foot of Kelimutu is from the village of Moni, which is located just a few kilometers from the volcano. You can also go to Kelimut from Labuanbajo or Maumere. Such a trip will take all day and will cost at least $100, including transport, driver, guide and entrance fee to Kelimutu National Park.

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