Kelimutu - tricolor lakes in Indonesia. Lakes of tears or lakes of "evil spirits" Mount Kelimutu. Indonesia


The 1639 meters high Kelimutu volcano, located on the Indonesian island of Flores, is known for its crater lakes that change color from time to time. Natural reservoirs, in which various minerals are dissolved, change color every few years, becoming turquoise, red-brown, green or black. At the same time, color transitions occur independently of each other, which strengthens the belief of local residents in the supernatural origin of the place. According to ancient myth, in the lakes of Kelimutu, the souls of the dead find their rest and shelter.

The source of multi-colored shades and the reason for such geological anomaly Kelimutu crater - minerals deposited at the bottom of each of the lakes. They gradually dissolve in water, coloring it as a result of chemical reactions. Volcanic lakes have their own names: Tiwi Ata Mbupu (translated as "Lake of the Elders and the Wise People"), Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai ("Lake of Young Souls") and Tiwu Ata Polo ("Enchanted Lake of Evil Spirits").







Overnight in the village of Moni, closest to the Kelimutu crater locality, should be booked in advance, especially during peak dates (July and August). Guest houses, as a rule, organize transfers to the lakes for additional fee. To see the sunrise on the volcano, you should leave Moni no later than four in the morning. This best time to visit the reserve, not so much because of the picturesque landscapes bathed in the sun, but because of weather conditions: in the afternoon, the lakes are often hidden by heavy fog. For a walk, you should choose warm and well-protected clothes from the wind, as well as take a lantern, water and snacks with you. However, early in the morning locals tea and coffee are prepared for tourists on the trail.

How to get there

The Kelimutu lakes are located in the central part of the island of Flores, 60 kilometers northeast of the city of Ende and 105 kilometers southwest of the city of Maumere. They have small airports with flights from major cities- Denpasar, Kupanga, Labuan Bayo and Tambolaka.

Travel time from Maumere, the largest of the two cities closest to Kelimut, to the volcano is three to four hours, depending on weather conditions. The road passes through mountainous terrain and is quite exhausting, so most tourists stop in the small village of Moni for an overnight stay before visiting the lakes. a little rest. In addition, it is a convenient transfer point in case you are traveling by scheduled buses; they go to the village from Maumere and Ende several times a day. From Moni, located 15 kilometers from Kelimutu, buses also run to the crater. They are very popular with local population and, as a rule, they drive crowded, so the best option to get to the sights - a taxi, since the locals willingly give tourists a lift.

Location

Kelimutu Volcano is located on the territory of the national park of the same name, located on the island of Flores, which is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.

The lakes of the Kelimutu volcano are one of the most beautiful natural wonders. They attract many tourists to Flores Island and Kelimutu National Park. The peculiarity of the reservoirs is that the water in neighboring lakes differs in color. Moreover, the waters of one lake change color over time. Travelers are ready to endure a difficult path to the top of the volcano to admire the beautiful mountain scenery, lush vegetation on the slopes of the mountains and amazing lakes in the crater of a majestic volcano.

Volcano Kelimutu

Kelimutu volcano is part of the fiery Pacific ring of volcanoes. Its height is 1639 m above sea level. Sometimes he is active, although this is not accompanied by severe destruction. The last time the eruption occurred in 1968 in the form of clouds of yellow smoke, ash and a small release of magma. Max Height emissions amounted to 48 m. Since then, the volcano is calm and signs of seismic and volcanic activity not seen nearby.

The National Park, which is located near Kelimutu, impresses with beautiful nature and big amount living creatures. The area of ​​the park exceeds 4.5 hectares, on which there are many flowering lianas, pines, and red trees. There are also casuarinas and edelweiss. Among the mountains you can find the entrance to the picturesque caves. Among the fauna of the park, 19 endemic species were found - animals that live only here.

These places are good for walking and relaxing in the bosom of nature. Although at times, to get through dense thickets, you need good physical fitness. Due to high humidity and constant warm weather, the slopes up to the very top are covered with greenery.

Description and legends

The upper part of Kelimutu consists of bare rocks formed by solidified lava with three small depressions. Water accumulated in the depressions and lakes formed. Two of them are very close and are separated by a narrow stone bridge. The third lake is 1.4 km away. Water gradually destroys rocky walls and leaches minerals from their thickness. Some scientists believe that there is a crack at the bottom through which volcanic gases penetrate to the surface.

Coloring minerals differ in color and are found in the rock. Getting to the next mineral, the lake is painted again. That is, reservoirs not only differ in color from each other, periodically the color changes dramatically. The chemical reactions of substances with gases and acids that rise from the depths of the volcano also affect the color. Water samples can contain iron, hydrogen sulfide, sulfuric and hydrochloric acids.

The lakes are fed only during the rainy season, as there are no underground sources. At the same time, their depth is very large, according to scientists, the crater goes down by 1.5 km.

The locals gave it inexplicable phenomenon mystical properties, and the process of changing colors is associated with changes in one's life or in the mood of the spirits. Each lake has got its own name and legend. Not only tourists rise to the top. Here you can also meet local residents who come to talk with their dead ancestors or ask the gods for advice.

Lake of the Elder and Wise Souls (Tiwu Ata Mbupu) is a place where the spirit of people who died in old age moves. They lived a long life and gained the wisdom that comes with age. Therefore, the waters are painted in a deep dark color. The lake was brown, black or dark green. The reservoir is located away from the rest and has an almost round shape with high rocky shores.

Tiwu Ata Mbupu Lake

Lake of Young Souls (Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Fai) is a haven for the spirits of boys and girls who have left this world prematurely. This is one of the two paired lakes, which is located on the left. Its water is lighter, it acquired milky, light green, turquoise and pinkish hues. The waters in the lake are the most changeable and change every 1-3 years. Near each reservoir there is a plate with the main characteristics and dates of color change. The lake is surrounded high cliffs, they go down almost vertically.

Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Fai Lake

Across a narrow rocky barrier from Lake Nua Muri Kooh Fai is Tiwu Ata Polo - the enchanted or evil lake. It serves as the last refuge of villains and sinners. The narrow border symbolizes the temptation for young people to step into the wrong path. Tivu-Ata-Polo often takes on a bloody or brown color.

Tiwu Ata Polo Lake

Excursions to the lakes

To admire great views lakes and surrounding areas, you should go on an excursion very early. Most right time- 4 o'clock in the morning. Then, before dawn, you will be able to get to the observation deck and see the landscape in all its glory, as well as admire the unforgettable sunrise. A few hours after dawn, a thick fog rises over the reservoirs and lasts until noon. Of course, you can come to the mountain after lunch, but the heat and high humidity make the hike very tiring. And if you do not have time to return before sunset, then you will have to spend the night right here.

You can get to Kelimutu National Park by car. Also there are big tourist buses. Roads good quality but narrow and curvy. You will have to drive 12 km from the nearest village of Moni to the entrance to the park.

At the entrance you need to buy tickets and permission to shoot ($1-2 per person). The entire territory of the park is available, and not just Kelimutu with lakes. Highway rests on a small area with souvenir shops and parking for cars. The rest of the journey must be done on foot. Among the sparse forest, monkeys constantly scurry about, and flocks of bright birds fly. In 15-20 minutes along a winding path you can reach the observation deck. From it opens scenic view all three lakes.

For security reasons, metal fences have been installed, for which tourists are not recommended to go. Cases have been recorded when people stumbled and rolled into the lakes, forever disappearing into the depths of the volcano. Another reason to keep your distance is the poisonous fog. In the immediate vicinity of the lakes, the air is saturated with acid fumes, which can lead to loss of consciousness. However, some decide to extreme travel along the rocks.

To see the third lake closer, you need to go along a special path and a small staircase. There is a wonderful view from the observation deck. Nearby, the funnel surrounded by forests is not so picturesque.

How to get there?

You can get to Flores by water or by air. The island has two small airports serving domestic flights. One of them is on south coast(Ende), and the other - in the north (Maumere).

The transit point between the Kelimutu National Park and other major cities of Flores is the village of Moli. It is located at the very foot of the mountain. The distance from Moli to Ende is 51 km and to Maumere 102 km. In 2-4 hours, along a winding serpentine of narrow roads, you can get to Moli and relax before the tour.

Where to stay?

It is better to come to Moli for a few days, because you can immediately overcome long way and it will be hard to walk in the park. In heat and high humidity, fatigue sets in more quickly. There are many small restaurants and hotels in the village to comfortably spend a few days. One of the rooms can be rented from local residents. In July and August, there is the largest influx of tourists, so renting a house is harder.

It's done. I made it to the Kelimutu volcano! Herself, across the country, having made unforgettable journey in Indonesia on public transport. After the village, I left for Ende and the next day for Moni, from there it is convenient to go to the volcano. I tell about my visit to this masterpiece of nature and one of the best places on Earth, I'll show you a photo, and then helpful information how to get there and my stories. See the volcano on the map at the end of the article.

Kelimutu Volcano

Kelimutu Volcano is one of the best attractions in Indonesia, attracting tourists with colorful lakes in its crater. Mount Kelimutu is located on the island of Flores, 51 km from the city of Ende - administrative center. About an hour drive. How to get there I will write at the end of the article.

The volcano is considered extinct, although last eruption It wasn't that long ago in 1968. The height of the Kelimutu volcano is 1639 m. The height of the walls of the craters is from 50 to 150 meters. The name means "Keli" - mountain "Mutu" - boiling.

Colorful lakes of Kelimutu volcano

Three different colored lakes in the craters of a volcano- black, blue and red - this is the most interesting and extraordinary miracle of nature. Lakes change their color from time to time, and sometimes they do not correspond to their names at all.

Over the past 25 years, the red lake has changed its color 12 times. My photo was taken on March 8, 2013. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this red (brown) lake in the photos taken in the same year at the end of August - it was light blue !!! As usual, any mountain has its own legends, and even more so, such an amazing one as Kelimutu.

The best time to go look at the lakes is to meet the dawn. The amazing views and colors of the lake changed before my eyes when the sun appeared from blue-gray to emerald green.

I was not sure that I would wake up, so there was no 100% agreement with the motorcyclist, even despite his inexpensive price. However, she woke up at night herself and, just like a couple of weeks ago, persuaded herself to get up and go, so as not to regret later. And she did the right thing. I came to the house of an already familiar elderly uncle, with whom I was traveling on a bus and with whom I had dinner in his home cafe. It is good that he is a Muslim and did not sleep so early, but prayed. She knocked on the door of the tiny room where the light came from. He opened it and went to wake his son. Within a few minutes we were riding a motorbike to Mount Kelimutu. to meet the dawn, it was still a little dark and very cool. I walked along the path immediately to the observation deck, where local residents rescued frozen tourists, like me, frozen tourists, with hot tea and coffee from brought thermoses. Here are the good guys! Tea with lemon and fresh ginger, for mere pennies - sitting in front of the lake, waiting for rising sun- That's great! And I was thinking where the locals go with bales when I walked from the entrance to the observation deck.

Surprise

But an even bigger super expected me later. God, how happy I am and how lucky I am again! I met on the third!!! times the same couple of foreigners who lived in the next room in the same family hotel in Bajav. This is what I love most about traveling! The day before, by accident! I stumbled upon their house when I was looking for housing, and in a place where there was not a soul at all. And now again, to Kelimuta. There will be someone to ask to take a picture 😀 By the way, these guys came from Ruteng on a rented motorcycle (I envied them a little, although I saw the same beauty, but from the bus window)

Legends of the Kelimutu Lakes

Three lakes of the volcano and each has its own name and mystical purpose.

A lake that is located separately - a black (white) type is usually called on local language“Tiwu Ata Polo” Tiwu Ata Polo is a lake inhabited by evil spirits or evil souls of people who have committed evil deeds or crimes. It is called the "Lake of evil spirits"

Almost nearby, opposite this black, is blue (green) lake “Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Tiwu” Nua Muri Koo Fai Tiwu- in that beautiful lake the souls of dead children and people who died at a young age found their shelter - this is a lake of girls and boys, boys and girls.

And next to him through small wall located the red lake is called "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" Tiwu Mutu Ata- according to legend, the souls of deceased ancestors, parents live in it, some call it "the lake of the elderly."

According to local beliefs, if the souls of the dead are disturbed, then the lake will change color. Well, how else could illiterate people explain such a phenomenon.

In the meantime, the sun was already dispelling the darkness and haze, and with every minute the amazing views amazed the imagination more and more. Such a mysterious natural mystery seemed to open its doors with the rays of the sun.

The views are amazing! I just wanted to walk around and look into every corner, climb a mountain and embrace the immensity. For scale, try to see me in the white jacket in the photo below. Cat point.

It became warmer and warmer, everything sparkled with bright colors - I was so happy that even these two foreigners gradually began to fool around with me and also take funny pictures. And I jumped like a ball, here and there - everything was so beautiful, unusual, awesome, cool!

Having seen enough, we went for a walk around and closer. Therefore, saying goodbye to the black lake and taking another photo, already in clear weather, we headed to the red lake and the isthmus between the lakes.


A small white house on top of a mountain Observation deck, where I started to meet the dawn, where I drank tea and met a couple of these guys with whom we had a wonderful time, mainly because of my emotions whipping over the edge.

Here it is this stone watershed.

Wall between lakes. It just seems that she is low - she is not even small.

On the way we met a bunch of monkeys, well, how could it be without them if they are ubiquitous. One agreed to the photo.

The sun had already risen and was pleasantly hot, and the colors of the lake were simply amazing, brighter and brighter. The blue sky and the stone walls of the volcano reflected in the lake and gave additional shades. One became a real emerald color, and the other dark brown with a reddish tint.

Why are Kelimutu lakes colorful?

In fact, real chemical reactions take place in the lakes, almost like in a giant natural test tube. This can even be observed - traces sometimes appear on the surface - foam or .... The water in the lake contains many minerals, which, reacting with vapors and liquids from the bowels of the volcano, color the water in the lakes in different colors. Hydrogen sulfide seeps into the cracks at the bottom, hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, respectively, do their job. It is clear that temperature, pressure and other factors also affect these processes.

Kelimutu National Park

The area around Mount Kelimutu is a nature protection zone and has been declared a national park since 1992 - this is the smallest national park in Indonesia occupies only 50 sq. km., but it attracts with its beauty and amazing colorful lakes. The most high peak Park Mount Kelibara 1731 m above sea level.

Entrance to the park paid in 2014 cost 20 thousand rupees a ticket plus 3 thousand rupees something else, maybe for entry on a motorbike. For photography with a camera, you need to pay another 50 thousand rupees. I paid 23 thousand rupees and that's it. There is a well-organized path to the craters, which will take about half an hour to walk from the parking lot.

There are amazing views all around! So I wanted to go around, climb some mountain. Explore all national park. But the motorcyclist waited for me for several hours at the main entrance. So 6 hours was not enough for me.

On the way back, we observed beautiful views, and in the distance you can see the blue sea. 🙂 We stopped to take pictures, I said goodbye to my already familiar foreigners and the driver took me to one of the hot springs, which turned out to be very small.

Then we stopped at a small waterfall and I again returned to the village of Moni, where I spent two more days.

Kelimutu Volcano on the map

How to get to Kelimutu volcano

From the city of Ende it is only an hour by bus or car at a very scenic road. The bus costs - 15-25 thousand rupees, as you can manage. I went for 15 thousand.

From the city Ende where there is an airport from which planes fly to and other different cities Same. From the airport, you can even walk to small hotels or guesthouses. And of course, get where you need by taxi or bemo.

From the city Maumere, to go about three hours on a bus that runs to Ende through the village of Moni. You can buy tickets in the form below or use this link to find a hotel

Moni- the most convenient point where tourists usually stop. There are guesthouses, home stays, various cafes.

I, after visiting the village, took a bus near the city Bajava and reached Ende in about 4.5 hours. There I spent the night in an inexpensive private small hotel, saw the city a little, and went to the village of Moni on a local small bus, where I managed to fit between my grandmother and grandfather on the last row. The music screamed so that the brains flew out, but it seems only mine. Either everyone else has them wooden, motionless, or there is nothing to fly out at all. My backpacks first lay on my knees, which rested on someone's backs, legs, bags ..., and then migrated down. The aisle was packed with all sorts of things ... This is all because I again went when I please, and even on Saturday, people from the city return to their villages with full shopping bags. But everything that is done for the better - I already know that too. And so it happened. How was I then to know that a relative of the grandfather sitting next to me would take me on his motorcycle to the mountain the next day.

Crazy, but happy that I arrived, I handed 15 thousand rupees to a friendly granny sitting next to me, who wished it in every possible way and reminded me all the way, after I asked how much it cost. She told the conductor that she would pay for me. From which I immediately concluded that she would pay 10 thousand for me. Well, okay. This is Indonesia. I have learned a lot during my travels.

Well, I stayed in Moni for another day and a half, then, almost on the same route Ende - Ruteng - Labuanbajo, I went back to Labuan Bajo to catch the same ship, which goes there only twice a month. On it, I swam to, from where I had already bought a plane ticket to and then to Borneo to Kota Kinabalu, where I traveled in the state of Sabah, and then again was Thailand, but already northern - the city of Chiang Mai, from there to Laos, then to Vietnam… I have yet to write about all this. Articles require a lot of time and effort. If you have the opportunity to help develop the site, I would be very grateful. The form for this is at the very bottom of the article.

I did it

This is how it happens, at first you go where your eyes look, but it turns out you accomplish a personal feat and enrich your life with incredible impressions and experience - this is worth living for. Remember, I said that I went from the city on a boat to Sumatra in - into complete uncertainty, where my eyes are looking. And then I drove to the lake, I had no plans, but Foreign tourists told about Kelimutu and his three colorful lakes— the route developed itself. Or rather, its purpose. Well, what can I say - I'm happy that I saw Kelimuta. Read other articles on the site and share with friends. I would be very grateful if you have the opportunity to provide any assistance in the development of the site. The form for this is at the very bottom of the page. Perhaps I will gather a small group and take as a guide to this wonderful place. Life will show.

An example of the unusual design of nature are colorful lakes. They are scattered all over the world and annually attract the attention of millions of tourists. Among all amazing lakes Three lakes of this kind stand out favorably, which have risen to a height of more than one and a half kilometers above sea level and are kept apart.

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We are talking about the famous multi-colored lakes of Kelimutu, in Indonesia. It's three crater lakes, which are located on top of the now dormant volcano. The volcano is located on the island of Flores, which belongs to Indonesia. Last time The volcano made itself felt back in 1968. Since then, scientists have not observed any alarming signs of seismic activity, so visiting the colorful Kelimutu lakes is an absolutely safe undertaking. At the top of the volcano, these legendary three lakes are located, the water in which is able to change the shade of water during the year from turquoise to red or even black.

On this occasion, it will be interesting to learn about the legends that exist among the natives of the island. The indigenous people of the island firmly believed that these places are sacred and sacred, so it was a grave sin to desecrate them. The natives believed that the souls of dead relatives rest in these colorful lakes. The color of the water in the lake changes when the living have angered the dead with something and they show their dissatisfaction in this way.

This legend, or rather beliefs, explain why reservoirs have such strange names In the original language. The western reservoir has the unpronounceable name Tivu-Ata-Mbupu, which translates as “lake of the old”, and the other two are Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai and Tivu-Ata-Polo. The original titles are translated in different ways. So, for example, the second lake is called both the "lake of the young" and the "lake of boys and girls." And the last reservoir has a slightly ominous and mysterious name: “enchanted lake”.

legends

The first lake became in some way a haven for people who lived to a respectable age and lived their lives with dignity and were respected among those around them. That is why this lake is at some distance from the other two, since real wisdom can only be comprehended over the years.

About the second reservoir, which is called the "lake of boys and girls", we can say the following: in this lake the souls of people who left this world young are buried. It is worth noting that the color of the water in this lake changes especially often, perhaps this indicates that youth is a very changeable time of life. And finally, the third lake, which has such an ominous name, became a haven, according to legend, for the souls of murderers and criminals.

Also curious is the fact that the last two lakes are in close proximity to each other and they are separated only by a narrow crater wall. According to legend, this suggests that sometimes the line between what is right and what is false is very thin and easy to cross. An important reminder hidden in the crater lakes!

Like unusual and unique places? Then I recommend that you familiarize yourself with Lake Powell in the USA. Trust me, you will be impressed.

These legends quite interestingly interpret and explain this amazing natural phenomenon. We can say that such an explanation sounds rather ominous, but in fact, these lakes inspire and inspire everyone who visits them. What do scientists say about this, who have been investigating with interest for a long time the reasons for the unusual color of the water in the lakes?

Water color change

On this moment there is such a completely logical explanation for this phenomenon: chemical reactions that occur in the water of the lake. Through various cracks, volcanic gases enter the water of the lake, which, together with various minerals, form a chemical reaction that affects the color of the water in the lakes. So, for example, when iron elements and hydrogen sulfide react, the water turns red. The high concentration of hydrochloric and sulfuric acids explains the rich green color of the reservoir.

It is worth noting that scientists cannot fully explain this phenomenon, since over the past 20 years the color of the water in the lakes has changed a total of 12 times. If used to be a lake"evil souls" or "enchanted lake" was a rich scarlet color, then over time it became darker and now it is almost black.

observation decks

Most beautiful view to these amazing picturesque lakes open from special viewing platforms, which are located at the very top of the Kelimutu volcano. Such sites have a favorable location so that they offer a truly unforgettable view from the most successful angles. In addition, the sites are specially equipped to prevent various incidents and accidents. The most advantageous multi-colored lakes look against the backdrop of the rising sun early in the morning or during beautiful sunset In the evening. Later in the morning, the lakes are enveloped in fog, which gives these places some mystery and mystery. At such moments, it becomes clear why the locals consider these places sacred.

Walking and viewing lakes from places not intended for this is not always safe, since the volcanic stone is quite slippery. In addition, evaporation that comes from the surface of water bodies can cause general weakness and fainting.

Information for tourists

It is worth noting that if you decide to visit these amazing places, you will be able to see not only the famous colorful lakes. Kelimutu volcano with its lakes is only a small part nature reserve which is under the protection of UNESCO. The volcano is located in the middle of the picturesque jungle, which covers an area of ​​about 5 hectares. On the territory of this reserve, in the middle of the jungle, there are also caves with stalactites and waterfalls. So you can enjoy not only the contemplation of lakes of an unusual color, but also see beautiful scenery tropical forest.

closest to the volcano Big City is located 60 km. This is the city of Ende, small in size, but quite complete, where tourists can find everything they need. Here tourists can find shelter, food, and necessary medicines. In close proximity to the volcano with its lakes, there is a small farming village of Moli, which tourists often use as a transit point and a place to relax.

Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see these amazing places. And although there are colorful lakes in other places, here nature really did its best. Three lakes with completely different water colors are relatively apart from each other. There is no need to dream of such a thing. But you should hurry, because this unique natural monument can disappear at one moment and no longer surprises and excites the inhabitants of the planet. If the Kelimutu volcano starts to act again, then as a result of the eruption, the lakes will disappear without a trace.

Indonesians are in awe of this amazing place and do their best to keep this place safe and sound for future generations. The image of these three lakes was on the banknote of 5 thousand rupees at one time and was in some way a symbol of the whole country. These lakes deserve to be seen with your own eyes. Photos of lakes posted on the Internet cannot convey even a small fraction of the unimaginable beauty and splendor that you can see with your own eyes. It is also impossible to feel the whole gamut of feelings at the sight of these unique reservoirs personally. Photos will not convey that atmosphere of mystery that evokes reflections on something sublime and eternal.

In the central part of the Indonesian island of Flores, on the territory national park, Kelimutu volcano rises. The volcano has been dormant for a long time. His Last Activity showed up in 1968. Then three multi-colored lakes were formed - an amazing miracle of nature.

Lakes are located at the very top of the mountain, in the depressions formed after the eruption. Lakes, like a chameleon, periodically change their colors from green, turquoise to brown, red and black.

This color change is due to chemical reactions occurring in water between gas and minerals. For example, an increase in the level of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid turns the lakes into a beautiful green hue, and the reaction between hydrogen sulfide and iron gives a red color.

Locals explain this phenomenon by the fact that the souls of their dead ancestors live in the lakes. If the color in the lakes changes, it means that the souls are very angry. There is another version according to which the change of colors indicates upcoming tense events in.

The lake located on the western side is called Tivu-Ata-Mbulu. The name translates as "lake of the elderly." The legend tells that the souls of kind people found peace in the lake. Having lived their lives with dignity, they died at a ripe old age. The lake means wisdom, which appears only with great life experience.

In the center is the reservoir Tiwu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai or "lake of girls and boys." It contains the souls of dead young, innocent people. The peculiarity of the reservoir is that in 26 years its color has changed 12 times.

The last lake is Tivu-Ata-Polo - "the lake of evil souls". The souls of evil people languish in its waters. These two lakes are separated by a thin wall of a volcanic crater. The partition has a symbolic meaning and clearly shows that good and evil are separated by a very thin line. It is almost impossible to predict what the color of the lake will be. Today, the lake of "good" has changed from green to black. The lake of "young souls" was painted in a bright green hue, and the lake of "evil" in brown.

The best panorama of the most wonderful reservoirs opens from the top of Mount Kelimutu. For safety reasons, it is better to use the “inspiration point”, this is the name of the observation deck. At dawn or dusk, the lakes take on bright, rich colors. Thick fog thickening over the area creates an atmosphere of mystery and mysticism.

In Indonesia, volcano lakes are highly valued. In the past, their images flaunted on banknotes of 5,000 rupees. Kelimutu Park is protected by the Convention world heritage. The views of chameleon lakes every year attract thousands of tourists from all over the world, seeking to admire the next masterpiece of nature.