Kelimutu Lakes

Kelimutu Lakes are three volcanic crater lakes atop Mount Kelimutu in Kelimutu National Park on Flores Island, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Known as Tiwu Ata Bupu, Tiwu Ko'o Fai Nuwa Muri and Tiwu Ata Polo, they are famous for periodically changing colors from turquoise to green, red and black due to mineral reactions. The lakes are a major natural attraction and sacred site for the local Lio people.

Visitors can expect a hike to the summit viewpoint of Mount Kelimutu at around 1,639 meters elevation to view three distinct crater lakes with different colors separated by narrow crater walls. The main infrastructure is a paved viewpoint and stepped trail from the parking area to the summit. The surrounding landscape is volcanic highland within Kelimutu National Park with forested slopes, misty mornings and panoramic views of Flores. Sunrise viewing is the primary experience.

The lakes were first documented by Dutch military officer B. van Suchtelen in 1915 and became widely known after Y. Bouman described them in 1929. Mount Kelimutu was designated as a National Park in 1992 as Taman Nasional Kelimutu, protecting the volcanic crater lakes and surrounding flora and fauna of Flores.

The lakes are sacred to the local Lio people. Each lake has a traditional name and meaning: Tiwu Ata Bupu is believed to be the resting place of elders, Tiwu Ko'o Fai Nuwa Muri for young souls, and Tiwu Ata Polo for evil spirits. The site is central to local beliefs and traditional ceremonies.