Color me Kelimutu: The Three Colored Lakes of Kelimutu, Flores

By: Jacobus E. Lato

Kelimutu is a volcano on the island of Flores. At 1,640 meters above sea level, the mountain forms the highest point on the island; Its main attractions are the three colored crater lakes: Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People) is usually blue and is the westernmost of the three lakes. Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) is usually green, while Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched or Enchanted Lake) is reddish in color. The color of the lakes changes as a result of chemical reactions resulting from the minerals contained in the lake, possibly triggered by volcano gas activity.

The name Kelimutu can be roughly translated as the “Getting together mountains;” Keli means mountain, Mutu means get together. The locals believe that Kelimutu is under the reign of Konde Ratu, a supernatural king, who rules over the  spirits of the dead. Young spirits reside happily in Tiwu Koo Fai Nuwa Muri (Lake of the Young Men and Maidens); the old live in Tiwu Ata Bupu (Lake of Old People), while evil spirits dwell in Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched Lake).

Sano Nggoang Lake: Flores’ Other Crater Lake

By: Reyhard Matheos

Kelimutu Lake on Flores, is widely known as the three colors lake. But in fact, the same island is also home to the biggest crater lake in Eastern Indonesia, Sano Nggoang. In the local language this means ‘the burning lake.’ This lake is located between the village of Sano Nggoangand Wae Sano village, in the West Manggarai Regency on Flores.

The trip to Sano Nggoang Lake takes more than 4 hours from Labuan Bajo. You can directly reach the lake, by oto—a local name for a public truck. The roads are rough, even though most of them are paved. Nevertheless, the view of the green and fertile Mbeliling mountain ranges, compensate the rocky roads ahead.

Flores Highlights

By: Asian Way

Are you looking for unspoiled nature, authentic culture and quiet beaches? Explore the hidden beauty of the Lesser Sunda Islands!

Discover the flower of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Cabo das Flores (Flower Cape), as the Portuguese baptized the island in the sixteenth century. It is the westernmost island of the province of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). Together with the island of Timor, the largest part of the population here is Catholic, though ancient animistic beliefs, are still part of daily life. The inhabitants of central and eastern Flores exhibit Papuan and Melanesian influences, the population of West Flores, however, has a strong Malaysian appearance.

In terms of natural beauty there is no doubt that Flores is the most beautiful island of NTT, it offers the most variety in scenery. From the west you travel through green rice terraces, tropical forest, gently rolling hills and mountains, to steep cliffs and deep ravines in the central area, giving way to a dryer, sometimes savanna-like landscape in the east. Over the entire length of the island one finds at least twelve volcanoes, some still active.

Tree Top Restaurant in Labuan Bajo, Flores Food & Views to Die for!

Sometimes you come across a place you never want to leave again. Tree Top restaurant, set in the hills overlooking the bay of Labuan Bajo is one of these places. Labuan Bajo is the capital of Flores, part of the lesser Sunda islands. The island, and its capital, are most often used as a springboard to visit Komodo, home to the infamous Komodo lizards. Yet, as owner Mattheus Siagian knows, Flores has so much more to offer. In a single breath he mentions the Ulumbu hot water river, the white sand beach of Ketebe, the old towns of Bejawa and Ende, the fishing village Lembata where people hunt whales traditionally every October, Tiwu Lewu lake, filled with crocodiles and of course…Tree Top Restaurant.

Mattheus is half Swiss, half Indonesian. After studying hotel management in Switzerland, he worked for the department of tourism on Flores (hence his in-depth knowledge on what to see and do on Flores).