Is it possible to swim in the lake of evil spirits. Kelimutu - tricolor lakes in Indonesia

Indonesia is a land of beauty and exoticism. Even a person who has never been interested in this archipelago must have heard of Komodo or Borobudur Park, as if it came down to people from the screen, from films about Indiana Jones. But here is what even an experienced tourist in Indonesia can amaze with - Mount Kelimutu + Lakes of Tears. Such a unique natural spectacle cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And what is most interesting is that this complex spontaneously changes over time.

Pride of Indonesia

On which Mount Kelimutu (Indonesia) is located, is part of the Eastern group. The mountain itself is a volcano and a link of the Volcanic Ring of Fire. In total, the island has 14 volcanoes, and some of them are in "working condition", in connection with which earthquakes are not uncommon here. Kelimutu is considered extinct, although the last eruption took place in 1968, so it is too early to draw such conclusions. The volcano cannot be called particularly high: it does not reach one meter to the mark of 1640 m. At the same time, it is an object of active tourist interest. And all thanks to the Lakes of Tears.

Lakes of evil spirits: how they formed

It is thanks to the latter that these three reservoirs appeared. As the lava poured out, the top of the mountain sagged and depressions called calderas appeared. Since there is no drainage from them, precipitation gradually accumulated in them, as a result of which this natural wonder was formed. The colors of these lakes are especially attractive to people: regardless of each other, they change their color. It is for this that Mount Kelimutu (Indonesia) is also famous (or evil spirits) - a photo from different angles displays an unforgettable sight that this extinct volcano is. Note that the two lakes are side by side, almost touching each other. The third one is located at a distance of almost one and a half kilometers from them.

Legends

Each of the lakes has its own name. Those that are adjacent are called Tivu-Ata-Mbupu and Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai. The first name translates as “Lake of the Old Men” or “Lake of Ancestral Souls”. The second means "Lake of boys and girls". The third, located in the distance, is called Tivu-Ata-Polo, translated as “Enchanted”, “Lake of enchanted people” or “Lake of sorcerers” - it depends on how the interpreter will sound to you. According to the beliefs of local residents, the souls of the dead end their journey in the multi-colored lakes. The spirits of sages and elders live in Tivu-Ata-Mbupu, in Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai - children and youth, and in Tivu-Ata-Polo - sinners and evil sorcerers. Legends say that if you disturb, anger or offend the spirits living in the reservoirs with which Mount Kelimutu (Indonesia) is crowned, then the water in them will begin to change its color. Probably, someone has already touched the dead with something, since this phenomenon has happened more than once: now the lakes have deep black, turquoise and green shades, and just a few years ago the gamut was different: burgundy - black - blue-green. Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai has changed shades a dozen times in a quarter of a century. Probably because it became a haven for children, and they are very restless and fickle.

Scientific explanation

Although the Kelimutu volcano is considered extinct, some underground processes are still taking place in it. Solfatara - a crack through which hydrochloric acid and hydrogen sulphide enter into one of the lakes. The latter, upon contact with oxygen in the atmosphere, turns into sulfuric acid. Both compounds are very active, and since the lakes are very mineralized, chemical reactions take place in them, on which it depends. While one of the lakes had a red tint, it spoke of the interaction of iron and hydrogen sulfide; nowadays the color is practically close to black. All shades of green and blue are the result of different concentrations of the aforementioned acids and their reactions with different constituents of the lakes.

The path to miracle

Mount Kelimutu (Indonesia), is part of a national park, which is relatively small, but located far enough from the benefits of civilization - 60 kilometers to go to the nearest city. Therefore, the village of Moni, which is located directly at the foot of the volcanoes, is very popular among travelers. Here you can not only relax, but also hear various details (often very contradictory) of local legends.

To see the colorful lakes, it is most convenient to land in the End. From there a minibus goes to Moni; people who do not save on costs can hire a taxi or rent a scooter.

Another option is to take a plane to Maumere; however, this city is farther from Kelimutu, 105 kilometers away, but for many tourists this route is more convenient for their own reasons. Buses also travel from there to Moni; you will have to spend 3-4 hours on the way - depending on what the weather is and whether there was talus after the earthquake.

Minibuses go to the mountain from Monya, and you will have to climb stairs to the craters - as much as 13 kilometers.

Observation platforms, which are equipped with Mount Kelimutu (Indonesia), are fenced for safety with fences. It is strictly forbidden to climb over them - and this prohibition should not be ignored. Your guide will be happy to tell you about a young Dane who wanted to take a photo from an unexpected angle and fell into the Lake of Young Souls. By the way, his body was never found.

The best view of the Lakes of Tears opens at dawn - later there is a high probability of fog, because of which it is often impossible to see anything.

It is better to go down before dusk - mountains in the dark are dangerous, and it comes very abruptly. Try to walk in a group: the lakes have high dangerous vapors, from which people lose consciousness. In the crowd there will be someone to carry out the fallen one.

When traveling in Indonesia, do not miss the Kelimutu volcano - the photos you take in these places will remind you of visiting truly wonderful places for a long time. And they will prove to the incredulous that the lakes are really colorful.

It has come to pass. I got to the Kelimutu volcano! Itself, across the country, making an unforgettable journey through Indonesia by public transport. After the village, I left for Endae and the next day for Moni, from there it is convenient to go to the volcano. I'll tell you about my visit to this masterpiece of nature and one of the best places on Earth, I'll show you a photo, and then useful information on how to get there and my stories. See the volcano on the map at the end of the article.

Kelimutu volcano Kelimutu

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 - the administrative center. About an hour's drive. I will write how to get there at the end of the article.

The volcano is considered extinct, although the last eruption was not so long ago in 1968. The height of the Kelimutu volcano is 1639 m. The height of the crater walls is from 50 to 150 meters. The name means "Keli" - mountain "Mutu" - boiling.

Multicolored lakes of Kelimutu volcano

Three different colored lakes in the craters of the 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 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 couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this red (brown) lake in the photo 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 like Kelimutu.

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

I was not sure that I would wake up, so there was no 100% agreement with the motorcyclist, even in spite of its inexpensive price. However, I woke up at night by myself and, just like a couple of weeks ago, persuaded myself to get up and go, so as not to regret later. And she did the right thing. I came to the house of an elderly uncle I already knew, with whom I was traveling on the 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 a tiny room where light was coming in. He opened it and went to wake his son. In a few minutes we were driving 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 the locals rescued the frozen, like me, frozen tourists, with hot tea and coffee from the thermos brought in. Well done! Tea with lemon and fresh ginger, for mere pennies - sitting in front of the lake in anticipation of the rising sun - this is super! And I wondered where the locals were going with the bales when I walked from the entrance to the observation deck.

Surprise

But even more super awaited me later. God, how happy I am and how lucky I am again! I met on the third !!! once the very same couple of foreigners who lived in the next room in the same family hotel in Bajava. 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, on Kelimuta. There will be someone to ask to photograph 😀 By the way, these guys came from Ruteng on a rented motorcycle (I envied them a little, although I saw the same beauties, but from the bus window)

Legends of Kelimutu lakes

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

The lake, which is located separately, is black (white) of the usual type, called “Tiwu Ata Polo” in the local language. Tivu 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 one, is blue (green) lake “Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Tiwu” Nua Muri Koo Fai Tiwu- in this beautiful lake the souls of deceased 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 a small wall, is the red lake is called "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" Tivu Mutu Ata- according to legend, the souls of deceased ancestors, parents live in it, some call it "the lake of the old."

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 dissipating the darkness and haze, and 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 the mountain and embrace the immensity. For a view of scale, try to see me in the white jacket in the photo below. Cat point.

It was getting 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 was jumping 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, having said goodbye to the black lake and taking another photo, already in clear weather, we headed towards the red lake and the isthmus between the lakes.

A small white house on the top of the mountain is just an observation deck, from where I began to meet the dawn, where I was drinking tea and I met a couple of these guys, with whom we had a wonderful time, because of my emotions, which whipped over the edge, mostly.

This is the stone watershed.

The wall between the lakes. It only seems that it is low - it is not even very small.

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

The sun had already completely risen and was pleasantly hot, and the colors of the lake became simply amazing, brighter and brighter. The blue sky and rocky walls of the volcano reflected in the lake and gave additional hues. One has become a real emerald color, and the other is 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. It 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 depths of the volcano, color the water in the lakes in different colors. Hydrogen sulfide seeps into the cracks at the bottom, hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, respectively, are doing 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 smallest national park in Indonesia covers only 50 square meters. km., but it attracts with its beauty and amazing colorful lakes. The highest peak of the park is Mount Kelibara 1731 m above sea level.

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

There are such stunning views around! So I wanted to walk around, climb some mountain. Explore the entire 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 saw beautiful views, and in the distance you can see the blue seas. 🙂 We stopped to take pictures, I said goodbye to my acquaintances, already 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 returned to the Moni village, where I spent two more days.

Kelimutu volcano on the map

How to get to Kelimutu volcano

From the town of Ende, it takes only an hour to go by bus or car along a very picturesque road. The bus costs 15-25 thousand rupees, how can you do it. I went for 15 thousand.

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

From the city Maumere, it takes about three hours by bus that runs to End 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 stay. There are guesthouses, homestays, various cafes.

In the central part of the Indonesian island of Flores, on the territory of the National Park, the Kelimutu volcano rises. The volcano has been dormant for a long time. His last activity was in 1968. Then three multi-colored lakes were formed - an amazing miracle of nature.

The lakes are located at the very top of the mountain, in the hollows 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 between the gas and minerals taking place in the water. For example, an increase in the level of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid colors the lakes in a beautiful green hue, and the reaction between hydrogen sulfide and iron gives a red color.

Local residents explain this phenomenon by the fact that the souls of their deceased 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 the upcoming intense events in.

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

In the center is the Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai reservoir or "the 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 there is a very thin line between good and evil. 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” turned bright green, and the lake of “evil” turned brown.

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

In Indonesia, volcano lakes are very much appreciated. In the past, their images were featured on the 5,000 rupee bills. Kelimutu Park is protected by the World Heritage Convention. The views of chameleon lakes every year attract thousands of tourists from all over the world who want to admire another masterpiece of nature.

Indonesia is a "country of a thousand islands". And how many fire-breathing volcanoes are there ?! Some of them are asleep, while others are constantly disturbing the inhabitants of the country.

The famous Kelimutu volcano is located on the Flores island. Since 1968, this sleeping giant has shown no signs of volcanic activity. Kelimutu is an ancient one that has an amazing peculiarity.

Bright spots at the top of the volcano

Kelimutu reaches a height of 1639 meters. After the last eruption, three craters of various shapes appeared on its top, which after a while were filled with atmospheric precipitation water.

The reservoirs that are nearby change their color. Turquoise, red, brown, black, green - these are the lakes in different periods of time!

Scientists speculate that lakes change color from their contents due to a chemical reaction that occurs when various gases and minerals interact.

For example, the reaction between iron and hydrogen sulfide gas produces a brownish red hue. As the level of both hydrochloric and sulfuric acids rises, a rich green color appears.

The legend of the most unusual lakes in the world

The inhabitants of the village of Moni, which lies not far from the foot of the volcano, believe that these reservoirs are the abode of the souls of deceased ancestors. If, then, souls are angry.

Lake Tivu-Ata-Mbulu, located in the west of the volcano, is called the lake of the elderly. According to legend, it sheltered the noble souls of people who lived their lives with dignity, those who died in extreme old age. “Lake of the Old Men” is a symbol of faith, knowledge and wisdom that come with age.

Two other strange chameleon lakes are located nearby. They are separated only by a thin partition - the wall of the crater. The inhabitants of the Isle of Flores believe that there is a fine line between good and evil.

The names of the lakes explain this idea. After all, one of these volcanic formations Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai, which is called the lake of boys and girls, keeps the innocent, young souls of those who passed away very early.

Incredibly, 12 times in the last quarter of a century! the water in the lake changed its color. Behind the partition is the "lake of black, evil souls" Tivu-Ata-Polo, where the souls of sinners languish.

Wonderful transformations in the volcanic lakes of Kelimutu

It is impossible to know for sure what color of water will be tomorrow in each of the lakes. Now the lake of old people is black, the lake of young souls is green. The enchanted "lake of sinners" is currently brown.

Previously, these bodies of water were, respectively, white, turquoise and red. In 2010, Tivu-Ata-Mbulu was dyed dark green, Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai - a beautiful bright turquoise color, and Lake Tivu-Ata-Polo acquired a shade of moss green.

How to get to the colored lakes in Indonesia

Thousands of travelers during their holidays in Indonesia visit Kelimutu National Park to see chameleon lakes. The village of Moni can be reached from the towns of Ende (51 km) and Maumere (62 km). Further - the car route. 40 minutes - and you are parked near the foot of the volcano. Another half hour - and colored lakes will appear before you.

There is a convenient observation deck at the top, from which a fantastic landscape opens up to the guests of Indonesia. Sunsets and sunrises give the lakes vibrant, vibrant colors. In the late morning, thick fog thickens the atmosphere of secrets and mysteries in the area around the lakes.

Important: beware of walking on volcanic rock outside the designated paths. An experienced guide will help you plan the route. Remember that the surface of the rocks on the slopes of the volcano is very slippery. Do not go near the lakes, as the fumes cause fainting.

The volcanoes of Indonesia, including the mysterious giant Kelimutu with colored lakes, are included in the list of attractions of this island country. The natural sites of the Kelimutu National Park in Indonesia are protected by UNESCO.

Kelimutu and its colored lakes photo

Located on the Indonesian island of Flores Kelimutu volcano reaches a height of 1639 meters and is among the active. The popularity of this natural site is due to its unique beauty and mystery.

Kelimutu volcano, Indonesia

Colored in the crater lakes of Kelimutu volcano, which appeared after the eruption in 1968, differ in their picturesque tonality, which they periodically change.

Red, black, brown, turquoise, green - whatever colors the waters of the Kelimutu lakes are colored in due to the minerals dissolved in them. Each lake has its own name: "Lake of the Old Men" (Tivu-Ata-Mbupu), "Lake of Young Men and Girls" (Tivu-Nua-Murikooh-Tai), "Enchanted Lake" (Tivu-Ata-Polo). Locals associate their legend with each of the multi-colored reservoirs.

In Tivu-Ata-Mbupu, according to Indonesians, the souls of elderly people who have lived their lives with dignity fall. The main color of the Lake of Old Men is turquoise.
Innocent souls of young people are sent to Tivu-Nua-Murikooh-Tai. The main color of this lake is green.
Red like blood, Tivu-Ata-Polo draws in the souls of sinners and murderers. Locals believe that the change in the color of the waters of one of the lakes indicates that the souls of the ancestors were angry with their living descendants for something. In some cases, the change in the tone of lake waters is associated with predictions of natural and man-made disasters in Indonesia.

Kelimutu volcano: nature

In the morning the slopes of the volcano are covered with thick fog.

It is best to admire the colored lakes in the afternoon. The way to the top takes about two hours. The area near the lakes is highly hazardous. Tourists need to be extremely careful if they do not want to replenish the waters that fill Kelimutu volcano (Indonesia).

Kelimutu volcano Indonesia