Kelimutu, located near the small town of Moni on central Flores island in Indonesia, is a mesmerising natural wonder. This volcano, situated around 50 km east of Ende, the capital of Ende regency in East Nusa Tenggara province, is renowned for its three distinct and enigmatic coloured lakes at its summit.
What sets Kelimutu apart is the ever-changing palette of these lakes, with colours that defy easy explanation. One of the lakes, known locally as the “bewitched lake” or Ata Polo, has undergone a dramatic transformation, shifting from a pristine white hue to a mysterious dark brown.
Another of the lakes, which used to be red, has transformed into a striking aquamarine or turquoise shade. The remaining two lakes, Lake of Old People (Tiwu Ata Mbupu) and Lake of Young Men and Maidens (Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai), add to the mystique of Kelimutu with their unique colors and local legends.
The ever-changing colours of Kelimutu’s lakes remain a captivating natural mystery, captivating visitors and scientists alike, as the geological and chemical factors contributing to these shifting hues continue to elude a definitive explanation.
