R and R Site Kelimutu Mountain

R and R Site Kelimutu Mountain

Probably the most challenging site to reach but is worth the trek because of the majestic sceneries plus a unique rest and recreation, is the Kelimutu Mountain. Imagine yourself seeing three – colored lakes in a crater!This mountain is also a very rare natural wonder found in Indonesia.

It is only but a dream to trek the Mt. Kelimutu on the island of Flores because the trip up is extremely challenging. The national park consists of hills and mountains, with Mount Kelibara (1.731m) as its highest peak. The amazing mountain terrain has three colored lakes which are such a magnet to many tourists across regions and even across countries.

The name of Kelimutu comes from the combination of the words “Keli” which means mountain and “mutu” which means to boil. Here’s an interesting belief of the locals regarding the colors of the lake. The blue lake is for the spirits of young souls who died very young. The red lake is for evil spirits and white lake is for the elder spirits. However, the colors of the lake changes most of the time.

Aside from the mystic lakes found in the mountain, there are also endangered floras found like Diospyrosferra, Alstonisscholaris, Schleircheraoleosa, Casuarinaequisetifolia and Anaphalisjavanica. Exotic faunas are also found within the area such as the Mountain rats, Banteng, deer, cat, Pangolin, Porcupines and Deers (Tragulusjavanicusjavanicus).

Can’t get your feet to get on tour to this majestic nature wonder? Well, to get there you have to hire a car from Ende. Your journey towards the national park is about 2 hours where you will arrive at a small village in Moni. From this village, you have to trek another 20 minutes up to the mountain roads. It’s advisable however to stay overnight in Moni for you to get the best view of Kelimutu. The best time to see it is from 6:00 am – 11:00 am. As you ascend to the mountain, you will see picturesque views that’ll definitely put remarks on to your memories. So as you wake up and prepared yourself, you have to trek another 30 minutes on foot before you finally achieve your goal.

As you get to the place, you will see unfolding before your very eyes the majestic lakes of different colors. The westernmost lake is named Tiwu Ata Mbupu which means “The Lake of the Old People”. The easternmost is called Tiwu Ata Polo or “The Lake for Evil Spirits”. The middle lake is called TiwuNuwaMuri Koo Fai or “The Lake for Young Men and Maiden”.

Unlike the other famous lakes that changes colors in a predictable maner like that found in Mt. Gambier, South Australia or Lake Yudamari in Mt.Nakadake in Japan, the lakes in Kelimutu are unpredictable with regards to when and what color it’ll change to. The colours according to science are due to the chemical formation of the salt, iron, sulfates and gas pressures. Adding up to this phenomenon are the volcanic activity and sunlight.

Photo Credits

http://eastjavanese.blogspot.com