Kelimutu Crater Lakes: Visit Indonesia’s Colorful Volcanic Lakes
Photo by depositphotos.com
It’s no surprise that a trio of colorful crater lakes at the summit of Kelimutu Volcano in Indonesia are steeped in myth. Locals claim that the Tiwu Ata Mbupu, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, and Tiwu Ata Polo serve as the resting place for the spirits of deceased elders, young people, and evil spirits. The Lake of the Elders is often vibrant blue, the Lake of the Young People is generally peridot green, and the Bewitched Lake is commonly a rusty red.
The Kelimutu Crater Lakes change color periodically for reasons that scientists do not entirely understand. The Bewitched Lake sometimes appears pink, black, or brown, the Lake of the Young People looks emerald green or aquamarine, and the Lake of the Elders appears sapphire, royal blue, or even milky white. Researchers speculate that the reason the Kelimutu Crater Lakes change color is due to chemical reactions triggered by gases seeping into the water from the Kelimutu Volcano’s core.
The Kelimutu Crater Lakes are located on the eastern end of Flores Island, near the town of Ende. To visit the lakes, travelers can easily book a flight to Ende from Bali or other Indonesian hotspots such as Labuan Bajo. The Kelimutu Crater Lakes can be accessed via a short low-impact hike that takes about 30 minutes.
The Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge is situated on the edge of a verdant rainforest. Every room features a sweeping view of Mount Kelimutu. The Ecolodge is home to a lush garden that grows fruits, vegetables, and rice that are served to guests. Each room features a cozy bed with a mosquito net for maximum comfort.
The Ecolodge hosts sunrise tours of the Kelimutu Crater Lakes. Visitors depart at 4:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise over the colorful lakes. Travelers can hike around the water, but swimming in the Kelimutu Crater Lakes is prohibited because the technicolor water is far too acidic. The call of the Bare-Throated Whistler—a bird which can mimic up to 18 different bird calls—adds an additional layer of magic to a truly mystical scene.
The Kelimutu Crater Lakes never appear the same twice, thanks to a mysterious chemical reaction that scientists haven’t quite pinpointed. The otherworldly beauty of the Kelimutu Crater Lakes is sure to stir your soul. No trip to Indonesia is complete without a trek to view three of the world’s most vibrant lakes.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Kelimutu summit and crater-lake area, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia (area reference, not a visitor entrance)
- Coordinates
- -8.76517, 121.81334
- Access
- The latest located notice from Balai Taman Nasional Kelimutu, dated October 2026 and reported October 19, restores normal visitor/ticket-counter hours and sunrise access after the post-earthquake restriction. The report says visitors may use the Arboretum, Anjungan Garugiwa, Mesbah Pati Ka and peak viewpoint on official trails; the Tiwu Ata Polo crater viewpoint remains closed because of a crack/landslide risk. Check directly with the park before travel and obey barriers.
- Admission
- The current tariff could not be confirmed. Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry ticket portal was checked, but no Kelimutu listing or current price was visible on October 16, 2026. Confirm the current ticket and payment process with the park; older prices may be outdated.
- Time needed
- No dependable whole-visit duration is published by the park. A local guide estimates a 20–30-minute walk each way from the parking area to the rim; time at the permitted viewpoints varies. Do not assume access to every crater rim, especially the still-closed Tiwu Ata Polo viewpoint.
- Best season
- The Labuan Bajo–Flores Tourism Authority recommends June–August for generally drier, clearer conditions and less slippery paths. A local guide describes clearer conditions across April–October; weather and cloud vary, and seasonal advice does not override access or safety restrictions.
- Opening hours
- The latest located park notice (PG.4/T.40/TU/KSA.04.01/B/10/2026), reported October 19, 2026, restores visitor and ticket-counter hours to 04:30–16:00 WITA and permits sunrise visits. The Tiwu Ata Polo viewpoint remains closed; only designated areas and official trails are open. The park’s own notice was not independently retrieved online in this check, so confirm current hours and closures with Balai Taman Nasional Kelimutu before setting out.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-15
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-02
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
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