How about we start the week by showing you one of the most amazing and beautiful places in the world? Great! Truth? Well let's do it! On this occasion we moved to Indonesia, where one of the most beautiful and surprising corners of the planet is located. We are talking about Kelimutu, a volcano that has three lakes located in craters. Most amazing of all, each of these bodies of water has a different color. In addition, these have changed in hue over the years. Yes! Yes! As you are reading it! These are the Lake of the Elders (Tiwu Ata Mbupu), the Lake of Young Men and Women (Tiwu Nua Muri Koo Fai) and the Enchanted Lake (Tiwu Ata Polo).
Do you want to know more details about this wonder of the nature? Well, do not lose detail of what we are going to tell you next! We assure you that you will love it!
The amazing colors of the lakes
As we have just mentioned, what is most surprising about the Kelimutu volcano, located on the island of Flores, is its three lakes. The one that is buried from the rest is Los Acianos, which is an intense blue color. For its part, the Lake of Men and Young Women surprises with its turquoise blue color, while the Enchanted Lake, located next to it, is brown with milk. Surprisingly, these are not the colors that these bodies of water had a few decades ago, when the blue was greenish or the Enchanted Lake was reddish.
A scientific explanation
Although it seems magical, the truth is that the change of color of the lakes has a scientific explanation. The shades seem to arise due to the combinations of vapors and gases that emerge from inside the volcano at high temperatures. This causes chemical reactions that change the oxidation of the different elements of the lakes, in addition to releasing others.
Kelimutu National Park
Kelimutu is an active volcano, although its last eruption dates back to 1968. However, the activity of the volcano suggests that the color of the lakes will change in the coming years. As you may have imagined, the mountain and its surroundings are considered National Park, a declaration that took place in 1992. Therefore, entering this place is worth money. Luckily, it is not too expensive. Thus, you can enter for 1.50 euros, while getting to the car park costs about 0.40 cents.
The legend
As you can imagine, the lakes have been the subject of multiple legends in the area. For example, the inhabitants of the island believe that, when dying, the spirits submerge in one of the lakes depending on the age and of the acts that have been committed in life. Thus, while in the Lake of the Elders the souls of parents and elders end up, the younger spirits end up in that of the Young Men and Women. Instead, the Enchanted Lake is intended for the souls of those who have committed some crimes in life. In addition, it is believed that the lakes change color depending on the state of the souls inside.
When to visit the lakes
If you have the possibility to visit this place, we recommend that you go up to the viewpoint located at the top of the mountain, since it is from there that you get the best views. In addition, we recommend that you do it at dawn, since that is when the lakes have, if possible, more charm.
Then we leave you with our Gallery, where you will find more images of Kelimutu. Do not miss it!
Tri-colored Crater Lakes of Mt. Kelimutu, Indonesia in 4K (Ultra HD) (April 2024)
- lakes, volcanoes
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