Kelimutu Crater Lakes
Danau Kelimutu
Three crater lakes on the summit of Kelimutu, each a different colour and known to change over time. They are Flores Island's top attraction.
The summit of Mount Kelimutu, at about 1,640 m, holds three side-by-side crater lakes: Tiwu Ata Polo, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, and Tiwu Ata Mbupu. Their water shifts between blue-green, reddish-brown, and nearly black, depending on minerals and volcanic gases, and the colours change noticeably over the years. The local Lio people regard the lakes as the resting place of the dead. Most visitors leave Moni around 4 a.m. and drive about 13 km to the car park, then walk for 20–30 minutes to the viewpoint to watch the sunrise. National park entry for foreigners is about IDR 150,000–250,000, and weekends cost more. The viewpoint is high and cold in the early morning, so bring a jacket.
Opening hours
Approx. 04:00–17:00 (busiest at sunrise)
Nearby sights
- Murundao Waterfall
- Moni Village
- Jopu Ikat Village
- Wologai Traditional Village
- Detusoko Rice Terraces
- Nggela Traditional Village
- Wolotopo Traditional Village
- Bung Karno Exile House