 |
| Three Color Crater of Kelimutu Lakes |
Awfully Kelimutu Lakes fantastic mystical colors crater the
bounties of nature never seem to amaze us as and when it reveals it surprises
we are often hypnotized by them. Out of the countless fantasies from nature,
colored lakes of Kelimutu will surely sway your senses. Located in the crater
lakes of Kelimutu are a beautiful and mysterious geological anomaly. The
Kelimutu lakes are one of the most popular attractions in East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia and were once featured on the
Bahasa Indonesia - the national language of Indonesia. Surprisingly, these lakes change
their shades periodically and hence are referred to as the colored lakes.
 |
| Kelimutu Lakes |
The three lakes namely,
Tiwu Ata Mbupu, Tiwu Ata Polo and Tiwu Nuva Muri Koo Fai, are known for their
characteristic of changing colors after a certain period of time. A few years
back, the colors of the lakes were blue, black and maroon, whereas, back in
1960s, these lakes were of blue, café and red-brown colors. Tiwu Ata Mbupu is
the westernmost of the three, whereas the other two lakes share a crater wall
between them. Situated in the Central Flores Island in Indonesia, these lakes
see a huge influx of tourists from different parts of the world.
Geologists
asserted that the changing hue of these lakes is largely attributed to
dissolving minerals, which is generally stimulated in the rainy season.
Tiwu
Ata Mbupu, or “the lake of old people”, is the westernmost lake and it is
usually blue in color. The lake is in a pit crater, which itself is located in
a huge central crater. Large boulders regularly drop into the lake, and the
continuous landslide result in forming steep shores around it. Its shoreline
consists of a layer of red, yellow and orange material. Crystals of Gypsum have
been found in the fissures of the crater containing the lake.
Tiwu
Ata Polo, or “the enchanted lake”, is located in the south-eastern side of the
volcano. The trail of hot water present at the northwest part of the lake
points out to the hydrothermal activity or sub aerial fumarolic going inside
the lake.
Sometimes this convective activity gets enhanced and subsequently a
white froth appears on the lake’s surface around the hot water plume. The
landslide and rainwater storms drain the rock debris of the volcano summit into
the lake, forming steeper slopes around it. This deposition also forms large
boulders inside the lake.
Tiwu
Nua Moori Koohi Fai, or simply “the lake of young men and maidens”, shares a
crater wall with the Tiwu Ata Polo and it is the deepest of the three lakes.
Though visible fumarolic activity was reported in the lake earlier, there are
no such activities present in the lake anymore. A yellow froth can be observed
at its center that is largely attributed to the subaerial activities. The froth
is pushed out towards the wall of the crater and a huge amount of this froth is
accumulated on the northern wall.
These
lakes offer inimitable touring experience to visitors. You will surely get
bewitched by seeing the stunning hues of these wonderful lakes encompassed in a
scenic landscape. The best time to see these lakes is on full moon night. The
sight that one gets to see can enthrall anyone and it makes for an everlasting
memory.
Getting to
Kelimutu
Kelimutu is
located in the Center of Flores,Indonesia roughly 40 miles from the town of Ende and 52 miles from Maumere.
Both Ende
and Maumere have small airports with flights from major hubs in Indonesia,
however service is unpredictable and tickets must be purchased at the airport.
The drive
from Maumere - the larger of the two towns - takes around three to four hours.
The narrow
road through Flores is mountainous and slow-going; most visitors choose to
visit the lakes by staying in the tiny village of Moni. Crowded public
buses run the road to Moni regularly or you can team with other travelers to
hire a private car.
Moni is only
nine miles from the lakes and is the usual base for visiting Kelimutu, although
some tour companies run buses all the way from Ende. Accommodation is limited
in Moni and things fill up quickly in the peak months of July and August.
Your guest
house in Moni will arrange transportation to the summit. Expect to leave Moni
around 4 a.m.
in order to reach Kelimutu before sunrise. During the low season transportation
may be as simple as riding on the back of a motorcycle!
Tips for Visiting Kelimutu
- A heavy fog often obscures the lakes, so most tourists arrive at the summit to watch the sunrise.
- Mornings are cold and windy on the summit; wear warm clothes that can be removed as the day heats up later in the afternoon.
- The trail is well-marked, but bring a flashlight if you intend to hike before sunrise.
- There may be vendors offering coffee and tea on the trail, but take your own water and snacks.
- There is little shade around the lakes, wear a hat and protect yourself from the sun.
- Kelimutu is a national park - you will be expected to pay a small fee at the entrance gate.
Walking Around the Kelimutu Lakes
Kelimutu
National Park
is home to several endangered plants and animals, always stay on marked trails
to avoid further erosion of their fragile environment.
Although
there is an unofficial trail that traverses the rim of the lakes, walking
around is not recommended. Loose shale and volcanic rock make parts of
the steep path dangerous, and noxious fumes rising from the crater will
literally take your breath away.
A fall into
the lakes would be fatal.
Getting Back to Moni
Most people
depart shortly after the sunrise, however the afternoon sun really brings out
the brilliance of the colors on Kelimutu. You may even have the lakes to
yourself during afternoons in the off season!
Not all
transportation arranged in Moni includes return. Many visitors choose to walk
back to town by taking a steep and scenic shortcut down the mountain. The walk
passes a waterfall and favorite swimming spot for locals. The trail begins near
the entrance gate to Kelimutu, ask someone for directions.
If you
choose not to walk back to town, you may find other transportation options in
the parking area or flag any public bus on the road back to Moni.
Kelimutu and the Supernatural
The
other-worldly colors and thick mist surrounding the volcano have earned
Kelimutu a supernatural reputation. Local villages believe that the spirits of
the dead go to rest in one of the lakes based upon the deeds performed on
Earth.
- Tiwa Ata Mbupu, the solo lake on the west side of the summit, is believed to be where elders and wise people go.
- Tiwu nua muri koo fai is the lake where young people go when they die.
- Iwu ata polo is the cursed home of evil spirits.
Around Moni
Moni is a
tiny farming village, but several budget guest houses have popped up due to the
proximity of Kelimutu. Moni is certainly not the place to linger if you wish to
shop, dine luxuriously, or party, but there is a charm in the fresh air.
Some of the
neighboring villages produce beautiful traditional weavings and the once-weekly
market day held in Moni is interesting to see.
There is a
pleasant waterfall and swimming spot only one mile from town just off of the
main road to Ende.
source :
http://www.thebalitravel.net
http://goseasia.about.com
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar