Destination Dreams: Kelimutu Volcano Lakes, Indonesia
Looking for an adventure that's off the beaten path? An experience so uniquely captivating it will stay with you forever? Then it's time to start planning your trip to Kelimutu Volcano Lakes in Indonesia. Nestled amid the lush jungle of Flores Island, Kelimutu offers one of the most spectacular and mystifying sights on Earth - three crater lakes each with stunningly distinctive colored waters. The tri-colored lakes are considered sacred by locals and represent the afterlife destinations of young people, old people, and evil spirits. Legend has it the lakes periodically change colors over time, shifting between vibrant hues of turquoise, deep red, and inky black. This natural phenomenon continues to baffle geologists to this day! When you arrive at the crater's edge and witness the juxtaposition of the vivid waters against the backdrop of steamy jungle and volcanoes, you'll truly feel like you've ventured to a different world.
Visiting the Kelimutu crater lakes takes a bit of effort, which is part of what makes it so rewarding. The journey starts with flights to Ende airport on Flores Island, followed by a scenic 3-hour van ride through rugged mountainous terrain and tiny traditional villages to reach Kelimutu National Park. Most visitors opt to spend the night in the local village of Moni at the base of the volcano to be ready for a pre-dawn hike up to the crater. Departing around 4 a.m. by flashlight, you'll ascend 600m through lush rainforest, the chorus of nature waking up all around you. Temperatures drop as you near the summit, and soon you emerge to witness the unbelievable sight of sunrise illuminating the trio of brilliant crater lakes. Gazing out at the alien waterscapes in the early morning light feels nothing short of magical! Spend time wandering around the crater taking photos before heading back down the mountain fulfilled.
Kelimutu Volcano Lakes deliver an adventure unlike any other with its remote location, bewitching scenery, and challenging hike that makes viewing the tri-colored lakes a special reward. Beyond the main attraction, there are hot springs, waterfalls, traditional villages, and endless natural beauty to explore in this region of Indonesia. A visit here promises awe-inspiring sights, a connection with fascinating local culture, and the chance to escape way off the beaten track. If you're craving a travel experience that is truly one-of-a-kind, intriguing and mysterious, then look no further than Kelimutu. This adventure will renew your sense of wonder and introduce you to a landscape so surreal it has to be seen to be believed. Start planning your trip to Kelimutu Volcano Lakes today - this is one destination you won't regret adding to your bucket list!
Don’t know what to wear? Lucky for you, we’ve designed our Vagabond Ripstop Adventure Pants to take you everywhere, from sunrise hikes to post-adventure relaxation.
