Three Color Lakes

Mount Kelimutu is an active volcano located in central Flores Island of Indonesia. The volcano contains three lakes filled with water of different colors, respectively burgundy red, pale green and dark blue. It is the only place on earth where this amazing color variation takes place.

Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (The Lake of Young Men and Maidens)

Local people have for centuries believed that the lakes are the spiritual resting place of their ancestors. It is said the lakes change color according to the mood of the spirit – and if that is the case then the souls’ moods are constantly restless.

Tiwu Ata Mbupu (The Lake of Old People)

Tiwu Ata Polo (the Enchanted Lake)

Tiwu Ata Mbupu (The Lake of Old People) at the western point of the volcano is typically blue. This is where it is said the spirits of the old who have led righteous lives go to rest. Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (The Lake of Young Men and Maidens) is characteristically green. The third, Tiwu Ata Polo (the Enchanted Lake) is in dark blood red color. Flores indigenous people believe the souls of the dead people reside in the lakes.

In the last three to five years, the lakes of Kelimutu have changed in color, a phenomenon caused by the geological and chemical processes in the bottom and walls of the lakes. It could also have resulted from changes in the bacteria and microorganism populations due to changes in temperature.