Colored lakes of Kelimutu volcano. Multi-colored lakes of Kelimutu volcano. Why are Kelimutu lakes colorful?

All of Indonesia is located on the Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire. There are many volcanoes on the territory of the country, and one can say that each is remarkable in its own way.

Now we will move to the island of Flores. There is a most interesting place there. Kelimutu volcano is 1639 meters high. This is a complex combined volcano. That is, the appearance is significantly different from the classic volcano.

Kelimutu Volcano has several calderas. It is located in the middle part of the island in the Taman Nasional Kelimutu National Park.

Kelimutu Volcano on the map

Geographic coordinates (-8.766541, 121.812924)
The distance from the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is approximately 1700 km in a straight line
The nearest airport is Ende (H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport) 19 km southwest

What is most interesting is not the volcano itself, but the 3 colored lakes that fill its craters.

A large number of minerals are dissolved in the lakes, so the color of the water is quite exotic, and each lake has its own shade.

Kelimutu lakes are capable of completely changing their colors in a few years, for example from black to green, turquoise or even brick brown. Moreover, the change of colors occurs separately and independently in each lake.

Geologists attribute the color change to several factors. Firstly, the influence of certain pores or holes in the earth's crust, which periodically release gas and steam - sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen sulfide, as well as carbon dioxide. This creates an upwelling effect (the rise of deep layers of a reservoir to the surface), which lifts nutrient-rich (and therefore colored) water to the surface.

Secondly, the color of the lakes changes periodically due to adjustments in the redox state of the water in each lake, as well as taking into account the abundance of various chemical elements such as iron and manganese.

But locals are sure that the souls of dead people rest in these lakes. And when souls are angry, the color of the lakes changes.

Each lake has its own name. Lake of the Old Men is the westernmost one, located a little further from the other two. One of which is the lake of young souls or the lake of boys and girls. And the second is a mysterious, so-called enchanted lake. According to locals, this is a lake of evil spirits.

The lakes of the Kelimutu volcano were first discovered to the world by the Dutch military man Suttelen in 1915. First detailed description colored lakes is dated 1929.

Not far from Kelimutu there is the village of Moni, from which it is easiest to get to the lakes. Or walk to the top in about 3 hours and see a multi-colored landmark, or ride along the serpentines in this type of car called a bemo.

Bemo

If you want to watch the sunrise on Kelimutu and just see the picturesque surroundings, get up early, take warm clothes with you and hit the road. After lunch, the volcano often finds itself captive to fog.

In general, from the first days of the development of the local national park in the Kelimutu area, there were some disagreements with local residents regarding tourism activities. Since the lakes have a mystical significance for the locals, they did not really welcome the incursions of tourists. But park workers have worked to improve relations with neighboring villages, and now travelers can freely visit the colorful lakes of Kelimutu.

An example of unusual nature design is multi-colored lakes. They are scattered all over the world and attract the attention of millions of tourists every year. Among all the amazing lakes of this kind, three lakes stand out, which rise to a height of over one and a half kilometers above sea level and stand apart.

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We are talking about the famous colorful lakes of Kelimutu in Indonesia. These are three crater lakes that are located on top of a now dormant volcano. The volcano is located on the island of Flores, which belongs to Indonesia. The last time the volcano made itself felt was back in 1968. Since then, scientists have not observed any alarming signs of seismic activity, so visiting the colorful lakes of Kelimutu is an absolutely safe undertaking. At the top of the volcano these legendary three lakes are located, the water in which can change the color of the water throughout the year from turquoise to red or even black.

In this regard, it will be interesting to learn about the legends that exist among the aborigines of the island. The indigenous inhabitants of the island firmly believed that these places were sacred and sacred, so desecrating them was a grave sin. The aborigines believed that the souls of their dead relatives rested in these colorful lakes. The color of the water in the lake changes when the living have angered the dead in some way and they show their dissatisfaction in this way.

This legend, or rather beliefs, explain why bodies of water have such strange names in their original languages. The western reservoir has the unpronounceable name Tivu Ata Mbupu, which translates as “lake of old men”, and the other two are Tivu Nua Muri Kooh Tai and Tivu Ata Polo. The original names are translated differently. For example, the second lake is called both the “lake of the young” and the “lake of boys and girls.” And the last body of water has a slightly ominous and mysterious name: “enchanted lake”.

Legends

The first lake became, in a way, a refuge for people who lived to a respectable age and lived their lives with dignity and were respected among others. That is why this lake is at some distance from the other two, since true wisdom can only be comprehended over the years.

About the second body of water, which is called the “lake of boys and girls,” the following can be said: in this lake rest the souls of people who left this world when they were young. It is worth noting that the color of the water in this lake changes especially often, perhaps this indicates that youth is a very changeable time of life. And finally, the third lake, which has such an ominous name, became, according to legend, a haven for the souls of murderers and criminals.

Also curious is the fact that the last two lakes are in close proximity to each other and are separated only by a narrow crater wall. According to legend, this suggests that sometimes the line between what is right and what is false is very thin and easy to cross. An important reminder hidden in the crater lakes!

I like unusual and unique places? Then I recommend checking out Lake Powell in the USA. Believe me, you will be impressed.

These legends quite interestingly interpret and explain this amazing natural phenomenon. One might say that this explanation sounds rather ominous, but in fact these lakes inspire and inspire everyone who visits them. What do scientists say about this, who have been studying with interest for a long time the reasons for the unusual color of water in lakes?

Changing water color

On this moment There is a completely logical explanation for this phenomenon: chemical reactions that occur in the lake water. Through various cracks, volcanic gases enter the lake water, which, together with various minerals, form a chemical reaction that affects the color of the water in the lakes. For example, when the elements iron and hydrogen sulfide react, the water turns red. The high concentration of hydrochloric and sulfuric acids explains the rich green color of the reservoir.

It is worth noting that scientists cannot fully explain this phenomenon, since over the past 20 years the color of the water in the lakes has changed a total of 12 times. If earlier the lake of “evil souls” or “enchanted lake” was a rich scarlet color, then over time it became darker and now it is almost black.

Observation platforms

Most beautiful view These amazing picturesque lakes can be seen from special observation platforms, which are located at the very top of the Kelimutu volcano. Such sites have an advantageous location so that they offer a truly unforgettable view from the most favorable angles. In addition, the sites are specially equipped to prevent various incidents and accidents. Multi-colored lakes look most advantageous against the backdrop of the rising sun early in the morning or during a beautiful sunset in the evening. In the later morning, the lakes are shrouded in fog, which gives these places some mystery and enigma. At such moments, it becomes clear why local residents consider these places sacred.

Walking and viewing lakes from places not intended for this is not always safe, since the volcanic rock is quite slippery. In addition, the fumes that emanate from the surface of reservoirs can cause general weakness and fainting.

Tourist information

It is worth noting that if you decide to visit these amazing places, you will be able to see not only the famous colorful lakes. Kelimutu volcano with its lakes is only a small part nature reserve, which is under the protection of UNESCO. The volcano is located in the middle of a picturesque jungle, which covers an area of about 5 hectares. On the territory of this reserve, in the middle of the jungle, there are also caves with stalactites and waterfalls. So you can enjoy not only the contemplation of lakes of unusual color, but also see beautiful landscapes of the tropical forest.

The nearest large city to the volcano is 60 km away. This is the city of Ende, small in size, but quite complete, where tourists can find everything they need. Here tourists can find shelter, food, and necessary medicines. In close proximity to the volcano and its lakes there is a small farming village called Moli, which tourists often use as a transit point and a place to relax.

Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see these amazing places. And although there are colorful lakes in other places, here nature really did its best. Three lakes with completely different water colors are located relatively far from each other. You can’t even dream about this. But you should hurry, because this one is unique natural monument can disappear at one moment and no longer surprises or excites the inhabitants of the planet. If the Kelimutu volcano begins to act again, then as a result of the eruption the lakes will disappear without a trace.

Indonesians are in awe of this amazing place and are doing everything possible to keep this place safe and sound for future generations. The image of these three lakes was on the 5 thousand rupees banknote at one time and was in some way a symbol of the whole country. These lakes deserve to be seen in person. Photos of lakes posted on the Internet cannot convey even a small fraction of the unimaginable beauty and splendor that can be seen in person. It is also impossible to feel the whole gamut of feelings when seeing these unique bodies of water with your own eyes. Photographs will not convey that atmosphere of mystery that evokes thoughts about something sublime and eternal.

They say that the souls of the dead live in the colorful reservoirs of Kelimutu. Elderly people found peace in the first lake, those who died young found peace in the second, and sinners languished in the third. And the foggy haze swirling in the mornings and the often changing color of chameleon ponds with intoxicating fumes seem to confirm this theory. Nevertheless, the colored lakes still attract tourists.

Dormant half a century ago, the Kelimutu volcano, Indonesia is located in the south small island Florence, between him largest cities Ende and Maumere, and is one of the volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which includes more than three hundred active volcanoes(out of five hundred and forty known). Mount Kelimutu has a height of one and a half thousand meters above sea level, and the last eruption occurred more than half a century ago.

The mountain became famous thanks to its unique crater lakes, which have no analogues in the whole world. Kelimutu is the only mountain on Earth where from one point you can see as many as three multi-colored reservoirs, and where tourists come from all over the world.

These are not just three lakes of different colors located almost right next to each other, but bodies of water that, like a chameleon, periodically change their color. No one (not even scientists) can predict exactly when this will happen. Each lake can be either turquoise, white, mustard, red, green, black and other tones.

The Kelimutu lakes are a kind of reservoir: since they are located in the crater of a volcano, they are almost not fed by groundwater, but are filled with numerous precipitation, which falls abundantly here during the rainy season, which lasts from November to March. The climate on Florence Island in Indonesia is subcontinental maritime monsoon, and there is plenty of water at this time. According to one theory, these lakes were formed during last eruption

volcano in 1968, after which depressions appeared in the cooled lava (in this case, as many as three). These reservoirs are extremely deep - according to unconfirmed data, the depth of the crater exceeds 1.5 thousand meters (that is, the height of a volcano). Judging by the myths of the Lio tribe, it is likely that before the eruption there were also lakes of a similar type there.

The reservoirs are located quite deep below, the slopes of the volcano around them abruptly drop down, so getting close to them is practically impossible, and even deadly. So, a few years ago, a Danish tourist climbed over the fence to take a closer look at one of the reservoirs, slipped and fell down. His body was never found.

The color of reservoirs is extremely difficult to predict, therefore, when climbing Kelimutu, you can never tell what color they will be. Over the course of several years (with short periodicity), the same lake can be black, green, brown, white, bottle blue, turquoise, red. Although, of course, predictions are made about exactly when the color may change.

The best way to admire the lakes is from a specially equipped area, which is located at the top of the volcano. It is advisable to walk along the lakes along specially designed paths, and you must wear shoes with non-slip soles (volcanic stone is extremely slippery, and therefore walking on it is quite dangerous ). The fumes emanating from reservoirs can lead to fainting (unfortunately, there have been cases where tourists lost consciousness at the most inopportune moment - and fell down, which almost always ended in death for them).

It is advisable to come to this amazing place either early in the morning, at dawn, or during sunset. Here, such a time comes extremely quickly, and the lakes acquire extremely deep, bright and rich colors.

It is especially beautiful here at dawn, when the lakes are still shrouded in morning fog and give the landscape a touch of mystery and mysticism. The suddenly appearing Sun in the blink of an eye makes the sky extremely bright, itself transforming in a couple of seconds from a bright red disk into a dazzling white body.

It not only illuminates everything around, but also decisively disperses the fog swirling above the reservoirs, in some places it even forms a rainbow (in the shape of a complete oval).

It is not surprising that local aborigines believe that this is where the souls of dead people move, after which, having been purified, at dawn, according to one version, they rise to heaven. And color transitions, which often occur in bodies of water independently of each other (that is, lakes do not change color at the same time), only confirm their beliefs.

Legends of the Lio Tribe According to their beliefs, to Lake Kelimut for local residents

are untouchable, taboo. The aborigines of the Lio tribe are convinced that the souls of deceased people find their peace in the reservoirs of Kelimutu. To this day, every year they organize special ceremonies with dances, etc., especially for these spirits.

According to their beliefs, each body of water is intended for different categories of souls:
Tivu-Ata-Mbupu. The “Lake of Old Men” is home to the souls of people who not only died in old age, but also lived them with dignity. It is located at some distance from other bodies of water, which symbolizes the wisdom that comes to a person only with age. Tivu Nua Muri Kooh Tai. This body of water is located between two other lakes. The souls of people who died in. Interestingly, it changes color most often - in a quarter of a century this happened more than twelve times. Its name is translated as “Lake of Young Souls”.
Tivu-Ata-Polo. Murderers, sinners, scoundrels and criminals, that is, those who lived their years unworthily and committed a lot of evil, settled forever in the “Enchanted Lake of Evil Spirits.” Moreover, it is noteworthy that it is separated from the central reservoir by a very narrow volcanic crater wall. Representatives of the Lio tribe are convinced that this symbolizes how thin and fragile the line between good and evil is.

Why do bodies of water change color?

Why the lakes in this amazing place constantly change color has not yet been fully studied. But there are versions, different and very interesting.

Version No. 1. Lio Tribe Theory

Local residents are sure that reservoirs change their color when souls are angry about something, so they must be appeased. For this purpose, they perform appropriate rituals on the top of Kelimutu. At the same time, the aborigines are convinced that their ancestors are answering them, since during the ceremonies (according to their belief) water boils in the reservoirs, and a blue fog appears over the surface.

Another theory of theirs says that a change in color signals the approach of major troubles (and not only for the island, but for all of Indonesia).

Version No. 2. Scientists' hypotheses

Scientists explain the phenomenon of this amazing place in my own way. They claim that reservoirs change their color depending on what kind of chemical reaction is currently occurring in the bowels of the earth and even on climatic conditions.

According to them, at the bottom of the lakes there are cracks through which volcanic gases rise, which, once in the reservoirs, enter into a chemical reaction with the minerals dissolved in it. In each lake, the minerals that are found on the bottom and walls of the volcano are different.

The presence of carbon dioxide contributes to the rise of deep waters to the surface of lakes, which are also enriched with minerals. The same process helps draw water down, which also affects the constant change in color of the lakes.

Lakes of Young Souls and Old Men

In the central reservoir (it is where the color change most often occurs) there is solfatara - when evaporations of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrochloric acid and other substances are released from cracks in the walls and bottom of the crater.

The temperature of solfatara usually ranges from 100°C to 300°C, therefore it is a constantly smoking crack.

Once on the surface, hydrogen sulfide reacts with air and turns into sulfuric acid. In this reservoir, as well as in Lake Starikov, there is an extremely high concentration of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, which give them mainly green tones. Their shades change periodically - they can be bright green, turquoise, and dark green, deep blue, burgundy, white and black.

Lake of Evil Souls

Previously, the Lake of Evil Souls was a gorgeous, bright scarlet hue (it is quite possible that this is why it got its name). Now every year it becomes darker and darker. Now it has become almost black. This unusual color was caused by the high concentration of iron in the reservoir, as well as a higher level of acidity than in the reservoirs located near it. There are periods when it takes on more traditional lake colors, such as turquoise or green.

Trip to Flores

The island of Flores, Indonesia is worth visiting not only to look at the colorful lakes, but also at other attractions that are located quite compactly to each other: the island itself small sizes– about 350 km in length and 70 km in width.

For example, travelers all over the world will be interested to know that on this island the skeleton of a very small man was found (he was nicknamed a hobbit), whose age exceeds 18 thousand years and belongs to “Homo sapiens”.

19 species of animals, characteristic only for this area, live here. To see them, you will have to climb into the impenetrable jungle, but on the way to the reservoirs you can often see small monkeys living on the island, and at the observation deck they even independently run out to people for handouts.

On the way to unique reservoirs, you can admire flowering trees, beautiful mountain landscapes and landscapes. The colorful lakes of Kelimutu themselves are surrounded by a small jungle (4.5 hectares), in which mahogany, pine, and casuarina trees grow, and the grass cover is decorated with edelweiss. There is also a protected forest, waterfalls and caves with stalactites and stalagmites.

In short, if possible, it’s definitely worth visiting near Kelimutu, Indonesia. You shouldn’t put off your trip: although the volcano is considered extinct, there are, in principle, no guarantees that it will not wake up. And after the eruption, it is not a fact that the reservoirs will remain in the same place or will exist. Indeed, recently the activity of the Ring of Fire volcanoes has increased significantly.

Kelimutu - famous volcano, located on the territory of the national park of the same name in the center of the Indonesian island of Flores. The last time Kelimutu woke up was in 1968, after which there were no signs of activity. At the top of the volcano, whose height is 1639 m, there is a real natural miracle– three crater lakes of different colors. They appeared as a result of the last eruption of Kelimutu, when small depressions formed in the magma, which over time were filled with precipitation. Unusual bodies of water, located relatively close to each other, tend to periodically change color from turquoise to green, red, brown or black.

According to modern scientific guesses, such changes in the color of lakes occur as a result of a chemical reaction that occurs between various minerals and gas. For example, reactions of iron with hydrogen sulfide give a reddish tint, and a high concentration of hydrochloric and sulfuric acids causes a deep green color.

The residents of the village of Moni, located almost at the foot of Kelimutu, have their own theory - they believe that the souls of their deceased ancestors go to these lakes, and the change in color indicates that the souls living in the reservoirs are angry. Another version says that the change in color may be a signal of impending critical events in Indonesia.

Each lake has its own name, reflecting the legend associated with it. The westernmost of the lakes, located about 1.5 km from the other two, is called Tivu-Ata-Mbupu (“lake of the old people”), in it, according to legend, the souls of those who lived their lives with dignity and died of old age find shelter. It symbolizes the wisdom and knowledge of older people that only comes with age.

Lake Tivu-Ata-Mbupu:

The name of the central lake - Tivu Nua Muri Kooh Tai - translates as “lake of boys and girls”, the innocent souls of those who died young go into it. This lake changes color especially often; it is said that in the last twenty-six years it has changed the color of its water twelve times.

Lake Tivu Nua Muri Kooh Tai:

Tivu-Ata-Polo, which means “enchanted lake”, or “lake of evil souls”, serves as an eternal home for the souls of evildoers.

Lake Tivu-Ata-Polo:

The last two reservoirs are located nearby, they are separated only by a thin crater wall, which, according to the beliefs of local residents, personifies the fine line between evil and good:

The color of the water of the three lakes is very unpredictable, therefore, when climbing to the top of the volcano, you cannot know exactly what combinations of colors will be this time. According to the latest data, now the lake of old people is painted black, although recently it was green, the lake of boys and girls is richly green, and the lake of evil souls is brown. Just a few years ago they had white, turquoise and red colors. In November 2009, the waters of the lakes were colored black, turquoise and brown.

And already in July 2010, Tivu-Ata-Mbupu was a bottle-green color, Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai was painted turquoise, and Tivu-Ata-Polo was the color of moss green:

The best way to admire the amazing views of reservoirs is from the top of Kelimutu, on which Observation deck, or rather a pyramid called the “point of inspiration”. The lake acquires its most beautiful and rich colors at dawn and sunset, and in the late morning, when they are shrouded in thick fog, a bewitching atmosphere of mystery reigns here. It is best and safest to view bodies of water from specially designated places, since the volcanic stone is very slippery and walking on it is extremely dangerous, and besides, the vapors emanating from the lakes lead to fainting.

The lakes of Kelimutu Volcano are one of the most interesting attractions in Indonesia. Indonesians love this place very much; the famous chameleon ponds used to even be depicted on the 5,000 rupiah banknote.

These lakes are only a small part of the Kelimutu National Park, a world heritage UNESCO. Several thousand tourists come every year to admire the unique natural sites of this area.

Mount Kelimutu with its colored crater lakes is one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world. In addition, Smoking Mountain is also the most mystical place Indonesian island of Flores

We continue the series of stories about the most mysterious places in the world. Mount Kelimutu is famous for the three lakes in its crater, each of which has a different color. There are many myths surrounding the origin of the mountain; it is sacred place for local residents

Over the past years, the lakes have repeatedly changed their color, currently one of the lakes is brown, another is green, and the third changes color from green to reddish. The reason for these color changes lies in changes in the mineral composition of the water, but local residents believe that the lakes are colored differently by the lost souls of their ancestors

The first lake is called Tiu Ata Mbulu (lake of the souls of ancestors), the second is called Tiu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (lake of the souls of young people), and the third is called Tiu Ata Polo (lake of evil spirits). The first two lakes are located next to each other, and the third is located one and a half kilometers to the west. Kelimutu is beautiful at any time of the day, but best time To visit - early morning, when you can admire the sunrise

The most convenient place In order to go to Kelimuta, there is the village of Moni on the Transflores highway. A few years ago, the entire road to the mountain had to be done on foot due to the lack of a road, but now a road leads directly to the foot. Here you can leave your car in the parking lot and take a 30-minute walk through the forest, straight to the colored lakes

Lakes in the crater of a volcano are only a small part National Park Kelimutu, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Due to high biological variability, unique natural objects And cultural heritage these places attract thousands of tourists every year

You can get to the village of Moni from different cities. It is located 62 kilometers from the city of Maumere, and 51 kilometers from Ende. In Moni you can stay with local residents or in one of the local hotels

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