Maika Komodo Tour
Kelimutu Lakes“Kelimutu Lakes was an amazing part of our Flores Overland Tour. I was very impressed at the massive size of this area.” Tony - Italy |
|
Kelimutu Lakes“Kelimutu Lakes was an amazing part of our Flores Overland Tour. I was very impressed at the massive size of this area.” Tony - Italy |
|
Kelimutu Lakes Mt Kelimutu is a National Park in the Nusa Tenggara Islands. It is on the island of Flores and is actually the smallest National Park between six other parks in the area between Bali and the Nusa Tenggara Islands. Although it is the smallest National park, it is by no means small. Seeing the Lakes in Person is an amazing site for anyone who takes the time to go there. Kellimutu consists of three lakes on the top of the volcano. Each lake has its own color that makes it unique and the entire area is referred to as Kelimutu which means “The Boiling Lakes”. The change is color is due to the periodic change from the adjustments in the oxidation-reducion status of each lake. This can be determined from the balance of the amount of rainfall and the volcanic gas coming out. The colors of the lake change independently of each other because each one has a different connection to the volcanos activity. Back in 2016 the lakes changed color 6 times in one year. At the moment the lakes are not heavily monitored but if they were, predicting the color change would bit more easier.
One of the things that makes this location unique is that the lakes can actually change color over time. They range from Black, Green, and, Blue and at other time in the part, they even have been Red, and a dark shade of White. The National park offers protection for 19 endemic and endangered animals in the area. If you lucky maybe your guide can point some of these out to you. You may see the Floresian eagle, Floresian Kancilan, Gloresian punai, or the Wallacea Owl.
Hiking to the top of Kelimutu is much easier than it used to be many years ago. Now there are paved walkways all the way to the top which is about 1,690 meters (5,544 feet). At the bottom there is a parking lot and that is where the hiking starts. As one can see driving up to the entrance the area is surrounded by thick forests consistenting of red woods, edelweiss, pine and casuarinas. It is about a a 20-30 minute walk to the top of the crater lakes, where there is a look out for visitors. It is only recommended to stay on the path and not get off the designated areas. In other words, stay out of the restricted areas for your own safety. The cliffs into the lakes are very steep in some areas and can be dangerous for anyone not following the paved walkway. As with many volcanos and large natural features, the locals believe that Kelimutu Mountain is sacred and helps with the growing season and fertility every year. Many locals also believe each lakes are to be the resting place of departed souls.
There are a few different options for visiting Kelimutu Lakes. Option 1 . Kelimutu Lake Tour. 2 Days/ 1 Night On this tour we start in Maumere and end in Ende. On the 1st day We can pick you and your group up at your hotel or the local airport in Maumere and we will then drive to Moni Village to start your Kelimutu Lakes tour. Along this drive there are few very scenic stops to make so you will not miss out on getting great photos of the trip. On the first night, We will stay overnight in a hotel in Moni Village. On Day 2. We will leave Moni Village early in the morning and off to Kelimutu Lake we go. Getting to the mountain top very early is always recommended as you may get lucky and no clouds. This will give you an amazing sunrise experience. As stated above the walkway to the top in paved all the way and takes about 25 mins to reach the famous viewpoint. When the group is finished we will then head to Ende, to take our guests to their hotel or back to the airport, depending on what each person chooses. Option 2. Kelmutu Lake Tour - This tours Starts and ends in Ende. It is 2 Days/ 1 Night On Day 1. We can pick you up in Ende at the airport or the hotel you are staying in. We will start the trip by diving to Wologai traditional village and then we will drive to Moni Village to have dinner and then for overnight sleeping in a hotel in Moni. On Day 2. We will Leave Moni Village, and Visit the Kelimutu Lakes, then head back to Ende. On the second Day, we will visit Kelimuti Lake. Most guests prefer to try and see the sunrise on top of Kelimutu so we will leave early in the morning to the Mountain and up to see the majestic Lakes. The paved walkway typically takes about 25 minutes to make it to the top viewing area. This is when you can take as much time as you would like to walk around and take many photos. You man also be greeted by many monkeys. If the group is lucky and there are not many clouds, you will get a great view of the sunrise. After sunrise and taking as many photos as you would like, we will drive back for breakfast and the hotel and if we have time, we can also visit a traditional village on the way. To finish off the tour we will take a drive back to Ende to your hotel or the airport, depending on which one you choose to go to. |
Komodo Tour Packages Komodo National Park Tours 1 Day Trips 2 Day / 1 Night 3 Day / 2 Night 4 Day / 3 Night Flores Overland tours
We can visit places such as;
For anyone wanting to add Kelimutu on their Flores Overland Tour, please contact us and we can work with you and your group to get a tour that works with your schedule. Kelimutu is a long way from Labuan Bajo, so we typically also visit Ruteng and Bajawa on the way. Making sure to get in all the best local attractions, such as Bena Traditional Village, Soa Hot Springs, Cancar spiderweb rice fields and other great attractions. For those interested in Diving in Komodo, you can also find information for some of our dive guide interviews.
|
|
For Flores Overland Tour or Komodo Island Tours, please contact Maika Komodo Tour and we can work with you and your group to put together a tour package that fits within your schedule..
|