Ende, East Nusa Tanggara (Antara NTT) - Some domestic and foreign tourists, on Wednesday morning, enjoyed the sunrise on top of Mount Kelimutu in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Mount Kelimutu, with its three-colored crater lakes, is viewed as a scenic natural phenomenon and mystical place in Flores.
Evelyn, a Swiss tourist, admitted to being enthralled by the charm of the tourist area of Lake Kelimutu, which is famous for its color that often changes.
"This is my first visit to see how beautiful the lakes are," Evelyn remarked at an altitude of 1,345 meters above sea level in the forest area of Lake Kelimutu.
Several myths still abound on the origin of Kelimutu. This is one of the reasons why Mount Kelimutu was and continues to be a sacred place for the local people.
Over the years, the three crater lakes have often changed their color from black-brown to green and to a reddish tone.
The first lake is named Tiwu Ata Mbupu, the lake of the ancestors` souls; the second is named Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, or the lake of the young people`s souls; and the third is called Tiwu Ata Polo, the lake of evil spirits.
The first and second lakes are situated in proximity to each other; while the third lake is some 1.5 kilometers to the west. Kelimutu is a scenic place to explore, but the best time to visit is in the early hours of the morning when the clouds have not yet blocked the view of the sunrise.
The most popular and convenient starting point to visit Kelimutu is Moni, a village close to the Transflores highway. The Kelimutu crater lakes are only a small part of the Kelimutu National Park.
This area belongs to the worldwide protected areas and is internationally recognized by the United Nations Environment Program.
Due to its unique natural features, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, the Kelimutu National Park attracts thousands of tourists each year.
