Many Flores visitors seldom venture further into the interior than Labuan Bajo, the port town that serves as the gateway to Komodo National Park, home to the feared dragons. You will be rewarded with spectacular sights if you are willing to trek into the island's jungle-covered, mountainous interior. Kelimutu Lake is one of the highlights.

Kelimutu, the island's most famous volcano, is located in central Flores, about two hours inland from the town of Ende. It is not the tallest volcano in Flores; Mount Inerie has that honor. Kelimutu is both unusual and beautiful because of the multicolored lakes that nestle in its (now-extinct) crater, with brilliant, ever-changing colors of blue, green, and red.

The Crater Lakes are made up of three lakes.

Kelimutu is known for the three lakes that are separated by narrow ridges of granite in its crater. The lakes' colors change on a regular basis, six times in 2016, due to shifting chemical and mineral balances in the water, yet they are always vibrant and deep, with a look so thick it resembles paint. Normally, the three lakes are turquoise, khaki, and dark red. The turquoise lake has a consistent color, but the other two are constantly changing.

The lakes are especially lovely at sunrise, which is when the majority of visitors arrive. Throughout the day, they appear lovely (and different). Hiking up to the peak is possible, but because of the cool nights and early start required to arrive in time for sunrise, the walk back down is more common.

Many visitors choose to take an ojek or a vehicle to the top and then walk back down. As the sun crests the horizon and illuminates the lakes, a cup of wonderful Flores coffee from one of the sellers who slogs to the summit each morning is the ideal way to wake up.

Unsurprisingly, Kelimutu and its lakes have an important role in local mythology. The souls of the dead are thought to reside in the lakes. The wicked go to the crimson lake, the young to the turquoise lake, and the aged to the khaki lake.

When is the best time to visit Kelimutu?

Kelimutu is best visited during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The skies are mostly clear, and the sunrises are usually spectacular. If you have the opportunity, visit between July and August. This is the busiest time of year. The vista will be shared with a large number of other tourists.

If you want to see the dawn at Kelimutu, plan to be at the peak around 3:30 a.m. This involves getting up at 2:30 a.m. and leaving your hotel in Moni, the closest settlement to Kelimutu. It's going to be a long day. You'll have to wait a bit at the top, which is freezing, but you'll get to witness the entire sunset.

What is the best way to get to Kelimutu?

If you're traveling across Flores by land, Kelimutu is a must-see. The journey is long, but given the distances involved, it is worthwhile. A typical route is from Labuan Bajo to Bajawa, which takes 10 hours by bus, followed by a two-hour bus or auto ride to Ende. Alternatively, you can hire a car with a driver to drive you about Flores.

Moni, at the foot of Kelimutu, is about an hour and a half drive from Ende. Fortunately, Ende has an airport with flights to Denpasar, Labuan Bajo, and Kupang, so you can travel to Kelimutu quickly from anywhere in Flores and beyond.

The drive from Moni to the car park, as well as the walk from the car park to the summit, takes around 30 minutes. You can arrange transportation through your hotel; to arrive at the summit in time for sunrise, you should leave at 4 a.m. Wrap up warm because the nights and early mornings at this elevation are frigid.

from kelimutu to moni

Moni is a little settlement at the foot of Kelimutu, a tranquil spot with wonderful views of rice fields and a refreshingly chilly climate after Ende's sweltering heat. The majority of Kelimutu guests stay in Moni. For a small town, it is surprisingly well supplied for tourists. The village's single road is lined with hotels and guesthouses, and there are a variety of cafés and eateries to choose from.

What are the best places to stay in Moni?

The majority of Moni's hotels are friendly, family-run guesthouses along the village's main road, however the selection and quality are steadily improving. Bintang Lodge, operated by Tobias, is a former backpacker alternative that has lately been refurbished, with lovely cabins strewn throughout the hillside. On a frigid morning, the hot water showers at Bintang Lodge are a tremendous joy.

Antoneri Lodge, which offers no frills but pristine accommodations at a fantastic price, is a great budget option, while Estevania Lodge is a great mid-range option. If money isn't an issue, head to Kelimutu Ecolodge, a lovely cluster of elegant bungalows at the town's east end that is clearly Moni's most upscale option. Despite the large number of options, many of Moni's hotels only have a few rooms. During the high tourist months of July and August, it's a good idea to reserve ahead of time.

What are the best places to dine in Moni?

Moni has a few restaurants, most of which serve typical tourist fare. Mopi's Place, a coffee shop and restaurant, is the best eatery. Moni's serves excellent coffee as well as delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner (the turmeric chicken is particularly recommended). The furniture is reclaimed wood, and most days there is a rock 'n' roll soundtrack playing. It's without a doubt Moni's most fashionable hangout.

Two other dining options are Rainbow Café and a nice restaurant at Bintang Lodge. A Moni cake is a must-try. It's a local delicacy made of potatoes and veggies mashed together into a patty.

Finally, some thoughts

Kelimutu is a must-see for anybody visiting Flores. Even by the high standards of Indonesia's national parks and natural landscapes, it's an extremely lovely area. The overland trips across Flores are long, but they are well worth it. You can fly to Ende and then drive to Moni if you don't feel up to it.