Kelimutu Lake (Tri-Color Lake)
Kelimutu Lake (Tri-Color Lake)
4.5
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4.5
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3
UncleTravellingRich
Sydney, Australia147 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Went here for sunrise. Cloudy day but still stunning. Hiked / trekked down avoiding most of main road - slightly different route to guide book. Go down road from car park about 1km then take trail on rhs to Peno village. Steep trail through woods and farmland to village. From there it is a small road until just outside Moni where you pick up a single file trail again. Finish with swim under waterfall to cool off!
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AirFuss
Singapore, Singapore634 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We had to leave at 4 a.m. in the morning from Moni village. The hike was doable with kids.
It is bit cold up there so take thin jackets for kids. Not many people up there for sunrise.
Proper pathway and stairs made for trekking to the craters. There were two ladies selling coffee so we had morning coffee with sunrise.
The two lakes looked of the same color. The third lake which was on the other side was of different color.
It is bit cold up there so take thin jackets for kids. Not many people up there for sunrise.
Proper pathway and stairs made for trekking to the craters. There were two ladies selling coffee so we had morning coffee with sunrise.
The two lakes looked of the same color. The third lake which was on the other side was of different color.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
srmiab
Anna Bay, Australia29 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
The entrance gate now doesn’t open until 6am. Closes at 10am. This means you would miss out the sunrise. We arrived at 5am on our scooter unaware that it wasn’t opening until 6am. A local told us to go under the boom gate so we did. We were the only ones there for sunrise - absolutely beautiful.
On our way down from the lookout, others that had been waiting at the boom gate were confused as to how we were there so early. On the way out the entrance gate staff stopped us and asked us to pay so we did. Seemed like no probs to go under boom gate as long as you pay on way out.
Seems stupid to lock out tourists from seeing the most beautiful time of the day?
On our way down from the lookout, others that had been waiting at the boom gate were confused as to how we were there so early. On the way out the entrance gate staff stopped us and asked us to pay so we did. Seemed like no probs to go under boom gate as long as you pay on way out.
Seems stupid to lock out tourists from seeing the most beautiful time of the day?
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoisDeZweed
Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands852 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
The entrance price is 225k on
Sundays and holidays. Otherwise it is 150k. You also have to pay for the motorbike that brings you: 5k. A car is 10k, I think.
You can take a motorbike or car up or retour. The price for a one way motorbike from Moni will be around 40 - 60k. Retour will be double. Sharing a car might be better when you have a group. You can walk back via a well marked track.
You can also walk up via this track. It is a little less clear if you walk up, but there are always locals that can show you the way.
If you take the right track, you will end up behind the point where the tickets are being sold! So this is also chance to see the lakes without paying :). The best is that you ask tourist that are walking down for their ticket (e.g. buy it from them for a small price), because you will be asked for your ticket in the national park itself. They have people walking around and asking all the tourists for their ticket. Of course you can always say that you didn't know, but then you have to pay the full ticket price anyways. In sum: if you are walking up, acquire a ticket from somebody walking down.
Small tip: The walkway is shown on Maps.mi, so if you have this app, it is easy to reach Kelimutu on foot. The walk will take you approx 3 hours up and 2 hours down. Give or take.
About Kelimutu. This is of course a must see. The lakes are incredibly beautiful. One was baby blue, the other blue greenish and the last one black and reflective (it looked a bit like a oil-pool. Very nice).
Everybody is going at sunset, but I think that is a mistake, since the colours of the lake are the best when the sun is high. You will have a lot of shadow in the deep lakes just after sunset. So I don't know why everybody goes this early.
Also, if you take the walking track up, going early will mean that you can not get a ticket from returning people because they aren't descending on the trail yet.
The best is to go early in the morning (start at daylight, hour depends on mode of transport), since the chance that clouds can come starts at noon. It is the best when the sun is up high and you have less shadows on the lakes.
I think that this is one of the best things on Flores, after the Komodo National Park and the tour that goes there. But I do not agree with the entrance prices, especially not on Sundays and holidays. Locals also pay way less than tourists. That's why I give you these tips above.
If you like this info, please let me know by liking this post.
I hope I have given info on on the questions you might have had.
Enjoy!
Sundays and holidays. Otherwise it is 150k. You also have to pay for the motorbike that brings you: 5k. A car is 10k, I think.
You can take a motorbike or car up or retour. The price for a one way motorbike from Moni will be around 40 - 60k. Retour will be double. Sharing a car might be better when you have a group. You can walk back via a well marked track.
You can also walk up via this track. It is a little less clear if you walk up, but there are always locals that can show you the way.
If you take the right track, you will end up behind the point where the tickets are being sold! So this is also chance to see the lakes without paying :). The best is that you ask tourist that are walking down for their ticket (e.g. buy it from them for a small price), because you will be asked for your ticket in the national park itself. They have people walking around and asking all the tourists for their ticket. Of course you can always say that you didn't know, but then you have to pay the full ticket price anyways. In sum: if you are walking up, acquire a ticket from somebody walking down.
Small tip: The walkway is shown on Maps.mi, so if you have this app, it is easy to reach Kelimutu on foot. The walk will take you approx 3 hours up and 2 hours down. Give or take.
About Kelimutu. This is of course a must see. The lakes are incredibly beautiful. One was baby blue, the other blue greenish and the last one black and reflective (it looked a bit like a oil-pool. Very nice).
Everybody is going at sunset, but I think that is a mistake, since the colours of the lake are the best when the sun is high. You will have a lot of shadow in the deep lakes just after sunset. So I don't know why everybody goes this early.
Also, if you take the walking track up, going early will mean that you can not get a ticket from returning people because they aren't descending on the trail yet.
The best is to go early in the morning (start at daylight, hour depends on mode of transport), since the chance that clouds can come starts at noon. It is the best when the sun is up high and you have less shadows on the lakes.
I think that this is one of the best things on Flores, after the Komodo National Park and the tour that goes there. But I do not agree with the entrance prices, especially not on Sundays and holidays. Locals also pay way less than tourists. That's why I give you these tips above.
If you like this info, please let me know by liking this post.
I hope I have given info on on the questions you might have had.
Enjoy!
Written 27 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monkeyboy45
London, UK358 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This was a highlight of a trip to Flores, the calderas there are stunning and very easy to get to. The best tip would be to hire a motorbike (150K/day) and do it yourself as the road is ok and easy to follow (even in the dark) - I wished we had. In six months time they will have finished the double lane road so it will be even easier. Or you can be taken up by Ojek (80-120K each) and you can walk down, or a car (round trip 350K+). Entrance fee 150K each.
Make sure you leave at 4:45-5:00 latest to get there in time and when you head up the steps from the car park turn left at the large sign and follow the path round. You’ll come to the first view point that you should skip (you can come back to that later), continue on and you should stop on the steps halfway between that and the main viewpoint (the main one will be teeming with people). We did and we had a brilliant view of the incredible sunrise without loads of people vying for position! Another tip is to plan to stay there a while, as most of the tourists leave by 7:00. We stayed there until 9.30 and had the place to ourselves and you get to see the colours of the calderas with the sun on them. Breathtaking and peaceful!
Absolutely recommended.
Make sure you leave at 4:45-5:00 latest to get there in time and when you head up the steps from the car park turn left at the large sign and follow the path round. You’ll come to the first view point that you should skip (you can come back to that later), continue on and you should stop on the steps halfway between that and the main viewpoint (the main one will be teeming with people). We did and we had a brilliant view of the incredible sunrise without loads of people vying for position! Another tip is to plan to stay there a while, as most of the tourists leave by 7:00. We stayed there until 9.30 and had the place to ourselves and you get to see the colours of the calderas with the sun on them. Breathtaking and peaceful!
Absolutely recommended.
Written 1 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reni_radhan
Indonesia174 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
This lake is very beautiful and easy to reach, just rent a car or scooter to hike the hill but I recommended the car. After you parked the car/scooter, then walk to the summit of hill around 4 km.
I suggest you to prepare your healthy body, jacket for 12 degree Celsius, sport shoes and camera.
I suggest you to prepare your healthy body, jacket for 12 degree Celsius, sport shoes and camera.
Written 21 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SwaneeGan
Singapore79 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
This review is for those who want to watch sunrise on Mt Kelimutu. I would have rated it excellent if I didn’t have to travel so far just to see this!
The tri-colour lakes were the only reason I travelled the long distance from Battawa to Moni. Luck plays an important part in the enjoyment and appreciation of the beauty here.
For sunrise watchers, the best place to stay the night is in Waturaka Village (10,000rp Ojek from Moni). This is the Village that is closest (1/2 hr by Ojek which is available from the Homestay for 100,000rp) to the start of the trail up Mt Kelimutu. There are many homestays in Waturaka and every one of the homestay charges 150,000rp for the night which included simple local family meals. I stayed at Igen Homestay. Though it didn’t look impressive, the room was very clean and I had my best sleep there.
From the start of the trail, one needs to trek for 20-30 mins to reach the top. It is a gentle ascent and a greater part of the path is paved & dimly lit. Despite this, walking shoes are better than flip-flops.
I left Waturaka at 4.00am and managed to see the colours of sunrise. Frankly, I was lucky because it rained throughout the previous day. That helped to clear the clouds and it wasn’t misty while a group of us were there. The sunrise that day wasn’t stunning but the lakes made it worth the early start and the climb up. While I was there, the con-joined lakes were turquoise & emerald green and the other dark blue.
It wasn’t very cold up there despite it being early morning on a mountaintop. I had a jacket in my bag which I didn’t need to use.
There are local vendors who sold hot drinks and cup noodles for those who needed sustenance.
Because it was the low season, there weren’t many people up there. Of course there were still some people who hogged photo spots and all that was required to get them to surrender the spot was a gentle request.
For sunrise watchers, you will need to bring a torch as the path is dimly lit. The street lamps acted as a navigational tool for me.
Entry to the park (foreigner) was 230,000rp - higher than the usual 150,000rp to 200,000rp - because 1-12-2017 happened to be a holiday on Flores!
To summarize what is needed:
1) wear shoes
2) bring torch if you are climbing up to watch sunrise as the lighting is dim
3) pack a light jacket if you are afraid of the cold
4) have a camera if you intend to share the memory with friends & family
5) get ready rain gear for the unpredictable weather.
As mentioned before, a great deal still depends on LUCK!
I shall gladly return if I am told that one of the lakes has turned red because of a change in oxygen and mineral contents.
The tri-colour lakes were the only reason I travelled the long distance from Battawa to Moni. Luck plays an important part in the enjoyment and appreciation of the beauty here.
For sunrise watchers, the best place to stay the night is in Waturaka Village (10,000rp Ojek from Moni). This is the Village that is closest (1/2 hr by Ojek which is available from the Homestay for 100,000rp) to the start of the trail up Mt Kelimutu. There are many homestays in Waturaka and every one of the homestay charges 150,000rp for the night which included simple local family meals. I stayed at Igen Homestay. Though it didn’t look impressive, the room was very clean and I had my best sleep there.
From the start of the trail, one needs to trek for 20-30 mins to reach the top. It is a gentle ascent and a greater part of the path is paved & dimly lit. Despite this, walking shoes are better than flip-flops.
I left Waturaka at 4.00am and managed to see the colours of sunrise. Frankly, I was lucky because it rained throughout the previous day. That helped to clear the clouds and it wasn’t misty while a group of us were there. The sunrise that day wasn’t stunning but the lakes made it worth the early start and the climb up. While I was there, the con-joined lakes were turquoise & emerald green and the other dark blue.
It wasn’t very cold up there despite it being early morning on a mountaintop. I had a jacket in my bag which I didn’t need to use.
There are local vendors who sold hot drinks and cup noodles for those who needed sustenance.
Because it was the low season, there weren’t many people up there. Of course there were still some people who hogged photo spots and all that was required to get them to surrender the spot was a gentle request.
For sunrise watchers, you will need to bring a torch as the path is dimly lit. The street lamps acted as a navigational tool for me.
Entry to the park (foreigner) was 230,000rp - higher than the usual 150,000rp to 200,000rp - because 1-12-2017 happened to be a holiday on Flores!
To summarize what is needed:
1) wear shoes
2) bring torch if you are climbing up to watch sunrise as the lighting is dim
3) pack a light jacket if you are afraid of the cold
4) have a camera if you intend to share the memory with friends & family
5) get ready rain gear for the unpredictable weather.
As mentioned before, a great deal still depends on LUCK!
I shall gladly return if I am told that one of the lakes has turned red because of a change in oxygen and mineral contents.
Written 1 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanetteibu
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Kelimutu Lakes are quite amazing Three lakes close together at three different levels and three different colours! We went in the late afternoon which produced the best colour differences and had the place to our selves. We were on a private tour and our wonderful guide allowed us to stay as long as we liked to capture some amazing sunset shots and also enjoy the amazing sounds of the National Park, with the wind whistling in the she-oak trees.
We had originally planned to go back in the morning to see sunrise, but decided not to as we did not want to spoil the moments of the evening before.
Definitely worth the drive out there and the walk to the top!
We had originally planned to go back in the morning to see sunrise, but decided not to as we did not want to spoil the moments of the evening before.
Definitely worth the drive out there and the walk to the top!
Written 22 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent Sales
Flores, Indonesia4 contributions
Jan 2019 • Business
With two Dutch girls we visited Kelimutu lake in early of January 2019. It was a lucky time. The sunrise was very bright and the lakes really a wonderful panorama. When we visited one of three lakes was already changed in December. The locals believe that the lake of Tiwu Ata Polo is the place for Devil spirit, the Lake of Nuwa Muri Koofai is the place for younger spirit and the lake of Ata Bupu is the place of the old people. If do you want to see the wonderful sunrise please started from Moni around 4.00 Am. But make sure the weather will good by some stars sunshine in the sky.if not then please drive up from Moni around 6.00 A.m.
Don't worry there is very easy to reach the top by walking on the stairs. Please do not forget to bring with your good camera and fully battery.
Don't worry there is very easy to reach the top by walking on the stairs. Please do not forget to bring with your good camera and fully battery.
Written 16 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alicia Y
27 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We followed the guidebook and did early morning sunrise visit to the lakes. But it turned out to be pretty crowded and the colors in the lake didn't play to its advantage in the early morning sunlight. You will get brighter colors well in the afternoon and not a single person around. So you can enjoy the nature and peace
Written 7 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, do you need a guide to go to the viewpoint? Or do you just need transport there from Ende? Thank you
Written 17 January 2019
Hi.. if you travelling in samll group of 4-5people, you can hire a car +/- 3hrs from Ende to go to Kelimutu National Park ( approx Rp.500.000 / day ) . from parking lot, take a walk surrounding with a nice view. it is suggested that you start early in the morning if you want to catch the sunrise. most tourist will stop from the lower lake, while me, i straight to the top, waiting for sunrise - monkey etc, then go down.
Written 18 January 2019
Hi, How long it the climb to see the lakes and will it be suitable to do with kids? (ages 3 and 7). Thanks.
Written 18 September 2018
Hi, the climb is about 20-30 minutes but is easy: it is mainly stairs and paths, really not hard to walk on. I don't think kids would have difficulties, you just have to be careful because the path is on a mountain and has only a small fence. Enjoy!
Written 18 September 2018
Hi there, would like your opinion of Kelimutu Sunset, as everyone seems to only go for sunrise.
How is the sunset like? Are the views as spectacular? What's the temperature at moni and kelimutu? No one seems to talk about that as well. And are the winding roads really bad?
Written 8 May 2018
In my opinion sunset and sunrise are as beautiful, however the chance of clouds at the end of the day is much bigger than in the morning and clouds might ruin your view. The temperature up there is fine, but if you go early bring a sweater or jacket. The roads are fine. Up till the parking is a good asphalt road. From there you walk partially up stairs and gravel roads. Enjoy!
Written 10 May 2018
Hallo, was kostet ca ein Fahrer von Ende Airport nach Moni, Ausflug Kelimutu und Weiterfahrt nach Maumere? Oder auch Einzeltaxifahrten?
Written 3 November 2017
Rent a car for overland tour...start from Maumere airport with me.. my whatsapp +6282244499249
Written 14 November 2017
Hi, My flight arrives into Ende at 3:30pm and I need to get to Moni. What is the best way to do this? I have been told that the local bus stops running at 4pm - is this true?
Or do you think I could pick up a local car and try and share with other people?
Thanks for any info you can provide
Written 18 June 2017
I travel from maumere so i couldn't know how to get to Moni from ende
Written 20 June 2017
Hello, I am planning a trip to the lakes later in September and would like to enquire about the following :
1-Are the buses from Maumere to Moni and Moni to Ende reliable, and what are their schedules?
2-If I were to book a private transfer instead, how much sould I expect to pay and is it worth it?
3-Are the flights from Denpasar to Maumere, and Ende to Labuan Bajo reliable as well?
4-Would I easily be able to get a ride to and from the lakes, while avoiding large groups for the sunrise hike? Is there a reliable source I should contact to arrange this?
5-Is it doable to see the lakes in the morning, return to my lodge in Moni, and make it to Ende airport for a flight at 14:40?
Thanks in advance, this will greatly help get organized.
Written 14 May 2017
Hi Quiliama,
1. Yes There is, you can take what we call "Bemo" from pasar wolowona Terminal. I advise you to take private car, in front of Ende Airport. You can ask them (+6285239776721 Mr. Sius) cost you around IDR 500.000 to 1.000.000 for mini private tour. This is From Ende
2. Island, Which part of island, even in ende has a lot of island. if you mean labuhan bajo or komodo dragon place. There are a lot of private tour. PM me i let you know. Pay depends on how many island you visit
3-Are the flights from Denpasar to Maumere -(Yes) and Ende to Labuan Bajo reliable as well (yes) - try apps Traveloka on android and Ios
4-Would I easily be able to get a ride to and from the lakes, while avoiding large groups for the sunrise hike? Is there a reliable source I should contact to arrange this.
PLEASE Notice, Kelimutu is a volcano lake, please beware hiking time, some season it will be slippery and has thick mist. Ask the locals there.
5-Is it doable to see the lakes in the morning, return to my lodge in Moni, and make it to Ende airport for a flight at 14:40? - PLEASE not doing that, Ende transportation is not smooth to do that, personally advise you not to do that
I am a local, you can PM me for more details.
Hope you enjoy your trip
Written 22 May 2017
Hi, can anyone please advise if it's possible to trek Inerie (if I were to start really early like 3 or 4am) and get to Moni by public transport on the same day? Thanks!
Written 22 July 2016
Yes you can do it in the same day but public transport stop at Ende. You need another transport from Ende to Moni..more info call my Whatsapp +6282244499249
Written 24 October 2017
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