GUIDE TO KELIMUTU VOLCANIC LAKES IN FLORES, INDONESIA
If you're anything like me and crave the next adventure, the colour changing volcanic lakes of Mount Kelimutu may be just for you! Nestled near the small town of Moni, the volcano is best known for its three crater lakes which periodically change colour due to a chemical reaction that takes place in the water. Local people consider the volcano lakes as sacred where they believe the souls of the departed will rest. Every August they congregate and provide offerings to their ancestors.
Visiting Kelimutu Volcanic Lakes
Get up early! If you're planning to head there for sunrise, you'll want to arrive by 5 am. The weather can be temperamental in the mountains and often the crater lakes can be covered in mist and fog so it's best to get some local advice from your guesthouse before departing. We decided to go after sunrise when our Airbnb host advised it would be a good time. The hike itself is up steps and is around 30 minutes to the top.
The best time to go
I visited Kelimutu volcanic lakes in May and it was an awesome time to go. For the time we were there, I spotted maybe 10 other people visiting the volcano. May is the shoulder season in Indonesia where the rainy season is ending and the climate is going into the dry season which runs from May-October.The view on the way from Ende to Moni.
Where to stay
Kelimutu Volcanic Lakes | Oops I Booked Again
Staying in Moni is a great option as it's around a 1-hour drive to the national park entrance after which the hike is relatively easy to the top. Moni has some basic accommodation options but for the convenience of being close to the volcano, it's worth it! It's around a 3-hour drive from Ende airport and a 4-hour drive from Maumere.
There are a number of options online. My Airbnbwas awesome! I mean seriously awesome!! Unexpectedly it was one of my favourite places I stayed during my six weeks in Indonesia. Using homegrown produce my host cooked a local Indonesian dish each night that was absolutely divine! Keep in mind that where ever you stay it is likely to be basic with the bare essentials.
I had stomach problems in Bali and Labuan Bajo but with food being so fresh here that cleared up in no time!!
Local fruit and vegetable markets.Fresh homegrown produce of my Airbnb host.
Natural springs
I was only supposed to stay in Moni for one night before heading to Maumere. As it turned out, I loved my homestay so much and was having such a great time, I extended another night. After a long morning in the mountains, it was great to enjoy a warm bath in the natural springs by the volcano.
Please note that locals come here to take their baths and wash so it's important to stay respectful. The water is warm and lush! We noticed the local women using black rocks at the bottom of the spring as an exfoliator, and if I'm going to be honest, I've never had softer skin!
Visiting Maumere
I ended my trip in Flores at the Coconut Garden Beach Resort which was a great place to wind down and relax after a hectic few days. The resort is located just out of Maumere off a private and secluded beach. The best part was that I pretty much had the resort and beach all to myself!
Here are a few more photos of my time in Kelimutu and Maumere
The hike to the top of Kelimutu volcanic lakes.