These crater lakes in Indonesia change colour all the time
Lakes around the world can get different colours due to certain species of bacteria, but the lakes located atop mount Kelimutu in Flores, Indonesia, are a beautiful mystery.
The three lakes atop mount Kelimutu have different colours, but they also change their hues fairly often. According to Indonesia Travel, Tiwu ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People) is usually blue. Lake Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) is typically green, and Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched or Enchanted Lake) is usually red.
Nevertheless, it is reported that “a few years ago, the lakes were white, turquoise and red. In November 2009, they were black, turquoise, and a coca-cola brown. And again in July 2010, the lakes were resplendent in various shades of green.”
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People believe that their hues change due to the way that particular minerals in the water interact with the volcanic gas, yet this is yet unclear.
Local folklore has provided the names for the lakes, with locals believing their waters are resting places for departed souls and that the god of the afterlife, Mae, will evaluate the merits in life of those departed and send them to different lakes, depending on them.
The best time to visit the lakes is during Indonesia’s dry season, in July or August, with the volcano being great for a hiking trip and catching the sunrise on its summit.
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