Kelimutu National Park
Kelimutu National Park is one of the national parks in Indonesia that has the uniqueness of 3 adjacent lakes with different colors. This uniqueness is very attractive to both local and international tourists. The different colors of the lake craters also have myths and scientific facts that are interesting to know.
In addition to the uniqueness of these 3 lakes, you can also encounter other interesting things such as flora and fauna that are not found elsewhere in Indonesia.
Myths of Kelimutu Lake
Visiting tourist attractions in Indonesia, you will often be presented with myths that have developed in the community. You may even meet locals who still believe in these myths. At Kelimutu Lake, you will also encounter myths that have developed there since ancient times.
The Kelimutu lake, which consists of 3 lakes, is also believed to be a gathering place for the spirits of their ancestors. The westernmost lake is named Tiwu Ata mBupu, the lake where the spirits of the elders gather. Next is the lake named Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Fai, the lake where the spirits of the youth gather. Meanwhile, the easternmost part is called Tiwu Ata Polo, the lake where the spirits who committed many wrongdoings during their lifetime gather.
You will also find an area named Perekonde. Perekonde is believed to be the entrance for the spirits to the Kelimutu lake.
Every year, there is also a celebration held by the local residents, namely the Lio Tribe, in the form of a ritual to feed the ancestral spirits. After this event, you will also see a feast and several dances known as the Gawi dance.
Why Do the Lakes in Kelimutu Have 3 Colors?
After learning about the myths, you also need to know the scientific facts about why the lakes in Kelimutu can have 3 colors. And you should know that the color of each lake crater actually changes over certain periods.
Kelimutu Lake can have 3 different colors due to the activity of Mount Kelimutu. When volcanic activity occurs in the lake craters, the chemical composition of each crater begins to change from its original state. This chemical composition affects the colors that are produced.
When the water content in the crater is reddish to nearly black, the oxygen intensity inside is very high. Meanwhile, if the oxygen intensity is low, the color changes to green and then to blue.
Other Interesting Things in Kelimutu
Not only the different and unique colors of the lakes, but you can also find other interesting things. What are they?
Have you ever heard of Edelweiss? Yes, it is the "immortal" flower. It is called that because this flower can last without wilting for up to 3 days. You will find many Edelweiss flowers in Kelimutu. But, please do not pick them. Just enjoy the view. Because this flower has become increasingly difficult to find in hiking areas due to naughty hands that like to pick the flowers.
In addition, you can find the Uta Unga flora. Uta Onga is an endemic flora characteristic of Kelimutu. Besides Uta Onga, you can also find the Turuwara flora.
Read also: 11 Tourist Attractions in NTT That Have Amazing Charm
You are very lucky if you can see the Gerugiwa or Garugiwa bird directly in Kelimutu. The locals refer to Gerugiwa as the spirit bird. This bird is only found in Kelimutu. The unique thing about this bird is that it can produce 11 different sounds. Very interesting, right? If you are curious about the Garugiwa bird, you can wait for its arrival, which usually comes and sings around 06:00 - 10:00.
Author: Iskael
