Kelimutu, a dangerous and attractive volcano

On the Pacific Ring of Fire, Kelimutu is unquestionably one of the most beautiful of all volcanoes. In eastern Indonesia, it has a unique setting: three craters in which three lakes were formed by successive eruptions. Their colors vary with time and seasons. This splendid colossus is still active. The ascent is done by scooter, before a last stage on foot.

An Australian couple chose to leave before dawn to see Kelimutu. As the sun rises, the landscape unfolds. On the surface of the water, volcanic gases escape. They are what give their color to the lakes. “I’ve hiked on volcanoes before but this one is the most spectacular I’ve seen. The blue lakes are amazing and the black lake has something mysterious that attracts me“, says the Australian tourist. As he could wake up at any time, the authorities thought of prohibiting him to tourists but the inhabitants and traders of the villages below demonstrated to keep it accessible.