Kelimutu National Park
The topography of Kelimutu National Park varies from gently
rolling hills to more mountainous relief.
Some of the plants that grow in the Park area are kayu mata (Albizia
montana), kebu (Homalanthus giganteus), tokotaka (Putranjiva
roxburghii), uwi rora (Ardisia humilis), longgo baja (Drypetes
subcubica), toko keo (Cyrtandra sp.), kayu deo (Trema cannabina),
kayu bu (Casuarina equisetifolia), kelo (Ficus villosa), and ampupu
(Eucalyptus urophylla).
The Park provides habitat for at least 19 restricted-range bird
species including the near threatened Flores green pigeon (Treron
floris), Wallace's scops owl (Otus silvicola), chestnut-backed
jungle flycatcher (Rhinomyias oscillans), bare-throated whistler (Pachycephala
nudigula), little minivet (Pericrocotus lansbergei), russet-capped
tesia (Tesia everetti), thick-billed white-eye (Heleia crassirostris),
crested white-eye (Lophozosterops dohertyi), golden-rumped
flowerpecker (Dicaeum annae), Flores monarch (Monarcha sacerdotum),
flame-breasted sunbird (Nectarinia solaris), and Flores hawk-eagle (Spizaetus
floris).
The four endemic mammals include two montane rodents: Bunomys naso
and Rattus hainaldi.
Not only does it have high biodiversity, this Park is also the
location of a unique natural phenomenon-three different-coloured
lakes at the peak of Mt. Kelimutu (1,690 m asl.). The first lake is
named Tiwu Ata Mbupu (lake of people spirits), the second is named
Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (lake of young people spirits), and the third
is Tiwu Ata Polo (lake of fortune tellers spirits). The first and
second lakes are situated close together, while the third lake is
about 1.5 km to the west. The colour of the water in each lake is
different and the colours change from time to time, particularly
that of Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Lake: twenty-five years ago, its
water changed colour twelve times. Thought to be caused by the
volcanic activity of Kelimutu, it has also been suggested that the
changes in colour are due to refraction of the sun's rays,
microbiota in the water, dissolution of chemical substances, and the
reflection of the colour of the lake walls and bottom.
The nature riches of the Park are complemented by its cultural
heritage. Traditional houses, dances, and weaving are still in
evidence among the local people. The art of producing the highly
complex patterns in the woven cloth is very interesting. Great skill
and imagination are involved and the production process is different
from other ikat weaves in Indonesia.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Mt. Kelimutu: the peak of Mt. Kelimutu is the best place to view
the three lakes.
Moni: thermal springs, waterfalls, and ikat weaving.
Best time of year to visit: July to September.
How to reach the Park: Kupang-Ende, about 40 minutes by plane; or
Bima-Ende, about 90 minutes by plane. From Ende, proceed to the
nearest village, Desa Koanara: this takes about 3 hours (93 km).
Then on foot from Desa Koanara via Desa Koposili-Desa Manakuko to
Kelimutu Lake, about 2.5 hours.
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.279/Kpts-II/92,
a total area of 5,000 hectares
Gazetted : Minister of Forestry, SK. No. 675/Kpts-II/97,
a total area of 5,356,5 hectares
Location : Regency of Ende (Province of East Nusa Tenggara)
Temperature 25° - 31° C
Rainfall 1,615 - 3,363 mm/annual
Altitude 1,500 - 1,731 m asl.
Geographical location 121°44' - 121°51' E; 8°43' - 8°48' S
Park Office: Jl. Achmad Yani 34
Ende Flores, East Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-381-22478
Related resources
National park in Bali and Nusa Tenggara:
- National Parks in Indonesia
- Bali Barat National Park - Cekik, Gilimanuk
- Gunung Rinjani National Park - Lombok Island
- Komodo National Park - Flores Island
- Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park - Sumba Island
- Manupeu-Tanah Daru National Park - Kupang
