The appeal of the beauty of Lake Kelimutu is inseparable from the three-colored lake whose hues can vary and also the formation of myths that have been believed by the local community. The mineral makeup of the lakes causes the hue shift in the three lakes. Tiwu Ata Polo (red lake), Tiwu Nua Muri Koo Fai (blue lake), and Tiwu Ata Mbupu (green lake) are the names of the three lakes (white lake) Tiwu Ata Polo is a location for spirits who have left the earth, as well as persons who committed crimes during their lives. Tiwu Nua Muri Koo Fai Lake is a resting place for the spirits of young people who have passed.
Beautiful mineral lakes have fascinating histories and stories to tell.
Visitors have taken the morning walk since locals led early Dutch settlers here. The majority of visitors catch a sight of the lakes at sunrise, leaving the adjacent town of Moni about 4 am for views after the pre-dawn mist has lifted and before clouds begin to creep in. At the summit of Mt. Kelimutu, the afternoons are often quiet and deserted, and the colors shine when the sun is high in the sky.
A stairway leads up to the highest viewpoint, Inspiration Point, from where all three lakes may be seen. It's not wise to climb about the craters' loose scree. The footing's so terrible and the drop so steep, a few irresponsible hikers have perished here.
It's advised staying in Moni rather than tackling Kelimutu as a day excursion, should inclement weather spoil the view or block the route to the summit. The answer is yes.