There are many collections of photographs of the most beautiful places on Earth, and we must admit that it is really very difficult to make a choice which of these places you really want to visit. Such places can range from well-known and visited places to untouched, remote paradises. But the whole truth is that there are an infinite number of paradises in this world, but life is short and, unfortunately, we will not be able to visit them all.

This collection contains not only photographs of those places that seem “out of this world,” but also those in which there is some magic and which look like surreal, fairy-tale paintings or frames from science fiction films.

(Total 10 photos)

1. Aliens among us?

This is just a night beach in the Maldives (Vadhoo Island). You might think this shot is from the movie Avatar or any other science fiction movie, but you'd be wrong. This place is located on planet Earth and is very real.

2. Purple rain? No, purple fields

Lavender fields in France. Perhaps the French have become accustomed to them and are no longer impressed every time they see them. But for foreigners, the endless field of lavender of rich purple color remains in the memory for a lifetime. And what is the aroma...

3. Sky blue

Once again, the Maldives invites you to take an unforgettable walk between sky and ocean. And although there are many places with mirror-clear water, where even the depth is difficult to determine, this particular place seems to have been created for walking here with the gods who created the sky and water.

4. Tortilla time!

You thought Mexico was all about the desert, big hats and spicy food? Not at all! To understand this, you should reconsider your travel plan and visit the underground river in Rio Secreto (Riviera Maya).

5. Calispera

The Arabian Nights have already gone down in history, but Greece also has something to brag about. Santorini at night looks like a painting, and the artist seems to have spared no expense in color.

6. Not just Eskimos

What immediately comes to your mind when you hear the word “Alaska”? Miles of snow, ice and depressing white desert. Alaska is not a place for jokes, but! if you don't mind the cold, you might enjoy the trip. This is Anchorage and what you see in the photo is what you will see in person if you decide to come there.

7. Huge king bed?

Do you love camping? Settle down with a comfortable tent or sleeping bags around the fire? Or stay with other campers in a safe, modern campsite? So... it's Camping Tree in Elk, California, and if your significant other is already looking to book plane tickets, ask yourself what you'll do if you happen to be sleepwalking. But honestly, it's worth the risk for a vacation like this.

8. Computer graphics?

You might think this scene is from a very romantic movie, but this is just the shores of Cathedral Cove, New Zealand. What words can describe the majestic appearance of this place, and, moreover, how can you not fall in love with it the first time? This place seems so unnatural that when you see it for the first time, you should bow your head before the enchanting beauty of nature.

9. From Italy with love

Venice. This is a magical place that attracts millions of tourists every year. The whole point of Venice is that even if you think you've seen everything there is to see, this city can still surprise you with something. Faded colors, a tranquil atmosphere of both luxury and decadence, surrealism and quiet beauty - all this makes you come back here again and again.

10. Lakes of Tears

Or lakes of “evil spirits”, Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia. They are considered a resting place for the souls of the dead. But the most interesting thing about these lakes is that they change their color from blue to black, red or green. And each lake changes color independently of the other lakes.

There are 3 lakes in the craters of Kelimutu Volcano, which are located on the same summit of the volcano in Indonesia. However, despite this, each of them differs from the others in color. This is the only place in the world where you can see such an amazing difference in colors.

All three lakes have their own names. Local residents have believed for centuries that the lakes are a place of spiritual peace for their ancestors. According to legend, lakes change color according to the mood of souls, and in this case, the moods of souls are constantly changing.


Lake of the Elderly (Tiwu Ata Mbupu), located at the western point of the volcano, is usually blue in color. It is separated from the other two and it is here, according to legend, that the souls of elderly people who led a decent lifestyle go.


The other two lakes are separated by a crater wall. Lake of Youth and Women (Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai) is usually characterized by its green color. The third, Enchanted Lake (Tiwu Ata Polo), often takes on a blood red color, but in these photographs appears olive.




It is into the third lake, according to legend, that the souls of bad people, regardless of gender and age, are taken. The word “Kelimutu” itself means a boiling lake and people can often observe clouds of steam rising from the surfaces of the lakes.



Although the depths of the lakes have not been thoroughly studied, it is believed that the difference in color is due to underwater fumaroles. Fumaroles are holes on the surface of the planet through which gas and steam - sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and sulfide, as well as carbon dioxide - escape. This process causes deep water, rich in nutrients and color, to rise to the surface and draw surface water down, causing changes in the appearance of lakes.




Mount Kelimutu is located in the national park of the same name on the island of Flores. Despite the fact that the island is 350 kilometers long, the park itself is quite small, and the nearest town (Ende) is 60 kilometers away. However, the small farming village of Moli is located next to the volcano and is often used as a stopping place by tourists who decide to rest on the way to the Kelimutu ridge.




It is impossible to predict what the color of the lakes will be when you get up because they change significantly. Unlike other crater lakes, the color of which can be predicted, the color of these three lakes cannot be predicted. The colors you see in the photo are usually the dominant ones: blue, green and black, but lakes can also be white, red and blue, respectively.




People who make the journey to the top of the ridge usually do so at dawn. Often, later in the morning, the three lakes are hidden behind pieces of fog. However, by midday the fog clears and the people who got here are here alone. However, they must remember to begin their descent towards the village of Moli before evening.


Several reckless tourists chose the unofficial path along the edge of the lakes. The slippery volcanic rock made this path dangerous, not to mention the fumes emanating from the lakes that made people faint. Those who fell into the lakes did not come out alive.




In 1995, a Danish tourist fell from a steep slope into the Lake of Young Women. But, despite the fact that five days were spent searching for him, his body was never found. One can only hope that his spirit is reunited with the souls of the young people and women who live here. Since then, people usually don't climb over the fence.



Even though this volcano and lakes are not well known outside of Asia, many consider Kelimutu to be one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. And it’s hard to disagree with this.

There is a place on earth where you can observe colorful lakes - the top of the Kelimutu volcano in Indonesia. This is the most unusual and mystical place with two lakes of different colors.

Local inhabitants believed that the lakes were the resting place for the souls of their dead ancestors. And the change in color of the lake depends on the mood of the spirits.

Lake of the Elderly (Tiwu Ata Mbupu) at the western point of the volcano is, in most cases, blue in color. It is believed that the old and wise spirits of the earth rest in this lake.

The other two lakes are nearby and separated only by the crater wall. Both lakes are located at the very top of the volcano.

The uniqueness and mysticism of these reservoirs lies in the fact that the color of the water constantly changes from turquoise to blue, from blue to blue, and can become red, green or even black.

Each lake lives its own life, so the color of the water changes individually for each one.

Lake of Boys and Girls (Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai) has a distinctive greenish hue.

The second lake is located next to Tiu Ata Mbulu and is called Tiu Nuva Muri Koo Fai, translated as “lake of the souls of young people”, it is usually a different color.

Local residents living not far from the lake believe that the color of the water changes due to the souls of dead people and the lake reacts differently to each soul, either angry or happy. Others believe that the color of the water does not change as a result of Oz's anger.

It's finished. I reached the Kelimutu volcano! By myself, across the country, making an unforgettable journey through Indonesia using public transport. After the village, I left for Ende and the next day to Moni, from there it is convenient to go to the volcano. I’m telling you about my visit to this masterpiece of nature and one of the best places on Earth, showing photos, and then useful information on how to get there and my stories. See the volcano on the map at the end of the article.

Kelimutu Volcano Kelimutu

Kelimutu Volcano is one of the best attractions in Indonesia, attracting tourists with colorful lakes in its crater. Mount Kelimutu is located on the island of Flores, 51 km from the city of Ende, the administrative center. About an hour's drive. I will write how to get there at the end of the article.

The volcano is considered extinct, although the last eruption was not so long ago in 1968. The height of the Kelimutu volcano is 1639 m. The height of the crater walls is from 50 to 150 meters. The name means "Keli" - mountain "Mutu" - boiling.

Colorful lakes of Kelimutu volcano

Three different colored lakes in the craters of a volcano- black, blue and red - this is the most interesting and extraordinary miracle of nature. The lakes change their color from time to time, and sometimes do not live up to their names at all.

Over the past 25 years, the red lake has changed its color 12 times. My photo was taken on March 8, 2013. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this red (brown) lake in the photos taken this year at the end of August - it was light blue!!! As is usually the case, any mountain has its own legends, especially one as amazing as Kelimutu.

The best time to go look at the lakes is to watch the sunrise. The amazing views and colors of the lake changed before my eyes when the sun appeared, from gray-blue to emerald green.

I wasn’t sure that I would wake up, so there was no 100% agreement with the motorcyclist, even despite his inexpensive price. However, I woke up at night on my own and, just like a couple of weeks ago on , I persuaded myself to get up and go, so as not to regret it later. And she did the right thing. I came to the house of an elderly man I already knew, with whom I was traveling on the bus and with whom I had dinner in his home cafe. It’s good that he is a Muslim and did not sleep so early, but prayed. She knocked on the door of the tiny room where the light came from. He opened it and went to wake up his son. Within a few minutes we were riding a motorbike to Mount Kelimutu. to greet the dawn, it was still a little dark and very cool. I walked along the path straight to the observation deck, where local residents saved frozen tourists like me with hot tea and coffee from the thermoses they brought. Well done! Tea with lemon and fresh ginger, for mere pennies - sitting in front of the lake waiting for the sun to rise - it's super! And I was wondering where the locals were going with the bales when I walked from the entrance to the observation deck.

Surprise

But an even greater super awaited me later. God, how happy I am and how lucky I am again! I met for the third time!!! times the same foreign couple who lived in the next room in the same family hotel in Bajawa. This is what I love most about traveling! A day earlier, by chance! I came across their house when I was looking for housing, and in a place where there was not a soul at all. And now again, to Kelimuta. There will be someone to ask to take a photo 😀 By the way, these guys came from Ruteng on a rented motorcycle (I envied them a little, although I saw the same beauties, but from the bus window)

Legends of Kelimutu Lakes

Three volcano lakes and each has its own name and mystical purpose.

A lake that is located separately - black (white) of the usual type is called in the local language “Tiwu Ata Polo” Tiwu Ata Polo - this is the lake inhabited by evil spirits or evil souls of people who have committed evil deeds or crimes. It is called “Lake of Evil Spirits”

Almost nearby, opposite this black one, is blue (green) lake “Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Tiwu” Nua Muri Koo Fai Tiwu- in this beautiful lake the souls of dead children and people who died at a young age found their shelter - this is a lake of girls and young men, boys and girls.

And next to him through a small wall is the red lake is called "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" Tiwu Mutu Ata- According to legend, the souls of deceased ancestors and parents live in it; some call it “the lake of old people.”

According to local beliefs, if the souls of the dead are disturbed, the lake will change color. Well, how else could illiterate people explain such a phenomenon?

Meanwhile, the sun was already dispelling the darkness and haze, and with every minute the amazing views amazed the imagination more and more. Such a mysterious natural mystery seemed to open its doors with the rays of the sun.

The views are amazing! I just wanted to walk around and look into every corner, climb a mountain and embrace the immensity. To get an idea of ​​the scale, try to see me in a white jacket in the photo below. Cat point.

It became warmer and warmer, everything began to sparkle with bright colors - I was so happy that even these two foreigners gradually began to fool around with me and also take funny pictures. And I was bouncing around like a ball, here and there - everything was so beautiful, unusual, awesome, cool!

Having seen enough, we went for a walk around and closer. Therefore, after saying goodbye to the black lake and taking another photo, in clear weather, we headed to the red lake and the isthmus between the lakes.

The small white house on the top of the mountain is exactly the observation deck from where I started to watch the sunrise, where I drank tea and met a couple of these guys, with whom we had a wonderful time, mainly due to my overflowing emotions.

Here is this stone watershed.

Wall between lakes. It just seems that she is short - she is not even small.

Along the way we met a bunch of monkeys, well, what would we do without them if they are ubiquitous. One agreed to take the photo.

The sun had already risen and was pleasantly hot, and the colors of the lake became simply amazing, brighter and brighter. The blue sky and stone walls of the volcano were reflected in the lake and gave additional shades. One became a real emerald color, and the other was dark brown with a reddish tint.

Why are Kelimutu lakes colorful?

In fact, real chemical reactions take place in lakes, almost like in a giant natural test tube. This can even be observed - sometimes traces appear on the surface - foam or.... The water in the lake contains many minerals, which, reacting with vapors and liquids from the depths of the volcano, color the water in the lakes in different colors. Hydrogen sulfide, hydrochloric and sulfuric acid seep into the cracks at the bottom, respectively, and do their job. It is clear that temperature, pressure and other factors also affect these processes.

Kelimutu National Park Kelimutu National Park

The area around Mount Kelimutu is a nature protection zone and has been declared a national park since 1992 - this is the smallest national park in Indonesia, occupying only 50 square meters. km., but it attracts with its beauty and amazing colorful lakes. The highest peak of the park is Mount Kelibara, 1731 m above sea level.

Entrance to the park was paid in 2014 and cost 20 thousand rupees for a ticket plus 3 thousand rupees for something else, maybe for entry on a motorbike. For photography with a camera you need to pay another 50 thousand rupees. I paid 23 thousand rupees and that’s it. There is a well-equipped path to the craters, which will take about half an hour’s walk from the parking lot.

There are such amazing views around! I so wanted to walk around, climb some mountain. Explore the entire national park. But the motorcyclist waited for me for several hours at the main entrance. So 6 hours was not enough for me.

On the way back we saw beautiful views, and in the distance you can see the blue sea. 🙂 We stopped to take photos, I said goodbye to my foreign friends and the driver took me to one of the hot springs, which turned out to be very small.

Then we stopped at a small waterfall and I returned to the village of Moni, where I spent two more days.

Kelimutu Volcano on the map

How to get to Kelimutu Volcano

From the city of Ende it is only an hour away by bus or car along a very picturesque road. The bus costs 15-25 thousand rupees, depending on your situation. I drove for 15 thousand.

From the city Ende, where there is an airport from which planes fly to other different cities too. From the airport you can even walk to small hotels or guesthouses. And of course, get where you need to go by taxi or bemo.

From the city Maumere, it takes about three hours to travel by bus that runs to Ende through the village of Moni. You can buy tickets in the form below or use this link to find a hotel

Moni- the most convenient point where tourists usually stop. There are guesthouses, home stays, and various cafes.

February 28, 2014

Indonesia is the “land of a thousand islands”. How many fire-breathing volcanoes are there?! Some of them sleep, while others constantly disturb the inhabitants of the country.

The famous Kelimutu volcano is located on the island of Flores. Since 1968, this sleeping giant has shown no signs of volcanic activity. Kelimutu is an ancient one that has an amazing feature.

Bright spots on the top of the volcano

Kelimutu reaches an altitude of 1639 meters. At its top, after the last eruption, three craters of various shapes appeared, which over time were filled with water from atmospheric precipitation.

The bodies of water that are nearby change their color. Turquoise, red, brown, black, green – this is what the lakes look like at different periods of time!

Scientists theorize that the lakes change color from their contents due to a chemical reaction that occurs when various gases and minerals interact.

For example, the reaction between iron and hydrogen sulfide gas produces a brownish-red hue. As both hydrochloric and sulfuric acid levels increase, a rich green color appears.

The legend of the most unusual lakes in the world

Residents of the village of Moni, which lies very close to the foot of the volcano, believe that these reservoirs are the abode of the souls of deceased ancestors. If it means that souls are angry.

Lake Tiwu-Ata-Mbulu, located in the west of the volcano, is called the lake of old men. According to legend, it sheltered the noble souls of people who lived their lives with dignity, those who died in old age. “Lake of Old Men” is a symbol of faith, knowledge and wisdom that comes with age.

Two other strange chameleon lakes are located nearby. They are separated only by a thin partition - the crater wall. Residents of the island of Flores believe that this is a thin line separating good and evil.

The names of the lakes explain this idea. After all, one of these volcanic formations, Tivu Nua Muri Kooh Tai, which is called the lake of boys and girls, preserves the innocent, young souls of those who died very early.

Incredibly, over the last quarter of a century 12 times! the water in the lake changed its color. Behind the partition is the “lake of black, evil souls” Tivu-Ata-Polo, where the souls of sinners languish.

Miraculous transformations in the volcanic lakes of Kelimutu

It is impossible to know for sure what color of water will be in each of the lakes tomorrow. Now the “lake of old people” is black, the lake of “young souls” is green. The enchanted “lake of sinners” is currently brown.

Previously, these reservoirs were, respectively, white, turquoise and red. In 2010, Tivu Ata Mbulu was painted dark green, Tivu Nua Muri Kooh Tai a beautiful vibrant turquoise, and Lake Tivu Ata Polo a moss green hue.

How to get to the colored lakes in Indonesia

Thousands of travelers during their holidays in Indonesia visit Kelimutu National Park to see the chameleon lakes. The village of Moni can be reached from the towns of Ende (51 km) and Maumere (62 km). Next is the car route. 40 minutes - and you are at the parking lot near the foot of the volcano. Another half hour - and colored lakes will appear before you.

At the top there is a convenient observation deck from which guests of Indonesia can enjoy a fantastic landscape. Sunsets and sunrises give the lakes bright, rich colors. Late in the morning, thick fog thickens the atmosphere of secrets and mysteries in the area around the lakes.

Important: Beware of walking on volcanic rock outside designated paths. An experienced guide will help you plan your route. Remember that the surface of the stones on the slopes of the volcano is very slippery. Stay away from the lakes, as the fumes cause fainting.

Volcanoes of Indonesia, including the mysterious giant Kelimutu with colored lakes, are on the list of attractions of this island country. The natural sites of Kelimutu National Park in Indonesia are protected by UNESCO.

Kelimutu and its colored lakes photo