REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KUPANG -- Kelimutu Lake has been reopened for public, following the temporary closure because of the extreme weather earlier last month, the national park authority reported here on Tuesday. Earlier, on Jan 28, the authority had temporarily closed the Kelimutu Lake National Parks in Ende District, Flores, because of strong winds and heavy rains that have been occurring for days.
The extreme weather had caused several trees to fall and damaged some shelters and public toilets. "We have reopened the (Kelimutu Lake) national park since Jan 29 for only half-day visit. However, since Jan 30 until today, the area has been operational for full-day visit," the authority chairman, Agus Sitepu, informed Antara in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Kelimutu Lake National Parks in Ende District, Flores. (Republika/Prayogi)
Sitepu explained that apart from the public facilities, the extreme weather had also destroyed some resorts situated near Mount Kelimutu, which has been popular because of its tri-colored lake. The resort has now been renovated, he added.
Following the strong wind and storms, the electricity also remained inactive at the national park as well as nearby areas. "The electricity had been cut off for a week, but we have reported this issue to the Ende Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD)," he remarked.
Situated in the main Flores Island, the Mount Kelimutu and its scenic tri-colored lake are part of the top tourist attractions in East Nusa Tenggara.
Kelimutu Lake National Parks in Ende District, Flores. (Republika/Prayogi)
In 2017 alone, the national park authority has generated some Rp3.5 billion income from more than 90 thousands tourist arrivals. Hence, in order to maintain the figure, the authority has planned to build a traditional home in the parking lot areas for the tourists.
The traditional home will not be used as an additional facility but for customary festivals and ceremonies practiced by the locals living near the national park.
When there is no ceremony, the traditional home will be used as a shelter and a museum for the visitors, he remarked.
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