High in the rugged mountains of Papua, far above the forest canopy and the mist-filled valleys, lies one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary natural wonders. At an elevation of approximately 4,100 meters above sea level, travelers encounter a phenomenon rarely found anywhere else in the world: a single lake displaying three different colors. Locally, the cluster of lakes in this region is known as Degeli Jegeli, a name passed down through generations of Indigenous Papuans who have long recognized the area’s mystical beauty.
The journey to Degeli Jegeli is not an easy one. Climbers must traverse steep grasslands, exposed ridges and high-altitude valleys where the air thins rapidly. As the elevation approaches 4,000 meters, cold winds sweep across the landscape and temperatures drop sharply. Yet for those who endure the ascent, the reward is a sight that feels almost otherworldly.
The main lake of Degeli Jegeli displays three distinct hues blue, green and pale cream creating a surreal blend of colors across its surface. These variations come from mineral deposits, underwater rock formations and layers of fine sediment that settle beneath the water. When sunlight strikes the lake at certain angles, the colors appear to shift and brighten, making the entire landscape shimmer beneath the towering cliffs of the Sudirman Range.
Surrounding the three-colored lake are additional high-altitude ponds and water basins, each shaped by centuries of glacial activity and mountain weather. Together, they form one of Papua’s most unique alpine ecosystems, framed by sweeping valleys and the distant white glaciers of Puncak Jaya.
For many Papuans, Degeli Jegeli is more than a geographical feature it is a place of quiet reverence and a testament to the region’s ancient landscape. To modern travelers, it stands as a reminder of Papua’s untouched beauty, a hidden jewel perched above the clouds and preserved by its remote location.
In a land already rich with wonders, the lakes of Degeli Jegeli remain one of Papua’s most captivating secrets where colors, mountains and sky meet in a harmony found nowhere else on earth.