Climbing the perfect cone: how to jump on the volcano Ineri (Flores) at dawn
Mount Ineri is the highest volcano on Flores Island (Indonesia)It's actually one of the most symmetrical volcanoes in the world. At dawn, he casts the perfect shadow pyramid - a spectacle worth all the effort.
I recently climbed Ineri - it was very cool. The route makes the legs and head work, but with proper physical training, any confident tourist will cope. I highly recommend going with a local guide: the trail is lost in some places, and many start in the dark to catch dawn at the top - with a guide it is both safer and more interesting.
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Summary statistics (approximately)
- Distance: 6.5 km both ways (4 mi)
- Height gain: 1,100 m (3,600 ft)
Maximum height: 2,245 m (7,365 ft)
Travel time: 5-7 hours (climbing usually ~3 hours)
- Difficulty: heavy.
(The figures are indicative and depend on the chosen path and pace.)
How to get there and where to stay
The track starts near the town of Bajawa in central Flores – about 30 minutes drive from the center.
Guides usually take you to Bajawa and bring you back. Bajava is a convenient base: there are many hotels and restaurants, there is a small airport. You can fly from Labuan Baggio (gate to Komodo) or drive around the island by car and at the same time include Ineri in the route.
I recommend staying in Bajava for at least a couple of days – there are many interesting places around (including the observation Watu Nari Wowo), which are easy to combine with the ascent.
What to expect on the track
The first hours are relatively easy: forest and savannah, small differences in altitude. Then the route rests on volcanic rocks - rock climbing on loose stones begins, deep ravines are found, along which you need to carefully pass or walk around. The trail is not visible in places. After climbing to the edge of the crater, it remains about 30 minutes to the very top – and although it is often very windy near the summit, then the path is again easier and clearer.
We walked about 3 hours and 15 minutes to the top (moving a little slower), but the average climb takes about 3 hours. At the top, panoramas open: the city of Bajawa, the Savu Sea and the dawn itself behind Mount Ebu Lobo - an active volcano that often releases smoke.
The descent can be done in the same way or “slip” through the loose volcanic soil in one of the ravines – I chose the second option, it is fun and accelerates the return down, but requires accuracy.
Equipment and safety
Take a headlamp (if not, the guide usually provides).
- Useful gloves and a tracking stick.
Dress in layers: the top is colder and windy.
The trail is unreliable in some places, so an experienced local guide will not only facilitate the path, but also make the climb more exciting - he will show hidden angles and explain the landscape and local features.
Why you should go with a guide
With a conductor, the route becomes safer and the experience richer: guides know the best points for sunrise, views for the drone and organize logistics (early climb in the dark, transfer from Bajava). Alfredo is a good example of such a guide (contact above).
If you plan an independent hike - study the map, check the weather conditions and better arrange a meeting with a local guide just in case. On a clear day, Ineri will give one of the most impressive sunrises in Flores.
Text and photo:https://www.personalguide.ru/
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