Mount Inerie Volcano Trek Indonesia
3 Days 750 ex Bajawa (based on 2 or more guests)
Accommodation
2 nights hotel
Transportation
Mostly by foot
Transfers via vehicle
Included Meals
2 Breakfasts
Trip Grade
Category 3
High Heart Rate
Group Size
1 – 8 maximum
There is always a point on a mountain climb I ask myself “What am I doing here”? Usually it’s when I’m gasping for air, or I’m really hungry, or my legs are pounding from the relentless up.
And just like that, the thought passes. The moon shimmers on the slope ahead and I can see the summit and all the way down the valley toward the sea.
The horizon appears for the first time. Nature brushes a line across the sea of golden brown hues that morph into orange within minutes.
Without fail, the last section to Mount Inerie’s summit is the most demanding. Scree makes the legs work twice as hard. Looking down, I watch my legs grind into the fragile surface. One step up. Then another. A short slide back. Its mesmerizing.
Suddenly (so it seems), you are there, on the summit of Mount Inerie at 2245 meters above sea level. The southern slope tumbles all the way to the ocean and to all over points of the compass, spreads out Flores, the most beautiful island of the Indonesian archipelago.
The location of the villages Bena and Tololel, nestled beneath Mount Inerie, is no accident. The people of these villages believe that their ancestors and deities reside on the mountain, and its presence is essential for their protection.
Perched in the highlands of Flores, Bajawa is a breath of fresh, cool air—a welcome break from the sweltering coast. Towering above it all is Mt. Inerie, a near-perfect cone of volcanic majesty.
This is coffee country. Grown in rich volcanic soil, Bajawa’s brew is some of Indonesia’s best—strong, smooth, and best enjoyed as mist drifts through the mountains. But coffee isn’t the only thing worth savoring. After your sunrise trek up Mt. Inerie, reward yourself with Se’i, a smoky, slow-cooked pork dish, or a bowl of Jagung Bose, a creamy corn and coconut porridge, both staples of Ngada cuisine.
Then, soak sore muscles in Bajawa’s steaming hot springs before stepping into the past at Bena and Tololela. Thatched-roof houses, ancient megalithic stones, and locals weaving intricate ikat tell the story of a culture unchanged for centuries.
Our Mount Inerie Volcano Trek isn’t just about the climb—it’s a journey into the heart of Flores, where tradition and adventure collide.
What is Se’i? And should you try it?
Well, it’s smoked meat. Not a delicately smoked meet. This is Flores-style smoked meat, this is se’i. They take pork or beef, and they smoke it, high above the flames, letting the smoke do its work. It’s a slow burn, a patient art. The result? Meat that’s infused with this deep, smoky flavor, a kind of primal intensity. They slice it thin, and it’s like eating pure, concentrated flavor. You can eat it straight up, or they might throw it into a stir-fry with some local greens. Either way, it’s a testament to the power of fire and smoke.
Should you try it? Is the Pope Catholic? Of course you should. You’re in Flores. When will you be back there any time soon? Enjoy!
The Journey
We arrive at Bajawa Airport and are driven straight to our hotel. Once we have freshened up, we will head out on our town tour, exploring local markets and traditional villages such as Bena or Tololela. In the late afternoon, we will head back into town for dinner (B)
It’s a very early rise today, around 12 midnight maybe 1am. We will drive to the trail head and start our climb up Mt Inerie. I won’t sugar coat it, the ascent starts straight away all the way to the summit. From the start point to the summit it is 3km in distance and you will climb just over 1000m.
But the views are incredible over the Salu Sea and Flores.
The way back will be a little quicker. Once we reach the hotel, you can freshen up, have a bite to eat and then even have a rest.
After lunch we will head out to the hot springs for a much deserved soak in the warm and sometimes hot water.
In the late afternoon we head back to the hotel for dinner.(B)
You can have a little sleep in today, after yesterday’s climb and early start. We will take you to the airport for your next destination. (B)
Single Supplement & Flights from Bali
Solo Traveler (only 1 traveler on trip): $1050AUD
Single Room Supplement: $275AUD per person
Trip from Bali : An extra $420 per person will apply if you want to do this trek starting and ending in Bali.
For example if 2 people book and want to fly from Bali to Bajawa return the price per person will be AUD$1170 per person twin share.
Season
April to November
NOTE: This trek is not easy. You will need to have a good level of fitness to complete this 6 hour journey. Children must be a minimum 14 years old
Includes
- Two nights at Manulalu Hotel (the best in town)
- Domestic flight from Labuan Bajo (please see price for excursions from Bali above)
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Daily shared excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to national reserves and indigenous communities visited
- All meals as indicated in itinerary (Breakfast – B, Lunch – L and Dinner – D)
Excludes
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (this is mandatory)
- Personal spending money
- Tips
- Any meals not listed as included
Your Guides and Safety
An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor experience, a knowledge of the lands in which you’ll walk, and a passion for the beautiful island that is Flores.
Accommodation
Our hotel in Bajawa in Manulalu. Perched on a ridge opposite Mt Inerie itself, these wonderful bungalows give us unsurpassed views of the mountain the the surrounds. Rooms are very comfortable and meals are served just down the road at Heaven’s Door. A shuttle can be used to transport you between Manulalu Jungle (your accommodation) and the restaurant.
While still considered active, Mt Inerie is said to have last erupted in 8050BCE, nearly 10,000 years ago.
