The Volcanoes of Flores

The Island of Flores belongs to the region of the smaller islands of Sonda (Nusa Tenggara) in Indonesia. Indonesia is one of the countries that is located in the well-known belt of fire of the Pacific and therefore, as in many other islands of the country, we can find volcanoes.

The Pacific ring of fire (or fire belt) is located on the shores of the same ocean and is characterized by concentrating some of the most important areas of the world in terms of seismic and volcanic activity.

The belt is the direct result of plate tectonics, movement, and collision of the tectonic plates of the earth’s crust. It has a length of about 40,000 km (25,000 miles) in the shape of a horseshoe, containing 452 volcanoes (active and inactive) and runs through the countries of Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras , Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, East Timor, Brunei, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu and New Zealand.

The geography of Indonesia is dominated by volcanoes that were formed by the subduction zones between the Eurasian plate and the Indo-Australian plate.

Flores contains more than 17 volcanoes in its almost 400 km length in the form of a snake.

The highest and still active are Mount Egon (1703 m) in the district of Sikka, and Mount Inerie (2245 m) in the district of Ngada.

However, the best known on Flores Island is the extinct Kelimutu volcano with its three-colored lakes in the crater.

The volcano is located in the center of the island about 50 km from Ende. The colors of the lakes change periodically due to the different oxidation-reduction states of the fluids they contain and their content in minerals such as iron and manganese. The volcano is considered sacred by the locals because they assure that the souls of the dead rest in its waters.

Trekking on Kelimutu is a must when traveling to this part of Flores. Normally you’ll get up very early to get to the top and see the lakes in the clouds. The views are amazing and you will not regret the early morning.

Bring warm clothes since the temperature at the top can be cold !!!

Besides the Kelimutu, you can trek more than twelve volcanoes on Flores Island.

Mount Egon: It is located in the East of the island, near the Bay of Maumere. The volcano is active but you can visit it. The trek to the top lasts about 3-4 hours and again the effort to reach the top will be rewarded by the views of the island and its crater. If you want to visit, organize a tour from Maumere with one of the professional guides who work in the local agencies.

Monte Inielika: Located in the Bajawa area, it is a wide volcano. It contains 10 craters, some of which have a lake inside.

Monte Inierie: It is an impressive stratovolcano that dominates the center-south of Flores, with views of the Sawu Sea and which constitutes the highest peak of Flores. The compound Summit has a small crater with steep walls. It is the recommended trekking and has the added bonus of not being super famous… yet. You will have to organize it from Bajawa with a local tour operator and make sure to visit the hot springs for a relaxing bath ;)

Monte Iya: It is located near the city of Ende. It is not the tallest in Flores but offers wonderful views over the sea. It is advisable to hire a local guide (150000-200000 IDR) to avoid falls and surprises in the ascent. The guide will offer you the best views and will even take you to visit the fumaroles.

Mount Lewotobi: Contains two peaks, Lewotobi Perempuan (female) and Lewotobi Laki-Laki (male). Perhaps this trekking is the most difficult, especially if you want to do both peaks. If so, you will have to do it in two days which will require you to sleep in Boru village. There is a volcanology center where you can organize trekking and hire a guide.

I hope you liked the blog and if you decide to come and visit us you know that Flores has a lot to offer!!

Sergio Palazuelos Leon

PADI MSDT