Tracing the Skies of Flores: Climbing Mount Inerie with Annalisa from Italy
By: Sefrianus Jemandu | Tour Guide – Labuan Bajo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara
On August 15, 2025, I had the opportunity to accompany a special guest from Italy named Annalisa on a hike to one of the most stunning mountains on the island of Flores: Mount Inerie, located in Bajawa, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
We began our journey from the hotel around 1:15 AM local time, when the sky was still dark and the air quite chilly. Our destination was Langa Luy Village in Watu Meze, the starting point for the Mount Inerie trek. There, we were greeted by our local guide, Gusty—a friendly and experienced figure who would accompany us to the summit.
At exactly 2:10 AM, we began our ascent. Our steps started on a gravel path that climbed steadily upward. The sound of nocturnal birds echoed briefly, creating a magical natural ambiance. But as we gained elevation, the sounds faded, replaced by a soft breeze and the characteristic stillness of the mountains.
The Challenge to the Summit
Mount Inerie's terrain is known to be demanding. The trail we followed was dominated by loose rocks, requiring us to be cautious with every step. The vegetation gradually thinned; only wild grasses and a few small trees remained as silent witnesses to our journey.
However, all those challenges seemed to fade when we began to see the first light on the eastern horizon. Around 5:10 AM, after three hours of climbing, we officially reached the summit of Mount Inerie. A truly incredible achievement!
Inerie’s Peak: Between the Wind and Natural Beauty
The weather that morning was perfect—clear skies with no fog in sight. According to Gusty, we were very lucky. Just the day before, hikers had to battle thick fog and light rain.
At the summit, strong winds brushed against our faces, but the breathtaking view made all the fatigue disappear. From an elevation of around 2,245 meters above sea level, we could see Mount Inerie's crater, a range of hills in the distance, and a sky slowly shifting in color as the sun rose from behind the horizon. A truly stunning masterpiece of nature!
We spent almost an hour enjoying the scenery, capturing precious moments in photos and videos.
A Descent Just as Challenging
At 6:15 AM, we began our descent via the same trail. Surprisingly, this part turned out to be even more difficult. The steep and slippery path forced many hikers to be extra cautious. I saw some tourists descending while sitting down, others using trekking poles, and even some laughing through tears—overwhelmed by the realization that they had made it to the top and back down safely.
We finally arrived back in Langa Luy Village at 9:00 AM. Annalisa, with a tired but happy face, gave Gusty a tip as a token of appreciation for his guidance. After that, we returned to the hotel to rest, carrying with us unforgettable memories.
For me personally, this climb was not just about reaching the summit. It was about the connection between humans and nature, about teamwork and spirit, and about how the beauty of Indonesia can leave a deep impression on international travelers.
Mount Inerie is one of Flores’ hidden gems. This trek not only tests your physical endurance but also creates a deeply emotional and spiritual experience—for both myself and my guest, Annalisa.
If you're looking for a challenging trekking adventure with extraordinary views, Mount Inerie in Bajawa should be on your travel list.
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📩 Contact: Sefrianus Jemandu
🌍 Tour Guide – Flores, NTT
📱 +62 82 144 357 312
Book your Flores adventure today – the sky is calling!
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