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Home | Volcano Small Sunda islands: liboleng, Batu Tara Iliwerung, Lewotolo & Lomblen..


 

D/1 – Bali – Maumere – Larantuka/Flores
Flight from Denpasar to Maumere, then, transfer to Larantuka, a small catholic seaport on the eastern end of Flores. Scenic road with numerous cashew tree plantations, bancouliers (Aleurites moluccana) noticeable with its silver leaves and delicious nut, lontar palm trees that bear leaves with multiple functions. We embark on our Bugis ship and navigate towards Adonara Island.
Night on board.
 
D/2 – Iliboleng Volcano
This day is spent hiking and discovering Mt Iliboleng. This volcano had a relatively important volcanic activity in 1988 when the island was partially evacuated, followed by more activity in the '90s.  From the summit, we enjoy a splendid view of the island of Flores, Mt Lewotobi and Lomblen. We descend, visit coastal villages and have a swim before crossing to the neighboring island of Lomblen.
Night in the bay.
 
D/3 – Iliwerung Volcano & Lembata village
We visit the local market then sail along the coast towards Mt Iliwerung. This complex volcano possesses a dome dating from the 1870’s eruption. Meanwhile, the volcanic activity has moved towards the south and is now happening in the sea.  In 1973-74, three temporary islands were created and subsequently destroyed. After hiking and observing this active volcano, we continue to travel by sea to the village of Lembata, famous for its whale hunters and their spectacular chase aboard traditional boats armed with a single harpoon and 30m of rope. They catch only what is necessary for the village‘s survival and all the products of this hunt (oil and meat) are for their own use. We might have an opportunity to witness this ancient "art" depending on the villagers‘ activities.
Night on board.
 
D/4 – Sirung Volcano – Pantar Island
We sail to Pantar Island where we will need to search for transportation (usually a truck) to take us to the foot of Mt Sirung. Ascend this complex volcano constructed of multiple layers of basaltic lava flows. Frequent rumbles come out of its crater while spewing smoke and gases. Descending the volcano, on the way back to our boat, we stop to visit a few villages.
We sail around the island and land at the foot of Lewotolo Volcano coming from the north.
Night on board.
 
D/5 – Lewotolo Volcano
A huge colorful dome resulting from diverse mineral oxidation and sulfur activity dominates this volcano. Observation and ascent of the dome. On the way down, we discover a rather strange village with strange customs as well … Huge elephant tusks and a wicker basket containing an amazing treasure are hung in the air … If we were to encounter Shir Lamaalot, this might be the right place.
Evening in the village and night on board.
 
D/6 – Batu Tara Volcano
We sail to Batu Tara Island. As we approach the volcano, its shape reminds us the widely-known Stromboli. An important phase of volcanic activity was registered from 1847 to 1852 with lava flows and explosions. More recently, in 2008, after being dormant for years, this volcano released phreatomagmatic explosions.
Ascent and observation of the volcano. 
Night on a beach or on board.
 
D/7 – Batu Tara – Babi Island – Maumere
We sail back to Maumere with a short stop-over on Pulau Babi. This small island suffered badly from the 1991 tsunami, which also made numerous victims in Maumere. We visit "Bajau" villages, enjoy the crystal clear water and its rich diversity of fauna, and diving. End of the "cruise" and night in a hotel by the sea in Maumere.
 
D/8- Maumere – Bali
Transfer to airport and flight to Bali
 
End of Program
 
 
The Volcanoes
 
BATU TARA (748m):
Isolated on an island 50km from Lembata, this volcano possesses a crater 900m x700m. In 2006, important strombolian activity forced the local authorities to evacuate 15,000 people to the neighboring islands. In 2007, a 750-meter high ash plume was observed, while in March 2011, an ash plume reaching an altitude of 2.1 km was reported.
 
ILIWERUNG (1018m): 
This complex volcano possesses numerous craters embedded one within the other. The present summit lava dome was formed in 1870.
Eruptions: 1993, 1983, 1976(?), 1973-74, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1941(?), 1928, 1910, 1870.
 
ILIBOLENG (1659m):
This volcano has five SE oriented overlapping craters and an irregular profile created by lava flows.
Eruptions: 1993, 1991, 1987, 1986, 1983-84, 1982, 1973-74, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1944, 1927, 1925, 1909, 1904, 1888, 1885.
 
SIRUNG (862m): 
The last eruption of this complex volcano occurred in May 2004, when a strong incandescent activity was visible inside the crater.
Eruptions: 1987, 1970, 1965, 1964, 1960, 1953, 1947, 1934, 1927, 1899, 1852.

 

Inclusions
  • All transports and transfers
  • Return flight Bali – Maumere
  • Private boat from Larentuka to Maumere
  • 1 hotel room night to have breakfast in Maumere
  • All meals
  • Azimuth English-speaking guide
  • All the entry fees of places of interest & national parks
  • Bottle water during the tour
 
Exclusions
  • International flights
  • Airport taxes and visa
  • Beverages
  • Tipping & personal expenses
  • All that is not mentioned in « Inclusions »

 

Travel in Indonesia

Detailed information about your trip

Transportation
Land transfers by private buses. Few drivers speak English. Other transfers by ferry.

Your Guide 
Our English-speaking guides are highly trained, competent, thoughtful and pleasant Indonesians who are eager to meet your needs. 

Accommodations
Because of their exceptional location or beauty, simple inns and guesthouses are sometimes preferred over other accommodations. Most nights however, you will rest in standard local inns or guesthouses. You will also stay in better hotels in main cities.

Meals
A wide variety of cuisines are found in Indonesia. Coconut milk and aromatic spices add delicious tastes and delicate flavors to meat, vegetable and fruits. You will enjoy a number of spicy dishes served on steamed or fried rice (“nasi goreng”) and a large variety of fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, cantaloupes, and watermelons in addition to so exotic fruits you might taste for the first time but will remember forever.) 

Tipping
It is customary to tip local guides and drivers. Allow a maximum of USD 40 per trip.

“The spirit of our trip”
We are rigorous and strict in the description and organisation of our trips, but adventure treks and eco-tourism are full of surprises. Please consider the unexpected as a bonus to your trekking and hiking experience and as a contribution to the total change of scenery you are looking for! Trust your guide! He will deal with these slight inconveniences, turning them into lasting and striking memories. Similarly, trust your guide with respect to possible itinerary changes. Adjustments might indeed be required due to weather conditions, changes in accommodations, or for safety reasons. You will meet populations with a sensibility regarding time and daily life different than your own. Learn to respect these differences and grow wiser from your contact with local religious and cultural values. This is the best way to totally enjoy your trip!

Insurance
The purchase of travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy meets your needs, in particular regarding search and rescue assistance. Your coverage should be no lower than the equivalent of USD 5,100.

Visas and red tape
Ratified by the president of Indonesia on December 17th, 2003, the new visa policy states that tourists who are nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Norway are eligible for the visa on-arrival program. However, the validity of tourist visas (for citizens from the above countries and others) has been reduced from 60 to 30 days. Visa fees are around USD 25. Learn more about this new policy by consulting our “News” page. For detailed information, please contact your Indonesian embassy or General Consulate.

Health
Immunization is not required on trips to Java and Bali. For other destinations however, immunization is strongly recommended, in particular for  typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Indeed, prevention is the best cure for these diseases. Please remember that tap water undergones very little treatment, if any. However, bottled water is widely available, except off beaten tracks, where iodine tablets provide effective sterilization. Finally, Indonesia lies within a malaria zone, although developed and touristic areas are practically risk-free. However, pregnant women and children need professional advice on the various drugs available as well as they posology.

Safety
Indonesia is a rather safe country and tourists are welcome. However, display of wealth is not recommended, in particular in crowded areas, including markets and city centres.
 
 
Selecting the appropriate level of difficulty

To help you assess the difficulty of our trips, we grade them based on the trekking or walking involved. These grades apply to healthy people,but, more than health itself, trekking is a question of attitude, confidence, stamina and agility.

‘Easy’ 

  • Description: ’Easy’ trips require a certain level of fitness,  with some walking (2 to 4 hours) on generally well-marked tracks. They include some ascent and descent without major difficulties.
  • Individuals who enjoy going for walks on a regular basis will be delighted on these trips and on short sightseeing tours. If you are new to this, you will soon notice their benefit on your body and soul. 
  • Preparation: A weekly two-hour long walk is recommended! An excellent exercise.

‘Moderate’

  • Description: Both long and short trips require a longer personal investment than trips graded ‘easy’. You trek half or full days (between 4 and 6 hours). Ascents and descents  are regular in terms of effort (variation in height ranging from 400 m to 700 m, with the exception of  hikes to reach volcanoe summits). 
  • If you enjoy all-morning or full-day hikes, or if you have enjoyed mountain hiking in the past, you will truly love our short or long moderate trips.
  • Preparation: Whatever your profile, you should take long walks (four hours) once a week starting two months prior to departure, and practice another physical activity on a regular basis (swimming, biking…).

 

‘Demanding’

  • Description: These trips include  practically full-day walks (six hours, with successive ascents and descents and a variation in height ranging from 700 m to 1000 m). Some trekking on wild unmarked tracks, an exclusivity of Azimuth adventure Travel Ltd.
  • If you enjoy trekking over several days in challenging natural surround or if you practice a sport on a regular basis, you already meet the requirements for this type of trips. If you have enjoyed and have had no difficulty on trips rated ‘moderate,’ you will know what to expect.
  • Preparation: Experienced trekkers and novices need to be in good shape. Two months before departure, start to exercise on a weekly basis: long-distance jogging and swimming and/or biking.

‘Strenuous’ 

  • Description: These include challenging full-day treks (averaging a minimum of six hours) on sometimes unmarked tracks. Variation in height may reach 1000 m, and even more on the final ascent of volcanoes.
  • If you find long adventurous hikes in the heart of nature exciting and if you enjoy physically testing environments, you will definitely be enthused by these treks. If in the past you have enjoyed hikes graded ‘strenuous’ and have experienced no difficulty, you have an edge on these treks.
  • Preparation: To benefit the most from your trip, exercise rigorously! Two to three months before leaving, start joggin (10 km per week). We also recommend an additional regular exercise, including long-distance swimming (1 km) and biking (40 km).
‘Extreme’ 

  • Description and preparation: These are challenging treks, within the sphere of high-level mountaineering expeditions. Solid experience and the steady practice of an intensive physical activity over a very long period of time are an absolute a must..
 
 
Trekking & hiking: What do I bring along?

Remember that the right clothes significantly contribute to how much you enjoy hikes. Bring along only essential pieces of clothing or equipment. However, pay particular attention to the boots you choose. Toe injuries are far from pleasant on hikes. Here is a recommended list of what to bring:
 
  • A daypack: Ideally large enough to pack all you need for a day’s walk (rain gear, water bottle, sunglasses, camera, packed food, warm clothes…). You will need at least a 25litres  pack for a full day, but a 30 to 40 -litre pack is preferable. Our experience shows that a larger pack is more comfortable.
  • Trek bag/travel bag, both with padlocks: Our porters and vehicles bring daily your luggage to our overnight accommodations.
  • Headgear: A sun hat and a scarf or bandana will efficiently protect you against dust and an irritant sulphuric atmosphere (they also protect your neck from sunburns).
  • Clothes: Long hiking shorts (for mountain climbing), lightsweat pants, T-shirts, a warm sweater (also in cool weather in mountainous regions), a raincoat.
  • Footwear: Hiking boots  and light shoes to wear indoors (sneakers or sandals).
  • Other useful items include: spare shoe laces, needles and thread, a towel, night clothes, spare clothes, swimming trunk/bathing suit, toilet paper, a lighter, wet wipes and/or antibacterial gel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a small knife, plastic bags (to pack and protect some of your belongings), sleeping bag and a bedsheet. 
  • First aid kit: throat lozenges, medication, insect and mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoeal treatment (Imodium, Oralite). Your guide will carry along a sterile medical kit including a range of useful drugs. 
  • In a small envelope or a pouch hanging around your neck or hidden under your clothes, carry a photocopy of your identity papers, your insurance contract, and your credit cards