MOUNT EBULOBO

Hike Mount Ebulobo in central Flores - symmetrical 2,124m stratovolcano also called Amburombu or Keo Peak, active volcano with 250m wide crater & lava dome, 4 hours hike from Mulakoli Village (1,000m), sacred Father figure for Nagekeo tribe.

Mount Ebulobo - The Father Volcano of Flores

The sacred father volcano overlooking Bajawa - twin of Mount Inerie!

Overview:
Ebulobo (also known as Amburombu or Keo Peak) is a symmetrical 2.124 m-high stratovolcano in central Flores Island. The first historical eruption of Ebulobo in 1830 produced a lava flow down the north flank.

Nestled in lush forests of Flores Island, Mount Ebulobo rises majestically over 2,000 meters and is favorite among hiking enthusiasts. This active volcano offers breathtaking views, though hikers may encounter occasional clouds and hint of sulfur in air. Local Ngada-Nagekeo tribe reveres Ebulobo as paternal figure, symbolizing guidance and strength for its people.

What Makes It Special:

1. Active Sacred Volcano - Father of Nagekeo

• Height: 2,124 MASL (Meters Above Sea Level) - same height as Mount Inerie's twin, slightly lower than Inerie 2,245m

• Type: Stratovolcano, symmetrical, steep-sided, active but dormant normal

• Local Meaning: Ebulobo revered as Father (paternal figure) by Nagekeo tribe, while Mount Inerie revered as Mother - they are husband and wife in local legend! War happened between them.

• Other Names: Amburombu, Keo Peak

• Location: Nagekeo Regency, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara - central Flores, between Bajawa and Ende

• Coordinates: -8.8171, 121.1905

Mount Ebulobo is an active volcano located in Nagekeo Regency. For those interested in hiking, Mount Ebulobo which has highest peak altitude at 2124 MASL can be hiked usually with hiking route from Mulakoli Village, Boawae District which has altitude +- 1000 MASL.

2. Crater & Volcanic Features
The summit of Mount Ebulobo, 2.124 m high, contains lava dome with flat summit. Crater at top of volcano with steep sides, 250 m wide, is pierced on three sides. Watu Keli lava flow traveled from northern breach to 4 km from summit in 1830, first of only four recorded historical eruptions of volcano.

• Crater: 250m wide, steep sides, with lava dome inside

• Eruptions: Recorded eruptions: 1969, 1941, 1938, 1924, 1910, 1888, 1830 (4-7 total)

• Recent Activity: Based on PVMBG observations, ash plume in March rose to 3 km altitude (800m above summit) and drifted W - still active, sulfur smell near summit

• View from summit: Fantastic surroundings with over 2100 meter high Ebulobo volcano protruding above mountains. Superb view over Bajawa, Bena, Mount Inerie and on clear day island of Sumba

3. The Hike

• Start Point: Mulakoli Village, Boawae District, altitude +- 1000 MASL

• Duration: Approximately 4 hours up, 2.5-3 hours down (total 6-7 hours)

• Route: Consistent middle-slope which consist of tropical rain forests and rocks - not as steep as Inerie but still challenging

• Difficulty: Moderate - easier than Mount Inerie (less ash, more forest), suitable for fit beginners with guide

• Trek: Through tropical rainforest, then rocky volcanic terrain near summit

• Best Start: 2 AM for sunrise at summit (like Inerie), or 6 AM for day hike

How to Get There:

• Base: Bajawa (1 hour west) or Ende (1 hour east) - Ebulobo in middle

• Transport: Drive to Mulakoli Village (Boawae) - road good

• Guide: Required - ask in Boawae or Bajawa, local guide knows route

• Entrance: Donation Rp 30k-50k to village + guide fee Rp 400k-600k

• Best Season: Dry season May-October for clear views, sunrise best

• Bring: Hiking shoes, jacket (cold at summit), headlamp for sunrise trek, water 2L

Tips: Combine with Inerie - hike Ebulobo one day (easier warm-up), Inerie next day (harder). Or do Ebulobo sunrise then relax at Soa Hot Springs after. During entire climb you have view of fantastic surroundings with Inerie volcano.

Perfect for volcano enthusiasts who want active crater without extreme difficulty of Inerie!

Keywords: Gunung Ebulobo, Mount Ebulobo, Amburombu, Keo Peak