Facts
| Elevation: | 1,449 m (4,754 ft) | Prominence: | 1,415 m |
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| Ribu category: |  Kurang Tinggi |
Province: | Nusa Tenggara Timur |
| Google Earth: | kml | Other names: | Ile Ape |
| Rating: |  (Bagged it? Be the first to rate it)
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Photos
 Lewotolo or ‘Ile Ape’ from the boat (Nick Hughes, November 2010)
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 Lewotolo or ‘Ile Ape’ (Nick Hughes, November 2010)
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 Lewotolo or ‘Ile Ape’ (Nick Hughes, November 2010)
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 Lewotolo (Steve Campbell, May 2008)
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View a slideshow in our Picasaweb gallery
Bagging It!
Gunung Lewotolo (AKA Ile Api) is about 1,450 m high. We visited its slopes in November 2010 but did not climb the mountain. Local people informed us that it last erupted in 1980. There was a major eruption in 1951 and the mountain appears to be persistently active – small amounts of smoke were seen emitting from its crater, almost continuously, during our visit. Hopefully, this account and photos will encourage others to climb the mountain and update this report with more specific information on reaching the summit.
From Larantuka, on the eastern tip of Flores, travel by boat to the town of Lewoleba, the district administrative centre of Kabupaten Lembata which comprises Pulau (island) Lembata (previously known as Lomblen). Gunung Ile Api lies on a peninsular to the north-east of Lewoleba which forms the western flank of Teluk (bay) Watanga.
The mountain can be climbed from Desa (village) Jontana, Kecamatan (sub-district) Lewohala, on its south-eastern side and, possibly also from the small town of Waipukang on its south-western side. Both places can be reached from Lewoleba by a road that circumnavigates the mountain. The distance to Desa Jontana is greater than that to Waipukang. Enquire in Lewoleba about the feasibility of climbing from either direction: whether there is a route from Waipukang and how it takes compared with that from Desa Jontana; and, road conditions, availability of transport and travel time, accommodation, etc.
We approached Gunung Ile Api by Bugis prahu (schooner) via Teluk Watanga and landed at Desa Jontana. From there we travelled by truck (about one hour) to the traditional village of Desa Lama on the slopes of Ile Api. This village is now largely unoccupied but is maintained as the ancestral home of the villagers in the region, and contains their heirlooms such as elephant tusks (one was over two metres long), Moko drums, Portuguese (?) canon, and other artifacts of cultural/spiritual significance prior to the arrival of Christianity. Surrounding villagers perform ceremonies, known as the Bean Festival, in Desa Lama in October corresponding to the harvest of a local bean which traditionally provided protein in their diet. The maidens of the surrounding villages are attributed an important role in these ceremonies, suggesting that they continue to serve a central role in “match making”. A visit to Desa Lama is highly recommended but only with the permission of and accompanied by village elders.
We were informed that Gunung Ile Api can be climbed from Desa Jontana in one day. Villagers have climbed the mountain and have acted as guides for groups, including foreigners, wishing to reach the summit. Desa Lama is reached by foot in about two hours from Desa Jontana (alternately, take a motorbike – but the track is rough and walking might be preferably). The “mountain top” is reached in another 3-4 hours (whether or not this is the summit is not known). One informant indicated that it is possible to circumnavigate the crater. Water is available at Desa Lama but less likely higher up.
Bagging information by Nick Hughes.
Practicalities
| Getting there | The most obvious approach to Lewoleba is from Larantuka on Flores. Ferries make the run there via Waiwerang, Adonara’s capital, several times a day. The crossing takes just over 3 hours in total and costs about Rp30,000 per person. The closest major airport served by big planes is Maumere, about three hours by road from Larantuka. |
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| Accommodation | There is some basic accommodation in Lewoleba – Lembata’s main town. Try the very basic but friendly Lile Ile just a short walk from the ferry terminal or the Lewoleba Hotel. |
| Permits | None required but take a photocopy of your passport photo page just incase. |
| Water sources | Take sufficient supplies with you. |
Location
Origins and Meaning
‘Ile/Ili Api/Ape’ means mountain of fire. Lewotolo is the name of a nearby village.
I climbed Lewotolo in May ’08. I have some good photos which I will post once I find out how to. Everyone seemed to call it ‘Ile Api’. It was a great experience. I took aguide as you would never do it in the dark without one. We left at 3am. The trip up was about 3 hours. The way was very overgrown in parts as only one person went up in 2007 and I was the first in 2008. The crater is not too deep and you can get down it but I didn’t. The views are spectacular. It was not cold – I climbed in shorts and tee-shirt. The climb was strenuous as we did it quickly. I am 60 years old but I am fit. You will enjoy this climb
I’d like to see and discuss your 2008 photos. Please contact me.
Rick Wunderman,
Smithsonian Inst.
Volcanologist
Hi Rick
Our full gallery can be seen here…
http://picasaweb.google.com/Gunungbagging/Lewotolo
Hello Rick. I climbed Ilie Api (Lewotolo ) in 2008. If you have any questions email me.
The route I took to Lewotolo was as follows: ojek (motorcycle) from Lewoleba to a village called “Lamagute”. It was right by the sea and from memory the trip there took about 45 minutes. I stayed with the brother of Alex Making. He is (was) the manager of “Restaurant Moting Lomblen” which is a big open air place on the left hand side of the road as you walk into Lewoleba from the port. It’s only 1 – 1.5 km from the port. Alex was a really good man. His brother was good too but I forget his name. In Lamagute I teamed up with Linus an experienced man who took me up and back. Linus doesn’t speak English. He had spent a few years working in the forests in Sabah. The people in Lamagute were very friendly and hospitable. I had the best time eating at Moting Lomlen. Each night there I was the only customer. The food was fantastic and the waitresses were just great girls. I would love to drop in there again one day and catch up with Alex and the crew.