Speaking of Lembata, most people would be immediately imagined by whaling. The tradition of this giant fish hunt has lasted hundreds of years and is well known to many people. But Lembata is not just about whaling traditions, natural charm and local wisdom is equally exciting to explore and deepen. One of his charms is on a cape to the north of the island, namely Mount Ile Api. This mountain stands up and becomes the highest point on Lembata Island, as if ready to supervise all activities that take place on Lembata Island.
The people at the foot of Mount Ile Api regard this mountain as a sacred mountain. Therefore, when the opportunity to meet directly with this mountain, the visitors are expected to respect the customs that upheld the local community. This belief also helps the climbers to feel immediate the solemnity of a mountain climb that will certainly leave a different impression.
Has a height of about 1,450 meters above sea level, Mount Ile Api or often called Mount Lewotolok glance looks like Mount Bromo located in East Java Province. What makes it similar is the vast expanse of sand with active volcanoes standing firmly in the middle of the sand. Right on the mound of the volcano, there is a burst of smoke and some yellow dots from sulfur as a sign of volcanic activity in it.
Climbing to the top of Mount Ile Api can start from the village of Lewotolok, this village is one of the customary village located at the foot of Mount Ile Api. There are actually several other climbing points, such as Jontona Village, Bungamuda Village, Lamatokan Village, and from Kolontobo Village. This mountain is also used as a place of digerlarnya Traditional Ceremony Utan Werun (Peanut Tumbuh) which is a celebration of the anniversary of the indigenous people of Lamarian.
At the top of Mount Ile Api the climbers can see the beautiful scenery of blue Flores Sea which is laid by Adonara Island with Mount Ile Boleng. Located at the highest point of Lembata Island, the climbers can see the scenery off without any hindrance, even the moment of sunrise and sunset can be witnessed on this mountain.
