Mount Ngandonalu
| Mount Poco Ngandonalu | |
|---|---|
| Poco Pajung | |
  Mount Poco Ngandonalu Location on Flores  Mount Poco Ngandonalu Mount Poco Ngandonalu (Indonesia) | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,367 m (7,766 ft)[1][2] |
| Prominence | 2,367 m (7,766 ft)[1][2] |
| Coordinates | 8°39′06″S 120°26′53″E / 8.6517°S 120.4480°E[1][2] |
| Geography | |
| Location | Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia |
Mount Poco Ngandonalu (also known as Poco Pajung) is the highest mountain on the island of Flores, Indonesia.[1][2] With an elevation of 2,367 metres (7,766 ft) above sea level and a prominence of 2,367 metres (7,766 ft), it is an ultra-prominent peak.[2] The mountain is located in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, approximately 7 km south of the town of Ruteng.[3]
Despite being the highest peak on Flores, Poco Ngandonalu is relatively unknown and rarely climbed due to its thick forest cover, which limits views from the summit.[1][3] The mountain is often confused with nearby Poco Mandasawu, which is lower in elevation at 2,174 m.[1][4]
Geography
Mount Poco Ngandonalu is situated in the southern part of Manggarai Regency, approximately 7 km south of the town of Ruteng.[3] The mountain rises to an elevation of 2,367 m (7,766 ft) and has a prominence of 2,367 m, making it one of the most prominent peaks in the Malay Archipelago.[2] It is the highest point on the island of Flores.
The mountain's true isolation is 270.61 km, meaning it is the most prominent peak within a large radius.[2] The nearest higher peak is on Sumbawa or Sulawesi.[2]
Ecology
The mountain is thickly forested from base to summit, with the forest cover being the primary reason for the limited views from the top.[1][3] The forest is home to various bird species, including endemic species of Flores.[1]
The lower slopes feature tropical rainforest, while the upper elevations are characterised by mossy cloud forest.[1] The forest has been used by local loggers, and woodcutter trails provide access up the mountainside.[1][3]
Recreation
Mount Poco Ngandonalu is a destination for hikers seeking to climb the highest peak on Flores.[1][3] The climb is relatively short but challenging due to overgrown trails and the lack of a marked path near the summit.
Hiking
The ascent takes approximately three hours, with the descent taking about two hours.[1][3] The most accessible route starts from an isolated gated house called Villa Ria, located about 15 minutes by motorbike (ojek) from downtown Ruteng.[1][3] From Villa Ria (1,406 m), the trail follows woodcutter paths, which can be muddy and slippery after rain.[1]
An alternative route starts from a farm track at 1,373 m, following a plastic water pipe up the hillside, crossing a small river at 1,626 m.[1] Above 1,800 m, the trail becomes indistinct and hikers must navigate using a GPS.[1] The summit itself is unmarked and flat, with no clear views due to the surrounding forest.[1][3]
A GPS is considered essential for navigating the upper sections of the mountain, as the trails fade in and out.[1][3] No permits are required to climb the mountain, but it is recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport.[1]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 "Poco Ngandonalu / Poco Pajung". Gunung Bagging. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Poco Ngandonalu, Indonesia". Peakbagger. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Poco Ngandonalu". Roam Indonesia. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- ↑ "Menaklukkan Puncak Tertinggi Flores: Fakta Menarik Gunung Poco Ngandonalu". Obor Timur (in Indonesian). 2024-11-22. Retrieved 2026-08-09.