Mount Tambora Volcano Adventure — The Blast That Changed the World
If you’re seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Mount Tambora on Sumbawa Island is Indonesia’s hidden gem. Known as the “Pompeii of the East,” this awe-inspiring volcano is the site of the world’s largest recorded eruption in 1815, an event that reshaped global weather patterns and created a breathtaking six-kilometer-wide crater. Today, Tambora offers one of the most beautiful and untouched volcano adventures in Indonesia, where nature, solitude, and history come together in perfect harmony.
Getting to Mount Tambora is an adventure in itself. From Changi Airport, Singapore, take a flight to Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK), followed by a short domestic flight to Bima (BMU) on Sumbawa Island, the nearest access point to the mountain. From Bima, enjoy a scenic five to six-hour drive along the island’s northern coastline. The road winds past turquoise bays, golden savanna, and traditional villages near Saleh Bay, offering stunning views at every turn. You’ll pass through cornfields and open grasslands where cows and buffalo graze freely under wide, sunlit skies, an eyegasmic journey that perfectly sets the mood for the adventure ahead.
The Mount Tambora volcano adventure unfolds across diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforest at the foothills to peaceful villages, rolling savanna, and rugged volcanic slopes near the summit. Each section of the trail reveals a new side of Sumbawa’s wild beauty, misty mornings in the jungle, golden sunsets over the plains, and crisp, starlit nights at camp. The ascent leads to Tambora’s vast crater rim, where the view opens up into an immense, six-kilometer-wide caldera. Standing on the edge, surrounded by silence and wind, you’ll feel the scale of nature’s power and the timeless story of this mountain.
Unlike Mount Rinjani in nearby Lombok, Tambora remains far less crowded, offering peace, raw beauty, and genuine adventure. It’s the kind of place where you can still feel like an explorer hiking through quiet trails, camping under a sky full of stars, and waking to the sound of nature. Tambora’s isolation is its charm, giving every moment a sense of authenticity and wonder.
This five-day guided expedition includes all logistical support, professional guides, and comfortable camping arrangements. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or an adventurous traveler, Mount Tambora delivers an unmatched experience a true journey through nature, history, and the human spirit. From rainforest to crater rim, it’s a -blast from the past- on the mountain that made history.
Best Travel Window: April to October (dry season, clear skies, best trail conditions)
Nearest Airport: Bima (BMU), Sumbawa Island
Suggested Route: Singapore ✈ Bali/Jakarta ✈ Bima → Coastal Drive via Saleh Bay → Mount Tambora Basecamp
Own your journey with Climb Indonesia and experience Mount Tambora -the blast that changed the world.