The closest airport to Mt Tambora is Bima, the capital of Sumbawa. Please try to arrive before 2pm, so that you can make it to the guesthouse before sundown. Your guide will arrange your transport from the airport (or at your chosen location in Bima) to Rik's guesthouse, where you will spend the night before the trek. From the airport, the journey by car from Bima to Pancasila (the closest town to the base of Tambora) is about 3-4 hours. From Pancasila the guide will arrange for a motorcycle to take you to Rik's guesthouse, about 30 minutes away.

Do I need to go with a guide?

It is not advisable to trek to Mt Tambora's rim without a guide as the trekking paths can be confusing, especially in the dark when you are trying to make it for sunrise. If you are trekking all the way into the caldera, you will need a licensed guide and a special permit, as mandated by the state park.

Do I need to train up?

You should be in reasonably good shape to do this trek. The trek to the rim includes a steady incline which requires stamina, so you should be used to regular vigorous walking. If you choose to descend into the caldera, the descent includes rock walls and requires holding onto ropes to assist in the descent.

What's the best time to go?

The best months to visit are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, NovemberWe recommend the above period because you would have:Better visibilityGood weather

Any tips for what to do in the area?

The Tambora area is quite isolated, so there are not many choices for eating out. Luckily, the food at Rik's homestay is very tasty! In terms of sites that you may want to visit, there is a Hindu Temple attended by Balinese just around the corner from Rik's guesthouse and there are also archelogical dig sites nearby, where vulcanized remains have been found from the Tambora eruption. If you have an extra day and would like to see the dig sites, ask Rik to take you there. He has worked on those digs himself so can share some fascinating facts with you!

Is there anything else I should know?

Please note that this trip does not include an English speaking guide, but it does have excellent porters who have grown up on the mountain and know it very well.

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Mt Tambora Trek

About

Mt Tambora is the site of the largest volcanic eruption in human history. As a result of the eruption of Tambora volcano, 1816 was 'the year without summer' all around the world, and inspired books such as Frankenstein and Dracula. Mt Tambora is a must-do for explorers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.