All reviews
Review Author: Lina
Review Date: 02 Aug 2023
Review Body: I was drawn to Tambora because of the story of the epic explosion in 1815 and the stories it inspired (including Frankenstein!). And it did not disappoint. Everything about the place is story worthy. From the time you get picked up at the airport where the local "taxi mafia" jostles for your business, to the goats in the road, to the muddy path you have to take a dirt bike to reach the guest house...everything is set for a rich travel movie.
The hike is beautiful with a steady ascent. A lot of it is covered by trees so you don't get a lot of sun exposure. The views at the rim are so memorable that they keep replaying in my mind. Best description would be like a volcanic Grand Canyon.
Rik the host is also super warm and wants to share his stories. Make sure you ask him to take you to the Balinese temple that is not far from his guest house.
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Tania
Review Date: 22 Aug 2025
Review Body: The hike was very nice. However, there’s two key things that’d stopped me from recommending to friends.
Our porter speaks no word of English, we had no idea what’s happening at any given time. He was always far far ahead and we couldn’t see him. Might be quite dangerous if someone is injured. Also, he didn’t lead us to the crater for sunrise, we ended up just sitting 50m below while he made a fire. Not sure if it is miscommunication or what but that was extremely disappointing and something we were looking forward to.
I’d also request a safe car with seatbelt to be transported in between.
Review rating: 3
Itinerary
Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Transfer and Arrival at Tambora.
Itinerary Description: Morning: Transfer to Tambora.
This will take 5 hours by car to the end of the paved road.
1 hour on the back of motorbike taxis, off-road
Late afternoon : Arrive at the Tambora Glamping site (basecamp)
Itinerary Day 2
Itinerary Summary: Today you'll make your way up to Position 3
Itinerary Description: after a healthy breakfast around 8 a.m. you start the hike up Mount Tambora to position 3 and camp
You arrive at position 3 around 3 p.m
Itinerary Day 3
Itinerary Summary: Sunrise hike & volcano exploration
Itinerary Description: Morning (2am): Wake up and hike to the rim to enjoy the sunrise.
Spend the morning there, taking your time, hiking on the rim of the caldera then descend back to Position 3 and camp.
Itinerary Day 4
Itinerary Summary: Today you'll be hiking back down to the base of Tambora!
Itinerary Description: Morning: Hike back down to the Tambora Glamping site
Evening: dinner & sleep
Itinerary Day 5
Itinerary Summary: Today will be the last day of your trip.
Itinerary Description: Morning: Head to Bima airport or the Marina Inn Hotel
1 / 15
3-Day Mt Tambora Trek (with Return Transfer from Bima & 2 nights additional accommodation)
Embark on 5-day trek to Mt Tambora rim.
4.0
|2 Reviews
Group size
Up to 4 guests
DURATION
5 days 4 nights
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
Free pick-up
Group size
Up to 4 guests
- Experience highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Accommodation
- More Info
- Host
- Reviews
Embark on a 5-day Mount Tambora adventure
Join this for a unique adventure that includes a trek to the rim of the majestic Mount Tambora. Stay at the Tambora Glamping Site and explore the volcano in your own time. This experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers looking for a thrilling hiking experience. Witness the stunning sunrise from the rim, hike over the rim of the caldera, and spend a night camping under the stars.The three day option allows you extra time at the rim to explore the vast area around the crater and two nights of camping, under a starry sky, if the weather conditions allow for it.Meals, snacks, water, porters, and camping equipment are included.Please note that this activity is closed from October 15 to May 15 due to weather conditions. Embark on this extraordinary journey and discover the wonders of Mount Tambora.What to ExpectJoin-in 3-day trek to the rim of Mount TamboraAdditional 2 nights' accommodation at the Tambora Glamping SiteWitness breathtaking sunrise from the rimTake extra time on the second day of the hike and explore the volcanoEnjoy camping under the stars (if weather permits!)Included meals, snacks, water, porters, and camping equipmentImportant Notes:Our hiking team is made up of local farmers who guide as a side job. Most of them haven’t had the chance to study foreign languages, so English may be limited—but they are always warm, kind, and eager to connect with guests. To make communication easier, we recommend downloading the Google Translate app with the Indonesian dictionary. This way, you can chat with our team even when offline and enjoy an even richer experience on Mount Tambora.We also kindly ask guests to respect the local culture: please wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid public displays of affection, as this may feel uncomfortable for locals.
Experience highlights
What You’ll be Doing
Day 1:
Transfer and Arrival at Tambora.Day 2:
Today you'll make your way up to Position 3Day 3:
Sunrise hike & volcano explorationDay 4:
Today you'll be hiking back down to the base of Tambora!Day 5:
Today will be the last day of your trip.Show Details
What’s Included
Transport from Bima to Tambora and back to Bima, maximum 4 people in one car
Motorbike taxis to and from the Glamping site
Two nights at the Tambora Glamping site with dinner and breakfast
National Park Entrance Fees
Porters and guide
Meals & Snacks, Water
Camping Equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mattrass)
Not included
Insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Available Add-ons:
Show Details
Who you’re supporting
Community Champion
Show Details
Where You’ll Sleep
Tambora Glamping Site
Night 1
camping on position 3
Night 2
camping on position 3
Night 3
1 / 5
Additional Information
Where we'll meet
Start Point
Free pick-up from City hotel(Hotel Marina Inn, Raya Pantai Lawata, Indonesia)
- Start time is flexible. Do let us know which time you prefer
+ 1 other option
End Point
- End at Start Point(s)
Start & Ends
- If Pick-up from City hotelYou can choose any start time. Just let your host know after booking.
- If Pick-up from Bima AirportYou can choose any start time. Just let your host know after booking.
Suitability / Accessibility
- Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)
Cancellation & other policies
Cancellation
To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
What to Pack
- Basic first aid supplies (e.g. bandaid, ibuprofen, antiseptic and gauze)
- Beanie
- Extra layer of clothing (as it gets cold on the rim at 6 a.m.)
- Hand gloves (useful for scrambling downhill)
- Hat
- Head torch, sufficient batteries
- Hiking clothing (shirt, shorts/trousers)
- Jacket/Wind breaker (if your jacket isn't waterproof, we would also recommend bringing a disposable raincoat)
- Leech socks
- Medium-thickness hiking socks
- Personal toiletries
- Small towel
- Sunscreen
- Trekking or running shoe with good grip
- Warm clothing to sleep in (as it gets cool at position 3)
- Waterproof backpack to store your items
- Wet wipes (as there is no shower on the mountain)
Uh-oh, that adventure isn't available right now. Let's find you something else awesome!
Meet your host
Rik first came to Mount Tambora as an archaeologist, hoping to uncover the hidden treasures of the lost kingdom of Tambora. During his excavation work, he became captivated by the beauty and mystery of the volcano. He was fascinated by the stories of the long-lost volcano that caused the greatest eruption in history. When Rik realized that no one was hiking Mount Tambora, he decided to start Visit Tambora to share his passion for the volcano with others. He now leads guided hikes to the summit, where he shares his knowledge of the volcano's history and geology. He also offers cultural tours of the surrounding villages, where guests can learn about the local people and their way of life.
Experience: 10 years
Speaks: Basic English
Acceptance rate: 75%
Keep your payments secure by using the Seek Sophie website for all transactions and communications.
We've done the homework
