Discover Tambora: Unearthing Lost Civilizations at a Historic Volcano

TheIndonesia.co - Nestled in the eastern part of Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) province, Mount Tambora is more than just a formidable volcano; it's a living testament to a cataclysmic past that shaped global climate and buried ancient civilizations.

While its 1815 eruption was one of history's most powerful, it also left behind a fascinating legacy of lost kingdoms and invaluable artifacts.

Today, efforts are underway to preserve these remnants, offering travelers a unique opportunity to explore a breathtaking natural wonder while delving into a compelling archaeological mystery. This focus on heritage preservation, alongside its stunning natural beauty, makes Tambora a compelling destination for those seeking adventure intertwined with a deeper understanding of history.

Preserving a Buried Past: Tambora's Hidden Treasures

The NTB State Museum is actively engaging with communities in Dompu Regency, where Mount Tambora is located, to safeguard the historical artifacts left behind by kingdoms lost to the volcano's devastating eruption.

As Ahmad Nuralam, Head of the NTB Museum, according to Antara News Agency stated, "We strive to socialize the care of historical artifacts, treating these objects well, so that they can be maintained and preserved according to the standards we apply in the museum."

This initiative underscores a vital effort to connect modern communities with their profound historical roots.

On May 27th, 2025, the museum conducted a workshop in Pekat District, a location believed to be the site of an ancient kingdom buried by the 1815 eruption.

This catastrophic event not only rattled the Nusantara archipelago but also submerged the Kingdoms of Tambora, Pekat, and Sanggar, all located on the slopes of Mount Tambora. Nuralam explained that the eruption left behind traces of civilization, still held as precious artifacts by the local communities.

Residents of Pekat District continue to possess various historical relics, believed to be legacies from these lost kingdoms. These diverse artifacts serve as tangible proof of past glories and are now crucial to the local cultural identity.

"The local community still holds artifacts that are important historical legacies," Nuralam revealed, highlighting the ongoing connection between the people and their ancient heritage.

The importance of preserving these collections cannot be overstated, as these historical objects are vital links to the past, representing the identity and distinctiveness of the local community, ensuring they can be passed down to future generations.

Nuralam hopes that these conservation efforts will not be confined to a single activity but will become a collective movement to rescue historical traces, enabling future generations to recognize and take pride in their cultural heritage.

Pekat District, one of the largest and most remote districts in Dompu Regency, covers an area of 95.61 square kilometers, or about 40.58 percent of Dompu's total area, and is approximately 124 kilometers from the capital city of Dompu.

Consisting of 12 villages, Pekat has a population of around 38,168 people from various ethnic groups and cultures, primarily Mbojo, Sasak, and Balinese. Notably, about 60 percent of Pekat's population consists of transmigrants from Lombok Island, who moved there as part of a government transmigration program in the 1970s. This diverse population further enriches the cultural tapestry of the region.

Mount Tambora: An Epicenter of Natural and Historical Significance

Mount Tambora is an active stratovolcano located on Sumbawa Island, part of the Indonesian archipelago. While its name conjures images of the colossal 1815 eruption, its significance extends far beyond that single event. Today, it stands as a unique blend of extreme adventure, geological wonder, and archaeological intrigue, offering a distinct experience for the intrepid traveler.

The 1815 Eruption: On April 10th, 1815, Tambora unleashed the most powerful volcanic eruption in recorded history, estimated at a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 7.

It ejected enormous volumes of ash, rock, and aerosols into the atmosphere, creating a "year without a summer" globally due to widespread climate cooling. Locally, it devastated the surrounding landscape, submerging entire kingdoms and erasing their historical records. This cataclysmic event is a crucial part of Earth's geological and human history.

The Caldera: Today, the mountain features a massive caldera, roughly 6-7 kilometers in diameter and over a kilometer deep, a stark reminder of its destructive power.

Inside the caldera, a small, vibrant blue crater lake has formed, and sometimes, a new cone emerges, signaling the volcano's continued activity.

Trekking to the Summit: Trekking Mount Tambora is a challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure. It's less frequented than Rinjani, offering a more pristine and solitary experience.

Routes: The main trekking routes typically start from Pekat (Piong) or Doro Ncanga. The Doro Ncanga route is often preferred for its relative accessibility, allowing jeeps to reach a higher base camp.

Duration: A typical trek to the summit and back usually takes 2-3 days and 1-2 nights, depending on the route and trekkers' fitness levels.

The Ascent: The climb involves navigating dense forest, challenging volcanic scree, and exposed ridges. The final push to the summit is particularly strenuous, often started in the pre-dawn hours to catch the sunrise.

Summit Views: From the rim of the caldera, trekkers are rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic view into the vast crater, with the crater lake shimmering below and often views extending to other islands on a clear day. This view is a powerful reminder of the volcano's immense scale.

Camping: Trekkers typically camp at designated spots along the trail or on the crater rim, offering a unique opportunity to experience the mountain's raw beauty under the stars.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from April to November, is the ideal time for trekking Mount Tambora, offering clearer skies and safer trail conditions. During the rainy season (December to March), trails can become slippery and dangerous.

Guides and Permits: Like other major Indonesian volcanoes, trekking Tambora requires permits and is best undertaken with experienced local guides and porters. They provide essential support, navigate the challenging terrain, and ensure safety. Booking through reputable local agencies is recommended.

Exploring the Lost Kingdoms: An Archaeological Journey

For those fascinated by history and archaeology, Tambora offers a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of its lost civilizations. The ongoing efforts by the NTB State Museum in Pekat District are crucial.

Pekat District: This area, believed to be the site of the ancient Pekat Kingdom, is where many artifacts are still found and preserved by local communities. While not a formal archaeological site with established visitor facilities yet, it offers a glimpse into a living cultural heritage. Travelers might encounter local residents who are proud custodians of these historical objects.

Archaeological Research: The region continues to be a site of archaeological interest. While tours specifically dedicated to archaeological digs might not be readily available for the general public, the very act of visiting the area and understanding the history of the buried kingdoms adds a significant dimension to the Tambora experience.

Museum Visits: For a more structured understanding, visiting the NTB State Museum in Mataram (Lombok) beforehand can provide valuable context on the historical artifacts and the broader archaeological landscape of the region, including those related to Tambora.

Combining Adventure with Historical Exploration

For travellers, Mount Tambora presents an ideal opportunity to blend extreme adventure with profound historical and cultural discovery.

Scenario 1: Summiting the Volcano, Then Uncovering Its Past Embark on the challenging trek to Tambora's summit first. The physical exertion and the awe-inspiring views of the caldera will leave an indelible impression. After your descent, take time to visit Pekat District. The context of having just experienced the volcano's immense power will make the stories of the buried kingdoms and the artifacts preserved by the local community even more poignant and meaningful. This provides a full-circle experience, connecting the geological might of the volcano with its human history.

Scenario 2: Delving into History, Then Embracing the Adventure Alternatively, begin your journey by immersing yourself in the historical aspects. Start by perhaps visiting the NTB State Museum (if you are in Mataram/Lombok) and then head directly to Pekat District to learn about the artifacts and the local communities' efforts in preserving them. This foundational understanding of Tambora's historical context can then be a powerful motivator for tackling the trek. Knowing the stories of the people and kingdoms that once thrived on its slopes can add a deeper layer of meaning to the physical challenge of climbing the volcano.

Suggested Itinerary Flow (Example):

Day 1: Arrive at Dompu Airport (via Lombok or Bali). Travel to a guesthouse/homestay near Pekat or Doro Ncanga. Relax and prepare for the trek or cultural exploration.

Day 2-4: Option A (Trekking First): Begin a 2-3 day Mount Tambora trek to the crater rim or summit. Option B (History First): Spend the day in Pekat District, engaging with local communities, learning about the artifacts, and understanding the history of the buried kingdoms. You might also visit a local market.

Day 5: If Option A was chosen: Recover from the trek. Travel to Pekat District for cultural exploration, understanding the historical context. If Option B was chosen: Begin your Mount Tambora trek (shorter routes might be preferred if you have limited time after the historical exploration).

Day 6-7: Continue exploration, perhaps visit other nearby attractions like waterfalls or engage in community-based tourism, learning more about the local Mbojo, Sasak, and Balinese cultures. Depart from Dompu.