Gunung Tambora

Gunung Tambora is a large volcano on the island of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Its 1815 eruption was among the most powerful volcanic events in recorded history and dramatically altered the mountain’s summit and landscape.

The volcano now features a broad caldera several kilometres across with steep rim cliffs and exposed inner walls; visitors commonly view the caldera from established rim viewpoints. Hikes to the rim and into parts of the caldera are the main visitor activities and provide expansive views of the volcanic landscape.

The 1815 eruption reduced the summit from an estimated height of roughly 4,300 metres to about 2,850 metres and caused major local destruction as well as global climatic effects known as the “Year Without a Summer.” Since then the mountain’s shape and ecology have changed markedly and it remains a key site for volcanology and tourism.

The volcano sits on northern Sumbawa; access for visitors is typically from coastal towns on Sumbawa followed by multi-day hikes to reach rim viewpoints.

• Summit height change: Current summit elevation is about 2,850 metres after the massive 1815 eruption reduced the original height from roughly 4,300 metres.
• Historic eruption: The 1815 eruption was one of the largest in recorded history and caused global climate impacts in the following years.

What to See #

• Caldera rim: The collapsed summit caldera measures several kilometres across and exposes steep rim cliffs that are the primary viewpoint for visitors.
• Crater and caldera interior: The inner caldera floor and rim trails provide access to panoramic views and the main areas visited by hikers and researchers.