Mount Tambora is one of Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanoes and one of its most rewarding trekking destinations. Every year, hikers from around the world come to experience its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable sunrise from the summit.
Unfortunately, years of irresponsible visitors have left litter along sections of the trekking trail and around several campsites. Plastic bottles, food packaging, cans, and other rubbish remain scattered across this beautiful mountain.
At Visit Tambora, we believe every visitor has a responsibility to help protect the places they enjoy.
Our guides and porters follow a strict Leave No Trace policy. Every piece of waste generated during our own expeditions is carried back down the mountain and disposed of responsibly.
But we wanted to do more than simply clean up after ourselves.
We wanted to help restore Mount Tambora.
Introducing the Clean Tambora Conservation Porter
The Clean Tambora Conservation Porter is a unique community initiative created by Visit Tambora in partnership with Pokdarwis Tambora Jaya Gemilang.
Guests have the opportunity to sponsor one or more Conservation Porters during their trek.
While the primary role of the Conservation Porter is collecting litter, they may also carry some of your personal gear when practical.
Throughout your trek, the Conservation Porter is dedicated to restoring the mountain by collecting litter left behind by previous visitors. The porter searches for and removes rubbish along the trail, at rest stops, and around campsites whenever it is found.
Collected litter is placed in a large karung and carried down the mountain whenever possible. If the amount of rubbish exceeds what can be safely carried, it is securely packed into tightly closed karung bags and left at designated collection points for retrieval in coordination with Mount Tambora National Park management.
Your sponsorship helps restore Mount Tambora’s natural beauty while creating meaningful employment opportunities for local people committed to protecting their mountain.
Sponsor a Conservation Porter
An optional way to help keep Mount Tambora clean while supporting the local community.
2 Days / 1 Night Trek
Ideal for the standard summit trek.
- Collects litter throughout the trek
- Carries and removes collected litter responsibly
- Helps restore Mount Tambora
- Supports local conservation
3 Days / 2 Nights Trek
Ideal for the extended summit trek.
- Collects litter throughout the trek
- Carries and removes collected litter responsibly
- Helps restore Mount Tambora
- Supports local conservation
Every Conservation Porter you sponsor helps restore Mount Tambora while providing meaningful employment for local people dedicated to protecting their mountain.
How to Sponsor a Conservation Porter
During the booking process, simply select the number of Clean Tambora Conservation Porters you would like to sponsor. We will confirm availability and include the additional fee in your booking confirmation.
Sponsor More Than One Conservation Porter
One porter can only carry a limited amount of litter during a single trek.
If you would like to make an even greater contribution, you are welcome to sponsor multiple Conservation Porters. Every additional porter means more rubbish can be removed from Mount Tambora’s trails and campsites.
Together, small actions can create a lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really litter on Mount Tambora?
Unfortunately, yes.
Although many hikers respect the mountain, years of irresponsible behavior have left litter along parts of the trekking route and around several campsites. This initiative exists to help reverse that damage, one trek at a time.
How do I know the Conservation Porter really collects litter?
Every Conservation Porter is officially assigned and supervised by Pokdarwis Tambora Jaya Gemilang. Working alongside our guides throughout the trek, they actively collect litter along the trail and at campsites. All collected litter is carried back to the trailhead and disposed of responsibly, ensuring your sponsorship has a direct and measurable impact.
What if there isn’t much litter during my trek?
That would be wonderful.
It means previous conservation efforts are making a difference. Your sponsorship still supports local employment and helps ensure the mountain stays clean for future visitors.
Why doesn’t the National Park clean the trail?
Mount Tambora National Park covers a vast and remote area, making it impossible to keep every trail clean all year round.
The National Park management carries out clean-up activities periodically, but due to the size of the park and available resources, litter can still accumulate between these efforts.
The Clean Tambora Conservation Porter initiative is designed to complement these clean-up efforts—not replace them. By working together, Visit Tambora, Pokdarwis Tambora Jaya Gemilang, Mount Tambora National Park, and responsible visitors can help keep the mountain cleaner throughout the trekking season.
Where does my sponsorship go?
Your sponsorship directly supports the local Clean Tambora Conservation Porter providing this additional conservation service. It creates meaningful employment while helping restore Mount Tambora’s natural environment.
Every additional Clean Tambora Conservation Porter increases the amount of litter that can be removed from the mountain during your trek.
Together We Can Make a Difference
By sponsoring a Conservation Porter, you are doing more than booking a trek.
You are helping restore one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary volcanoes, creating meaningful employment for local people, and leaving Mount Tambora cleaner for future generations.
Together, we can leave Mount Tambora cleaner than we found it—one trek at a time.
Visit Tambora 