How to Reach Mount Tambora
This page is provided to help you plan your journey to Mount Tambora.
Transportation arrangements are made directly with the respective transportation provider. Visit Tambora does not arrange or coordinate transportation services.
Reaching Mount Tambora requires a little planning, but it’s easier than many visitors expect. This guide explains the most common travel routes so you can arrange your journey independently before joining your trek.
We are happy to recommend trusted local transportation providers. All transportation arrangements and payments are made directly with the provider.
Please contact the transportation provider directly to arrange your journey and payment.
As of July 2026, there are typically two direct daily flights from Denpasar (DPS), Bali to Bima (BMU):
| Airline | Departure (DPS) | Arrival (BMU) | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransNusa | 09:35 | 10:35 | 1 hour |
| Wings Air | 11:40 | 13:10 | 1 hour 30 min |
As of July 2026, the direct flights from Denpasar (DPS), Bali to Sumbawa Besar (SWQ) are:
| Airline | Departure (DPS) | Arrival (SWQ) | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wings Air | 08:55 | 10:00 | 1 hour 5 min |
This direct flight operates daily.
- Destination airport: Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ), Sumbawa Besar.
- Guests staying at Sofanda Resort will be contacted by the resort after completing their online reservation to arrange their sea transportation from Sumbawa Besar to Tambora.
This route works well for guests who want to approach Mount Tambora from the west side via Sumbawa Besar, instead of flying into Bima.
The following businesses are independent local operators. Contact them directly to discuss availability, pricing, and reservations.
Public buses:
Public transportation is available daily between Bima, Kadindi, Pancasila Village, and Sape Harbor.
Bima – Kadindi (Pasar Senin Intersection)
- Daily morning bus: Departs from Bima Bus Terminal at 06:00 AM and travels to Kadindi “Pasar Senin” Intersection, arriving before 12:00 noon.
Pancasila Village – Kadindi – Bima
- Daily morning bus: Departs from Pancasila Village at 06:30 AM, passes through Kadindi “Pasar Senin” Intersection at approximately 07:00 AM, and arrives at Bima Bus Terminal around 12:00 noon.
- Daily afternoon bus: Departs from Kadindi “Pasar Senin” Intersection at approximately 02:00 PM and travels to Bima Bus Terminal, arriving in the evening.
Bima – Sape Harbor
- Daily morning bus: Departs from Bima Bus Terminal at 05:30 AM and travels to Sape Harbor.
Sape Harbor – Bima (After Ferry Arrival from Labuan Bajo)
- Around the arrival time of the ferry from Labuan Bajo, three buses are available at Sape Harbor to transport arriving passengers to Bima Bus Terminal.
Please note that departure times may vary slightly depending on road conditions, traffic, and ferry arrival schedules.
🚖 Taxi from Bima City or Bima Airport
Pak Burhan – Your Trusted Driver in Bima
Pak Burhan has been driving our guests for several years and has become a trusted and much-appreciated member of our local team.
He is an experienced and careful driver with a good, comfortable car, but what our guests appreciate most is his friendly personality and genuine hospitality. Pak Burhan is reliable, helpful, and always happy to assist guests along the way.
Whether you need a transfer, a day trip, or transportation around Bima and the surrounding area, you can feel confident travelling with Pak Burhan. Many of our returning guests specifically ask for him again!
Pak Burhan
📱 +62 823-4149-7258
• Pickup from Bima Airport
• Pickup from Bima City
• Transport to Tambora
• Return trips available
⛴ Boat Transfers
🚢 Exclusively for Sofanda Resort Guests
Option 1 – Premium Boat Transfer (Sofanda Resort Guests)
Staying at Sofanda Resort?
Sofanda Resort offers private boat transfers exclusively for its guests.
- Private boat
- Comfortable and flexible departure
- Exclusively for guests staying at Sofanda Resort
- Guests staying at Sofanda Resort will be contacted by the resort after their online reservation to arrange their sea transportation.
Boat transfers available:
- Sumbawa Besar ⇄ Sofanda Resort
- Moyo Island ⇄ Sofanda Resort
If you have any questions regarding sea transportation, please contact Sofanda Resort before your arrival.
Option 2 – Independent Boat Transfer
Local Boat Operator (based in Calabai – Tambora)
- More economical
- Suitable for independent travelers
- Contact the boat operator directly
- Please confirm your departure time in advance
Sumbawa Besar ⇄ Tambora
📍 Standard Departure Point
Mulut Kali (Labuhan Sumbawa)
All independent boat transfers depart from Mulut Kali.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4eNrJMCfz7EFum6X9
Guests may choose to be dropped off or picked up at either:
Moyo Island ⇄ Tambora
You can find a boat transfer to Tambora in the village of Labuan Aji on Moyo Island. Just ask around.
If not available you can contact:
📍 Departure Point (Moyo Island)
Labuan Aji Jetty, Moyo Island
All independent boat transfers from Moyo Island depart from Labuan Aji Jetty.
Guests may choose to be dropped off or picked up at either:
Please inform your boat operator of your preferred pick-up or drop-off location when making your reservation.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Important
Tambora Jaya Gemilang is not involved in arranging or booking transportation to or from the Tambora region.
Prices, availability and schedules are determined solely by the independent transportation providers. For reservations, payment and travel arrangements, please contact the driver or Sofanda Resort directly using the contact details provided on this page.
Exception: All Mount Tambora hiking packages offered by Tambora Jaya Gemilang include return motorbike taxi (ojek) transfers between Sofanda Resort (or other places to stay in the same region) and the Mount Tambora trekking trailhead. These transfers are organized by our local hiking team and are included in the package price.
Once You Arrive in Tambora
After you’ve arrived in the Tambora area, our local trekking team takes care of the rest:
✔ Local pickup
✔ Trailhead transfer
✔ National Park permits
✔ Guides
✔ Porters
✔ Camping equipment
✔ Meals during the trek
We wish you a safe journey and look forward to welcoming you to Mount Tambora.
Visit Tambora 