Rinjani and Tambora Geoparks are being prepared to become world-class cultural tourism destinations.

Rinjani Geopark and Tambora Geopark are no longer only known as natural tourism havens and favourite hiking destinations for travellers. The Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province has begun developing both areas as community-based Cultural Tourism centres, to strengthen regional identity while attracting more visitors.

This initiative brings a new direction for NTB tourism, which has long been synonymous with mountain panoramas, exotic beaches, as well as hiking trails on Mount Rinjani and Mount Tambora. Now, visitors will also be invited to experience the rich local culture that thrives in villages surrounding the geopark areas.

"We are developing traditional culture, but not in an outdated manner. We adapt to modern developments without abandoning the core values of West Nusa Tenggara. In concept this will be similar to how Yogyakarta continuously preserves its Cultural Heritage," stated Muhamad Ihwan, Head of the NTB Culture Office.

Combined Nature and Cultural Tourism in One Journey

According to Ihwan, the Rinjani and Tambora Geopark areas hold enormous potential to be developed as cultural ecosystems fully integrated with tourism activities.

"Rinjani and Tambora Geoparks act as central nodes within NTB's entire cultural ecosystem," Ihwan explained during an interview in Mataram.

For travellers, this concept delivers a far more complete Travel Experience. Beyond hiking mountains or enjoying natural scenery, visitors will also be able to learn about local community life, indigenous traditions, and regional specialty cuisines.

Villages located at the foothills of Mount Rinjani and Mount Tambora, as well as coastal areas across Lombok and Sumbawa Islands, are noted for holding exceptionally well-preserved cultural heritage.

This includes Sasak and Samawa community traditions, local handicrafts, traditional music, and customary rituals -- all of which will be introduced as new attractions for both Domestic Visitors and international tourists.

Cultural Coffee: A New Experience on Rinjani's Slopes

One tourism concept currently being prepared by the NTB Government is "Cultural Coffee": an immersive visitor experience that combines local culture with the specialty coffee heritage of the Rinjani region.

This concept will be developed in Sembalun, East Lombok -- the area well known as the main access point for Mount Rinjani Hiking Routes, and also a renowned producer of high quality arabica and robusta coffee.

Travellers will not simply be served a cup of coffee: they will be guided to understand the cultural stories, local community traditions, and daily life of residents living on the mountain slopes.

This type of experience is proven to be increasingly popular among modern travellers, who seek authentic experiences and meaningful connection with local communities.

Alongside its famous natural scenery, Sembalun is already emerging as one of the leading Tourism Destinations for coffee enthusiasts in Eastern Indonesia.

NTB Is Developing Modern, Accessible Cultural Tourism

The NTB Government has confirmed that local cultural development will not be presented in a rigid, outdated manner. Instead, traditional culture will be packaged in contemporary ways to remain relevant for younger generations and modern visitors.

Ihwan stated that NTB's cultural management approach will follow the model successfully implemented in Yogyakarta: honouring and preserving traditions while adapting alongside current developments.

The strong, living cultural heritage of NTB is considered a major asset to accelerate Tourism Promotion to an international level.

He also invited cultural communities and all local residents to collaborate in building this inclusive Tourism Ecosystem.

"Differences are fine, everyone has their own views and ways of thinking. But we can unite at one common goal: to work together, develop our region, and bring West Nusa Tenggara to the global stage," Ihwan stated.

Destinations That Deliver Meaningful, Deep Travel Experiences

Developing Rinjani and Tambora Geoparks as cultural tourism centres marks a new direction for NTB tourism: this region will no longer only promote natural beauty, but also immersive visitor experiences.

Modern travellers are increasingly seeking journeys that come with meaningful stories, genuine interaction with local communities, and authentic Cultural Experiences.

With its combination of dramatic mountain scenery, traditional indigenous villages, local specialty coffee, and living preserved traditions, NTB is positioned to become one of Indonesia's finest cultural tourism destinations.