Bilebante in Lombok Wins Best National Tourism Village Award in Indonesia, Get the Details Here

Published on December 6, 2025

The village of Bilebante in Lombok has been named Indonesia’s Best National Tourism Village 2025 at the 2025 Wonderful Indonesia Awards. Situated in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, this village has earned special recognition for its contributions to promoting sustainable community-based tourism coupled with strengthening local economic activities. The announcement has been declared by Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana in Jakarta on December 5, 2025, spotlighting Bilebante as a model for green tourism in Indonesia.

A Glimpse Into Bilebante’s Winning Transformation

The journey of Bilebante’s rise to fame began with a bold community-driven initiative that turned a once eco-degraded area into a thriving eco-tourism hotspot. Known in the past for sand mining activities, the village faced serious environmental degradation. However, the community took a decisive step to halt mining and began working towards rehabilitating the land. Under the leadership of Asrok, the head of Bilebante Green Tourism Village, the village shifted its focus to agriculture and tourism. The once barren land was rehabilitated and now thrives with lush rice fields and various crops, attracting tourists who are drawn to both its natural beauty and sustainability efforts.

A Holistic Tourism Experience Focused on Nature and Culture

Bilebante offers a truly unique and immersive experience for visitors, centered around its beautiful rural landscapes and vibrant local culture. The village has become a destination for travelers seeking an authentic and peaceful escape from urban life. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities that connect them directly with the land and culture of Lombok. These include cycling or riding ATVs through the picturesque rice fields and lush forests, tasting traditional Lombok childhood snacks, or learning archery from local experts.

One of the village’s signature offerings is reflexology and spa treatments offered in the heart of the paddy fields, allowing visitors to relax and rejuvenate while being surrounded by stunning natural beauty. For those seeking a tranquil, laid-back experience, Bilebante’s serene rural vistas provide a peaceful retreat, with sunset views over the rice paddies offering an idyllic setting for reflection.

Commitment to Sustainability and Community-Based Tourism

The recognition of Bilebante as Indonesia’s Best National Tourism Village underscores the importance of sustainability and community-led tourism. The village’s commitment to responsible tourism practices is evident in every aspect of its development. The restoration of the land not only supports local agriculture but has also created a thriving tourism ecosystem that promotes environmental stewardship. With sustainable environmental management at its core, the village is setting a benchmark for other regions across Indonesia looking to build their tourism industries without compromising the health of the environment.

Bilebante has also embraced community-based tourism, which ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are directly reinvested into the village. Local residents actively participate in tourism-related activities, and many have become guides, hosts, and entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector. This approach not only supports the local economy but also helps preserve the cultural heritage of the area, providing tourists with an authentic experience that respects and celebrates local traditions.

International Exposure and Growing Global Recognition

Thanks to its success in sustainable tourism, Bilebante has been attracting attention from international tourists. The village has already welcomed visitors from Spain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, with the numbers steadily increasing as the village gains global recognition. To further boost its profile, Bilebante has been actively involved in tourism events and trade fairs worldwide.

Pahrul Azim, a representative from Bilebante, explained how the village’s efforts at international promotion have paid off. “Recently, I visited Malaysia, Thailand, and even had the chance to speak on television in Berlin. The exposure has had a tremendous impact,” he shared. The village also regularly participates in events such as the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) and has introduced Bilebante to global markets, including recent promotional efforts in Berlin, Germany, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The village’s growing international presence is helping position it as an emerging destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. This global recognition is a testament to the village’s success in promoting sustainable, community-based tourism while simultaneously fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Impact on Local Economy and Tourism Development

Bilebante’s recognition as the Best National Tourism Village has significant implications for its local economy. The awards spotlight local villages that have successfully implemented sustainable tourism models, and Bilebante’s success serves as a powerful example of how tourism can drive economic growth while preserving the environment.

For the local community, tourism has created new job opportunities and avenues for income generation. The village now benefits from increased foot traffic, which supports local businesses, including traditional crafts, hospitality services, and agriculture. This influx of tourists not only brings in revenue but also enables the village to continue investing in its sustainable tourism infrastructure, ensuring its long-term viability.

Moreover, as Bilebante continues to grow in popularity, the region of Lombok as a whole stands to benefit from the increased attention. Lombok has long been known for its natural beauty, but with the emergence of destinations like Bilebante, the island is positioning itself as a leader in green tourism, offering eco-conscious travelers the opportunity to experience both culture and nature in harmony.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Lombok

Bilebante offers the traveler a refreshing and impactful way to discover Lombok. Tourism here is inextricably linked with conservation and community engagement at a level of real cultural authenticity. This combination ensures that visitors leave not just with beautiful memories, but with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the island’s unique heritage and natural beauty.