Bilebante Village, Lombok, Indonesia: A Green Tourism Transformation Wins 2025 Best National Tourism Village Award

Published on December 6, 2025

Bilebante, a village in Central Lombok, Indonesia, embodies resilience, sustainability, and community spirit. It was once a sand mining area but has since become a shining example of ecotourism. Bilebante received the prestigious “Best National Tourism Village” award from the Wonderful Indonesia Awards in 2025. This recognition recognises the village’s remarkable transformation from an environmentally damaged mining site to a thriving green tourism hub.

Bilebante, located in the Pringgarata sub-district of Central Lombok Regency, is approximately 28.365 square kilometres in size and has a population of around 4,264. Historically, the village was known for its sand mining activities, which aided in the degradation of the surrounding environment. However, motivated by the villagers’ collective will, the community changed gears and began to reimagine their future. The decision was made to halt mining operations, rehabilitate the land, and pursue a path of environmental restoration and sustainable tourism.

The Road to Sustainability: From Mining to Green Tourism

The transformation of Bilebante is a remarkable story of reinvention. Once dependent on sand mining, the village realized the long-term consequences of environmental degradation, social instability, and economic challenges. Local leadership, alongside government and NGO support, initiated a shift towards a more sustainable and ecologically responsible future.

By 2015, Bilebante was officially designated as a “Green Tourism Village” or “Desa Wisata Hijau”. This decision marked the beginning of an ambitious journey, where environmental rehabilitation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism became the guiding principles. In the years that followed, the village worked tirelessly to restore its agricultural base, revitalize local ecosystems, and create tourism experiences that celebrated both nature and culture.

The vision for Bilebante focused on a harmonious blend of rural life, wellness, adventure, and cultural immersion. The result is a village that not only attracts eco-tourists but also offers a meaningful experience that connects visitors to the heart of Lombok’s culture and natural beauty.

Sustainable Tourism at Its Best: What Bilebante Offers

Today, Bilebante has become a model for sustainable tourism. The village offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with nature and culture while simultaneously contributing to the local economy. Bilebante’s tourism experience revolves around its community-led activities, wellness offerings, and eco-friendly initiatives.

One of the standout features of Bilebante is its emphasis on wellness. Unlike traditional spas, which are often associated with urban luxury, Bilebante’s wellness experiences are rooted in local traditions and natural remedies. Guests can enjoy herbal-based spa treatments in open-air settings, with rice fields and lush landscapes as the backdrop. The use of local herbs such as lemongrass and coconut oil connects visitors with the land in a way that is both rejuvenating and educational.

Culinary experiences in Bilebante also reflect the village’s commitment to sustainability. Visitors can participate in cooking classes that teach them how to prepare traditional Lombok dishes, such as ayam merangkat (grilled chicken), grilled tilapia, and sate (skewered meat). These classes are often held in gardens or herbal plantations, providing a hands-on experience that connects visitors to the land. One of the highlights is the jamu herbal drink-making class, where visitors learn to prepare healthful beverages using locally grown herbs.

For those seeking more active pursuits, Bilebante offers a variety of outdoor activities. Cycling through the village’s rice fields, herbal gardens, and riverbanks provides a peaceful and scenic way to explore the surroundings. For those craving more adventure, guided ATV rides take visitors through rugged terrain, offering a thrilling yet sustainable way to experience Lombok’s natural beauty.

Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy Bilebante’s fishing pond attraction, where they can catch their own fish and have it cooked fresh in nearby stalls. This rustic, “from hook to plate” experience offers a unique way to engage with local food traditions.

Community-Driven Success: Empowering Locals Through Tourism

The success of Bilebante as a sustainable tourism destination can be attributed to the active participation and empowerment of its residents. Rather than outsourcing tourism management to external operators, the village has placed the responsibility in the hands of the locals. Residents are not only hosts but also guides, chefs, and cultural ambassadors.

This community-driven model ensures that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the village and that the local population plays an integral role in shaping the direction of tourism development. The villagers have embraced their new roles with pride, learning new skills in hospitality, guiding, cooking, and other areas, thereby creating a sustainable, self-sufficient economy.

Through these efforts, Bilebante has cultivated a strong sense of ownership and pride among its residents. Tourism is no longer an external imposition but a shared endeavour that strengthens community bonds and ensures the village’s long-term viability.

Recognition and Impact: What the 2025 Award Means

The 2025 “Best National Tourism Village” award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of Bilebante’s residents. This recognition not only places Bilebante on the map as a top-tier tourism destination but also highlights the broader potential of community-led, sustainable tourism in Indonesia and beyond.

For the village, the award brings greater visibility and opportunities for further growth. It signals that ecotourism is not only viable but also highly valued in the global travel industry. The recognition also encourages other villages in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia to embrace sustainable tourism practices, proving that rural communities can thrive by capitalizing on their natural and cultural assets without compromising their environment or heritage.

What the Future Holds: Expanding the Green Tourism Model

Bilebante’s transformation offers valuable lessons for other destinations grappling with the challenges of tourism development, environmental preservation, and social equity. As Indonesia continues to focus on expanding its tourism sector, Bilebante provides a proven model of how ecotourism can be integrated with community development.

Looking ahead, Bilebante is poised to grow as a leader in green tourism. The village’s success has set a new benchmark for what is possible in rural tourism. More visitors are expected to flock to Bilebante in the coming years, seeking an authentic, sustainable travel experience that aligns with their values.

Practical Information for Visitors

Bilebante is conveniently located near Lombok’s major transportation hubs. Accommodation is provided through community-run homestays, which allow visitors to gain firsthand experience with rural life. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, including wellness treatments, cooking classes, cycling, and ATV rides.

Guests are encouraged to respect local customs and practise responsible tourism that benefits the community. This includes participating in village activities, supporting local businesses, and helping to preserve Bilebante’s unique environment.

Bilebante Village exemplifies what can be accomplished when a community works together to promote sustainable tourism. Bilebante, which started as a sand-mining hub and is now Indonesia’s Best National Tourism Village, serves as a model for other rural destinations around the world. For those looking for a meaningful, eco-friendly travel experience, Bilebante offers a unique opportunity to explore the heart of Lombok, connect with local culture, and contribute to the village’s long-term well-being.