EAST LOMBOK - Hamzanwadi University Geography Education students recently embarked on a unique learning adventure, trading their classroom seats for the dark passages of Bangkang Cave. On Sunday, April 20, 2025, a group of students, accompanied by three supervising lecturers, delved into this fascinating geological site in Prabu Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.

Bangkang Cave, a mesmerizing geological formation, is a notable cave tourism destination close to the Mandalika circuit. The students, departing from their campus in East Lombok, arrived with an palpable excitement. The cave, with its wide mouth and damp aroma, welcomed them to a hands-on learning experience.

Their objective was to conduct geological and geomorphological exploration, a practical application of their studies directly in nature's own laboratory. This wasn't merely a casual outing; it was an immersive, knowledge-filled adventure.

Known as a limestone cave, Bangkang Cave holds extensive records of Earth's ancient past. Its cool, quiet, and mysterious ambiance appeals to those seeking a challenge, while also offering a sense of wonder for nature enthusiasts.

Lombok, an exotic Indonesian island, boasts remarkable natural beauty, particularly in its southern region, renowned for its distinct geology and geomorphology. Baiq Ahda Razula Apriyeni, M.Si, Head of the Geography Education Study Program, emphasized on Monday, April 21, 2025, that "Bangkang Cave (Bat Cave) is not only a refuge for various bat species but also holds important geological secrets about the formation history of this island."

The cave itself is a product of complex erosional processes, where water has carved through limestone over thousands of years, creating stunning structures. However, its karst formation process remains incomplete due to low rainfall.

From a geomorphological standpoint, the area surrounding Bangkang Cave showcases diverse and intriguing landforms, including steep cliffs and valleys. Research in this region reveals how geological processes like folding and faulting have shaped the current landscape.

The rich flora and fauna near Bangkang Cave also added a unique dimension to the exploration. The distinctive karst vegetation around the cave's entrance serves as a habitat for various insects, birds, and rare reptiles, some of which are endemic species. Baiq Ahda highlighted their ecological significance, noting their potential for scientific research, making Bangkang Cave a "living and dynamic natural laboratory for scientists."

She underscored the importance of such case studies for both scientific advancement and conservation efforts. With increasing tourism in Lombok, safeguarding geological sites like Bangkang Cave is crucial. The research conducted here aims to provide recommendations for sustainable management, ensuring future generations can appreciate Lombok's geological beauty and uniqueness.

Throughout the exploration, lecturers consistently encouraged students to observe, analyze, and connect their findings with classroom theories. For these students, Bangkang Cave transcended being just a natural attraction; it became an open classroom that taught them about geology, ecosystems, and how science truly comes alive through direct engagement.

Baiq Ahda concluded, "This adventure proves that learning can be more than just sitting and taking notes. Sometimes, learning is about stepping, feeling the rocks, looking up at the cave ceiling, and experiencing the story written by the earth firsthand."

For many students, this exploration marked their first entry into a natural cave. One student admitted to initial nervousness but found the direct field experience far more impactful than reading textbooks. This immersive adventure, they noted, provided a learning sensation that was both invigorating and challenging.