Assessing Geotourism Aspects of Ungaran Geothermal Areas for Promoting Sustainable Energy through Volcano-Geothermal Tourist Destination

Abstract

The indigenous nature of the Ungaran volcano-geothermal area allows us to bring the benefit to its nearest community. Geotourism can be an opportunity to introduce geological knowledge and foster the socio-cultural acceptance of society towards geothermal. This study aims to assess the potential of the study area as tourist destination. The research method is collecting data on geothermal manifestations and volcanic feature sites, quantitative assessment of geosites and geomorphosites, and preliminary hazard risk analysis. Study results identify six geosites: Gedong Songo area, Nglimut hot spring, Diwak-Derekan-Kaliulo warm spring, and Mawar camping area which features a volcanic landscape. Five of six geosites have high geotourism value of more than 0.5 in average, except for Kaliulo site. The recommendation of activities to do are leisure activities in nature, hiking, camping, thermal bathing, horseback riding, and geological excursion.Ttourists should be cautious of potential hazards risk from volcanic gases, hot and acid waters, slippery and unstable areas, landslides, rugged terrain, and extreme weather. A geotourism model is constructed to highlight each site and their attributes to Ungaran volcano-geothermal setting, tourism activities, and possible risks. By exploring the natural and geological richness offered by this destination, tourists will discover the uniqueness of volcano-geothermal tourism experience.