Can you visit Bali’s Mountains and Volcanos?

Yes, you can visit Bali’s Mountains and climb Volcanos. You might have heard in the news, that Bali’s former Governor Koster issued a decree, forbidding climbing Bali’s mountains. This came as a response of several social media posts, were tourists gravely misbehaved, disrespecting the holy sites and Bali’s cultural integrity overall. Yet, this decree has not been enforced and as it turned out, was not based on legal ground. There is no ban on visiting the mountains and volcanos. Some mountains might be temporarily closed at times, but the reasons will be usually weather conditions, volcanic activities, or ceremonies.

Trekking Tours to Bali’s Sacred Mountains

In this enchanting tale of fire and fertility, the volcanoes of Bali beckon explorers to delve into their enigmatic depths, to immerse themselves in the timeless stories that have shaped the island’s soul. Embrace the allure of these geological wonders and uncover the mysteries that lie within, for the volcanoes of Bali are a treasure trove of myths, majesty, and timeless wonder waiting to be discovered.

Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, is an active stratovolcano with a powerful presence in the island’s culture and spirituality.

It holds great significance as the “navel of the world” in Balinese Hinduism, it is an important cultural and spiritual site for the Balinese, and it is believed to be the home of the gods. Despite its active status, the summit of Mount Agung attracts trekkers who seek the reward of breathtaking sunrise views. The last major eruption occurred in 1963 claiming more than 1000 victims. Since then, the volcano has experienced minor eruptions and volcanic activity with the most recent major eruption occurring in 2017. Local authorities closely monitor the volcano to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

Notable Eruptions of Mount Agung

• 1808: One of the first recorded eruptions of Mount Agung, although details about its impact are limited.
• 1821: Another eruption was documented, but with sparse information on the magnitude or consequences.
• 1843: A moderate eruption occurred, producing ashfall and some local impacts in the surrounding area.
• 1963-1964: One of the most significant eruptions in modern history. It began in February 1963 and continued until January 1964. The eruption was highly explosive, producing pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and ash plumes that reached as high as 10 km (33,000 feet) into the atmosphere. Around 1,500 people were killed, and several villages were destroyed. This eruption also impacted global climate by injecting ash and gases into the stratosphere, contributing to global cooling.
• 2017-2019: Mount Agung erupted multiple times starting in November 2017, causing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. Ash clouds disrupted air travel, leading to the closure of Bali’s international airport for short periods. The eruptions continued intermittently into 2019, though they were MUCH less explosive than the 1963 event.

Interesting Facts

• Active Stratovolcano: Mount Agung is an active stratovolcano, meaning it has explosive eruptions and is composed of layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and tephra.
• Sacred Mountain: Mount Agung is considered the most sacred mountain by the Balinese people. It is believed to be the home of the gods, particularly Batara Guru, a form of the Hindu god Shiva. The Pura Besakih temple, Bali’s largest and holiest temple, is situated on its slopes.
• Climate Impact: The 1963 eruption sent ash and gas into the stratosphere, contributing to global cooling in the following years.
• Trekking Destination: Mount Agung is a popular trekking destination for adventurous travelers. The hike is challenging due to the steep ascent, and it typically takes 6 to 8 hours to reach the summit, where trekkers are rewarded with spectacular sunrise views.
• Tectonic Activity: Mount Agung is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active region known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. It lies on the Indo-Australian Plate boundary, which is subducting under the Eurasian Plate.
• Lava Flows: The 1963 eruption produced devastating pyroclastic flows and lava that flowed more than 7 kilometers down its slopes, wiping out entire villages.

2. Mount Batukaru:

• • Height: 2,276 meters (7,467 feet)
  • Volcanic Status: Dormant
  • Description: Mount Batukaru is the second-highest mountain in Bali and is located in the central part of the island. It is classified as a dormant volcano and does not appear on the list of volcanos in Bali usually. The mountain is revered as a sacred site, believed to be the abode of deities. Pura Luhur Batukaru, a significant temple, sits on its slopes, attracting spiritual seekers and those seeking blessings and divine favor. The pristine rainforests and lush landscapes surrounding Mount Batukaru add to its spiritual ambiance, making it a cherished destination for religious rituals and nature enthusiasts alike.

    Mount Batukaru is a great destination for trekking and hiking, as the trek to the summit offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, including lush rainforests, rice terraces, and waterfalls. The summit of the volcano is also home to the Pura Luhur Batukaru temple, one of the most important temples in Bali, and it’s considered sacred by the local people.

    The volcano is located in the Tabanan Regency of Bali and it’s surrounded by the Batukaru mountain range, which is also known as the “Garden of Bali”. The area around the mountain is a protected area and it’s home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many rare and endemic species.

3. Mount Abang

• Height: 2,152 meters (7,060 feet)
• Volcanic Status: Dormant
• Description: Mount Abang is an active stratovolcano situated adjacent to Mount Batur. Though not as high as some of its counterparts, it offers captivating views of the surrounding landscapes. The last eruption of Mount Abang occurred in 1968, and it is considered an active volcano. The trek to the summit provides a rewarding experience for adventurous hikers, offering sweeping panoramas of the Batur caldera and Lake Batur. Mount Abang is an inactive volcano, and just like Mount Merbuk, it’s not considered a very popular tourist destination. The peak of the mountain can be reached by hiking in more or less 2.5 hours

4. Mount Bratan (Gunung Catur)

• Height: Approximately 2,276 meters (7,467 feet)
• Volcanic Status: Dormant
• Description: Mount Catur, also known as Gunung Bratan, is part of the larger Bedugul volcanic area, which includes Mount Bratan and Mount Buyan. It is an inactive volcano, and its caldera contains the scenic Lake Bratan. The iconic Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, dedicated to the goddess of water, Dewi Danu, sits majestically on the shores of the lake. The serene surroundings make it a popular destination for both spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts.

6. Mount Sengayang (Sanghyang)

• Height: Approximately 2,087 meters (6,847 feet)
• Volcanic Status: Dormant
• Description: Mount Sanghyang is one of the lesser-known peaks in Bali, and it is located in the central part of the island. It is an inactive volcano, meaning it has not erupted in recorded history. The mountain’s slopes are covered in lush vegetation, contributing to the island’s biodiversity. While it is not a prominent trekking destination, it adds to the overall natural beauty of Bali.

7. Mount Patas

• Height: Approximately 1,780 meters (5,840 feet)
• Volcanic Status: Non-active (Extinct)
• Description: Mount Patas is one of the smaller peaks in Bali, and it is located in the western part of the island. It is considered an extinct volcano, meaning it has not shown any signs of volcanic activity for an extended period. Mount Patas is relatively less explored by tourists, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination for those seeking solitude amidst nature’s beauty.

8. Gunung Musi

• Height: Approximately 1,412 meters (4,633 feet)
• Volcanic Status: Non-active (Dormant)
• Description: Gunung Musi is one of the lesser-known peaks in Bali, located in the eastern part of the island. It is an inactive volcano and has not shown any signs of recent volcanic activity. While not as widely explored by tourists, Gunung Musi offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts to enjoy its tranquility and lush surroundings.

9. Gunung Merbuk

• Height: Approximately 1,388 meters (4,554 feet)
• Volcanic Status: Non-active (Dormant)
• Description: Gunung Merbuk is a dormant volcano located in the western part of Bali. It is considered inactive, having no recorded volcanic activity in recent history. The mountain’s slopes are covered with verdant greenery, and while not as popular as some of the other peaks, it presents an opportunity for off-the-beaten-path exploration and serene hikes.

Bali’s volcanic landscape, with its active and dormant peaks, contributes to the island’s allure, offering a blend of spiritual sanctuaries, stunning vistas, and unique experiences for travelers from around the world.

10. Mount Rinjani (Lombok)

This volcano is located on the neighboring island of Lombok, but it is visible from Bali on a clear day. It stands at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet) above sea level, making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia after Mount Kerinci. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. Mount Rinjani is also a very popular destination for hikers and trekkers.